Petronius

Petronius, a historical figure known as Gaius Petronius Arbiter, lived from 27 to 66 CE. Highly regarded for his literary achievements, he authored the Satyricon, often considered the first novel. In the court of Emperor Nero, Petronius wielded considerable influence due to his refined taste in poetry and music, earning the title of arbiter of elegance. In Quo Vadis, he is portrayed as a brilliant but largely hedonistic man with a nuanced sense of fairness and an open mind, attributes unusual for his time and class. Petronius attempts to assist his nephew, Marcus Vinicius, in winning Lygia's affections by arranging her removal to Nero's palace. However, when he eventually opposes Nero, Petronius is accused of treason and chooses to end his life by suicide, throwing a farewell party for his friends before bleeding to death.

Marcus Vinicius

Marcus Vinicius is a Roman officer and nephew to Petronius, belonging to the elite Augusteans. Initially depicted as a typical patrician with a cruel and amoral disposition, Vinicius undergoes a profound transformation through his love for Lygia, a Christian woman. A soldier recently returned from military service abroad, he becomes enamored with Lygia and, upon her forced relocation to Nero's palace, attempts to assert his affections at a banquet. Lygia's subsequent flight prompts Vinicius to embark on a quest to find her, during which her influence leads to his conversion to Christianity. After a tumultuous period, they reunite, marry, and eventually settle in Sicily.

Lygia

Lygia, originally the daughter of a barbarian king, becomes a central character through her relationship with Marcus Vinicius. After her father’s defeat, she is sent as a hostage to Rome and raised by the noble Roman family of Aulus Plautius. Under the secret Christian tutelage of Pomponia Graecina, Aulus's wife, Lygia converts to Christianity. Her faith and character profoundly impact Vinicius, guiding him towards a moral transformation. Despite being captured and imprisoned during Nero's persecution of Christians, she survives with the help of her bodyguard Ursus, who saves her in a dramatic arena scene. Ultimately, she marries Vinicius, and they live in peace in Sicily.

Nero

Nero, the infamous Roman emperor, is characterized by historical accounts of his cruelty and moral depravity. In Quo Vadis, he is depicted as an egotistical ruler with aspirations of artistic greatness, motivated by vanity to seek recognition as a poet and musician. His desire for authenticity in his art leads to the burning of Rome, inspired by Tigellinus. This disastrous event is subsequently blamed on the Christians, sparking brutal persecutions. Despite his yearning for praise, especially from connoisseurs like Petronius, Nero's tyranny ultimately contributes to the downfall of those around him.

Ursus

Ursus serves as Lygia’s loyal bodyguard and servant, embodying the archetype of the strongman common in ancient literature. A devoted Christian convert, Ursus is known for his physical prowess and unwavering loyalty. When Lygia is thrust into peril, Ursus consistently comes to her rescue, most notably in the arena where he kills a bull to save her, swaying the crowd's emotions in their favor. Following these events, Ursus accompanies Lygia and Vinicius to Sicily, ensuring their safety and happiness.

Eunice

Eunice is an enslaved woman in Petronius’s household, profoundly devoted to him. Her love evolves into a mutual partnership, resembling a marital relationship despite her status. Their lives together are idyllic until Petronius’s political misadventures with Nero. Facing the accusation of treason, Petronius and Eunice choose to die together, marking their love with a joint suicide.

Pomponia Graecina

Pomponia Graecina, the wife of Aulus Plautius, plays a significant role in Lygia's life as her foster mother....