Plays · Character

Drusiana

A devout woman whose prayer for death, rather than becoming another's ruin, sets the Apostle John on a course toward resurrection and mercy.

major

Also known as Drusiana, Drusiana Venerable father John

First appearance: Callimachus

As a major figure in Plays, Drusiana is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A woman who dies of grief after Callimachus's confession, later resurrected.

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With Paphnutius (friendship): Drusiana and Paphnutius are Christian associates, with Paphnutius supporting her…

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Character Web

13 connections

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Relationship types

Character groups

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Story tension across the book.

Drusiana’s desperate plea for death to preserve her chastity and prevent another’s sin represents the emotiona…

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Paphnutius
friendship · positive
Drusiana and Paphnutius are Christian associates, with Paphnutius supporting her virtue. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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Drusiana appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Plays of Roswitha
A woman who dies of grief after Callimachus's confession, later resurrected.
Characters
Listed as a main character in the chapter.
Callimachus
Rejects Callimachus's advances, prays for death, dies of grief, is resurrected by John.
Scene II
The object of Callimachus's love; a devout Christian and wife of Andronicus.
Scene III
Rejects Callimachus's advances, expressing disgust and affirming her renunciation of lawful marital relations.
Scene IV
Dies of grief and fear after Callimachus confesses his love, praying to Christ to take her rather than become a snare to another soul.
Scene V
Drusiana has died, having prayed for death; her soul is said to be in eternal joy.
Scene VI
Deceased; her body is the object of Callimachus's obsession.
Scene VII
Her body lies preserved, the object of Callimachus's necrophilic desire.
Scene VIII
The deceased woman whose resurrection is promised by God.
Scene IX
Resurrected by John, she intercedes for Fortunatus's resurrection and glorifies the Trinity.
A Note on the Acting of the Plays
Her prayer to die rather than yield to Callimachus was mocked in the modern production, illustrating the failure to treat the play seriously.

Chapter companion notes

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