Ben Hur · Character
Drusus
A Roman nobleman and friend of Messala, involved in the chariot race.
minor
First appearance: The Mother's Counsel
Drusus's tie to Messala is one of the pressures that moves Ben Hur—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
A young Roman who plays dice with Messala and recounts the story of Quintus Arrius adopting a Jewish slave boy.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With Messala (social): Drusus is a fellow Roman aristocrat and friend of Messala, sharing in his social circle and political ambitions. With Messala (social): Drusus is a fellow Roman aristocrat and friend of Messala,…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Drusus sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Drusus in The Mother's CounselCharacter Web
9 connectionsA slice of how Drusus sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Social
- Other
Character groups
- Minor Roman and Jewish associates
- Central characters and antagonists
+4 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Ben-Hur experiences a sudden emotional and psychological peak as the long-absent desire for the Egyptian woman…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Messala
social · negative
Drusus is a fellow Roman aristocrat and friend of Messala, sharing in his social circle… How this plays out →
- Messala
social · negative
Drusus is a fellow Roman aristocrat and friend of Messala, sharing in his social circle… How this plays out →
- Messala
social · negative
Drusus is a fellow Roman aristocrat and friend of Messala, sharing in his social circle… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Drusus in The Mother's CounselIn the story
Drusus appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Drusus unlock in the free preview.
See Drusus in The Mother's Counsel