Gallicanus

The Plays of Roswitha

A general who converts to Christianity after a heavenly intervention in battle, renouncing his betrothal to Constance.

Plays

Central figure in the play 'Gallicanus,' a general who converts to Christianity.

Characters

Listed as a character in both Part I and Part II.

Characters

The Emperor Constantine appears in Part I.

Characters in Part I

Emperor, father of Constance.

Characters in Part I

General, father of Artemia and Attica.

Characters in Part II

Listed as a character in Part II.

Scene I

Emperor of Rome, presses Gallicanus to attack the Scythians, then listens to his request to marry Constance.

Scene I

Roman general, agrees to lead the offensive but asks for Constance's hand as his reward.

Scene II

Constance reaffirms her vow of chastity and proposes a strategic delay to avoid marrying Gallicanus.

Scene II

Emperor Constantine is distressed by Gallicanus's demand to marry Constance and is relieved by her plan.

Scene II

Gallicanus is mentioned as the general who seeks to marry Constance, prompting the conflict.

Scene III

Impatiently awaits news of the conference and interprets the emperor's calm demeanor as a good omen.

Scene III

Returns from the conference with a serene and glad expression, suggesting a favorable outcome.

Scene IV

Eagerly seeks assurance of Constance's consent and agrees to send his daughters to her.

Scene IV

Negotiates the marriage arrangement, explaining Constance's plan for John and Paul to accompany Gallicanus.

Scene V

Constance prays to Christ for Gallicanus's conversion and welcomes Gallicanus's daughters, encouraging them in their vow of purity.

Scene V

Gallicanus is mentioned as the father of Artemia and Attica, and Constance prays for his conversion.

Scene VI

Target of Constance's mission; to be instructed in Christianity.

Scene VII

Welcomes John and Paul, expresses eagerness for their service, and insists on performing pagan sacrifices before battle.

Scene VIII

Notices John and Paul were absent and inquires about their whereabouts.

Scene IX

Commands the Roman forces, initially resists surrender, then converts to Christianity after John's promise, leading to victory.

Scene X

Returns to Rome victorious and acknowledges the true God, deciding to bypass pagan temples and go to the Church of the Apostles.

Scene XI

The Emperor, surprised by Gallicanus's delay and his pious actions.

Scene XI

The victorious general, who prioritizes giving thanks at Saint Peter's Church over reporting to the emperor.

Scene XII

Returns from battle, recounts his conversion and baptism, and renounces marriage to Constance.

Scene XII

Welcomes Gallicanus, questions him about his change of faith, and reveals that his daughter and Gallicanus's daughters have chosen virginity.

Scene XIII

Renounces Constance, supports her vow, and decides to devote his life to God as a disciple of Hilarion.

Scene XIII

Reaffirms her vow of virginity and acknowledges God's hand in Gallicanus's transformation.

Scene XIII

Welcomes Gallicanus into the palace and blesses his plans to serve God and give away his wealth.

Scene III

Gallicanus dismisses his companions' counsel, valuing eternal life above all earthly things, and resolves to go to Alexandria to seek martyrdom.

Scene IV

Reported as executed in Alexandria by Governor Ratianus.

Scene V

Mentioned as a Christian emperor whom John and Paul served.