Duncan Long

Introduction of Characters

Felix- Sold into slavery at a young age, Felix has been a slave for as long as he can remember. He comes from a family of Etruscans. His father sold him to T. Claudius in a desperate attempt to salvage his family’s finances. Now at the age of 26, years of outdoor labor have given Felix a broad stature and sun-tanned skin. His dark hair has always been kept short as an order of T. Claudius. He is clothed with a grimy plain toga and a pair of cheap perones. Felix was lucky enough to be educated as he is literate in Latin and can speak some Greek. However, the long days of labor and lack of freedom and expression have caused him to strongly resent his master. Filled with bitterness, Felix yearns for a new life. His only enjoyment comes from the honeyed scent of young Claudia.

Claudia minor- She is T. Claudius’ younger daughter who has developed a secret love affair with Felix. Stubborn and defiant as a child, she is in her second year of a marriage that was arranged by her father. She also has a strong dislike for T. Claudius and his actions. Despite her marriage, her and Felix have carried on their relationship that has lasted since she was a young child. Dressed in a long sleeved tunica, Claudia drapes a hazel colored palla over her shoulder when she leaves the house. The palla matches her lovely eyes. Around her neck lies her lunula, which she was given when her mother passed. Unlike many girls her age, Claudia is a headstrong girl with no fear of disobedience. Her deep love for Felix is her only authoritative influence.

Titus Claudius Sabinus- He is a military chief of the Roman army first son to the deceased senator T. Claudius. As the paterfamilias, his decisions have always faced opposition amongst the family members. His stern frown and intimidation has earned Claudius a high reputation among the equestrian upper class, similar to his father. Despite his distain for Julius Caesar, the soldier is in preparation for war to serve the Roman Empire and Senate. He enjoys the luxuries of the upper class. T. Claudius dresses in a toga praetexta (in times of peace) and flaunts his gold ring as a sign of his status. Mark Antony is one of his close friends.