# Faustina — Marius the Epicurean character guide

> Faustina in Marius the Epicurean by Walter Pater.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0016-part-ii-xiv-manly-amusement

## Who they are

Empress and wife of Marcus Aurelius, whose reputation for scandal touches the court.

## Relationships

### [Marcus Aurelius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/characters/marcus_aurelius)

_family_

Faustina is Marcus Aurelius's wife, their relationship marked by imperial duty, rumored infidelity, and Marcus's philosophical tolerance.

## In the story

### [XII: The Divinity That Doth Hedge a King](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-ii-xii-the-divinity-that-doth-hedge-a-king)

Empress seated with her ladies in the Senate to listen to Aurelius's discourse.

### [XIII: The "Mistress and Mother" of Palaces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii-the-mistress-and-mother-of-palaces)

The empress, described as the most beautiful woman in the world, warming her hands over a fire; her expression is enigmatic and restless, and rumors about her conduct are noted.

### [Stoicism at Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iii-xv-stoicism-at-court)

The empress, part of the refined company assembled at the Temple of Peace.

### [Beata Urbs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iii-xvii-beata-urbs)

Rumored to be involved in the death of Lucius Verus.

### [XIX: The Will as Vision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iii-xix-the-will-as-vision)

Her wardrobe is sold at auction for the war effort, and she bears the loss without complaint.

### [XXVII: The Triumph of Marcus Aurelius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iv-xxvii-the-triumph-of-marcus-aurelius)

Her memory is honored with a temple, golden image, altar, and orphan foundation; her ambiguous life haunts the villa.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/characters/faustina
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/characters