# Quintus Arrius — Ben Hur character guide

> Quintus Arrius in Ben Hur by Lew Wallace.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Quintus, Arrius, Noble Arrius

**First appearance:** 0033-i

## Snapshot

A Roman tribune who, testing a stranger's honor aboard a doomed galley, finds in Judah a son worth more than the name he gives him.

## Who they are

Arrius enters as a Roman of rank and weary honor, his question to Ben-Hur about secrets that would be a crime to tell revealing a man who measures worth by what a person will not betray. He adopts the young Jew, granting him the Roman name and standing that let Ben-Hur move freely through Antioch's games and politics. His patronage is the bridge between the galleys and the great race, giving the exile both cover and a father's regard.

## Relationships

### [Ben-Hur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/ben_hur)

_family_

Quintus Arrius adopts Ben-Hur as his son after saving his life, creating a deep paternal bond and giving Ben-Hur a new identity.

### [Ben-Hur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/ben_hur)

_family_

Quintus Arrius adopts Ben-Hur as his son after saving his life, creating a deep paternal bond and giving Ben-Hur a new identity.

### [Ben-Hur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/ben_hur)

_family_

Quintus Arrius adopts Ben-Hur as his son after saving his life, creating a deep paternal bond and giving Ben-Hur a new identity.

## In the story

### [The Mother's Counsel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/v)

Not present in this chapter.

### [The Departure of Quintus Arrius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/i)

The Roman tribune and newly appointed duumvir, preparing to command a fleet against pirates in the Aegean.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/ii)

The tribune commanding the galley, who critically observes the rowers from his cushioned chair, studying their movements and singling out individuals for their strength and skill.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/iii)

The tribune who questions Ben-Hur, shows interest in his story, and tests his character and ambitions.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/iv)

The tribune commands the galley, prepares for battle against pirates, and shows special favor to Ben-Hur by ordering him unchained.

### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/v)

The Roman tribune, found drowning and rescued by Ben-Hur; his life and promise of freedom are central to Ben-Hur's hopes.

### [The Rescue and Adoption](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/vi)

Roman tribune rescued by Ben-Hur; offers adoption and inheritance after the victory.

### [The Meeting with Simonides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/iii)

Mentioned as Ben-Hur's adoptive father and benefactor; deceased.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xii)

Mentioned as the duumvir who adopted a Jewish slave boy after a sea battle.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/i)

The Roman tribune who adopted Ben-Hur after the sea battle.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/quintus_arrius
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters