# Gallicanus — Plays character guide > Gallicanus in Plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Gallicanus, Constantine, Constance **First appearance:** 0008-gallicanus ## Snapshot A Roman general who wins wars for Constantine and asks for the emperor's daughter in marriage, only to find his prize slipping toward a heavenly bridegroom. ## Who they are Gallicanus is the empire's most valued soldier, and he wants Constance as the reward for his victories — a demand the emperor cannot easily refuse. His confidence is total, but Constance's counter-move, sending her almoners to live with him while his daughters lodge with her, quietly plants the seeds of a conversion he never anticipated. He matters because his courtship becomes the play's testing ground between earthly ambition and the virgin's unyielding vow. ## In the story ### [The Plays of Roswitha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/the-plays-of-roswitha) A general who converts to Christianity after a heavenly intervention in battle, renouncing his betrothal to Constance. ### [Plays](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/plays) Central figure in the play 'Gallicanus,' a general who converts to Christianity. ### [Characters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters) Listed as a character in both Part I and Part II. ### [Characters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters) The Emperor Constantine appears in Part I. ### [Characters in Part I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters-in-part-i) Emperor, father of Constance. ### [Characters in Part I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters-in-part-i) General, father of Artemia and Attica. ### [Characters in Part II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters-in-part-ii) Listed as a character in Part II. ### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-i) Emperor of Rome, presses Gallicanus to attack the Scythians, then listens to his request to marry Constance. ### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-i) Roman general, agrees to lead the offensive but asks for Constance's hand as his reward. ### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-ii) Constance reaffirms her vow of chastity and proposes a strategic delay to avoid marrying Gallicanus. ### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-ii) Emperor Constantine is distressed by Gallicanus's demand to marry Constance and is relieved by her plan. ### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-ii) Gallicanus is mentioned as the general who seeks to marry Constance, prompting the conflict. ### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-iii) Impatiently awaits news of the conference and interprets the emperor's calm demeanor as a good omen. ### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-iii) Returns from the conference with a serene and glad expression, suggesting a favorable outcome. ### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-iv) Eagerly seeks assurance of Constance's consent and agrees to send his daughters to her. ### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-iv) Negotiates the marriage arrangement, explaining Constance's plan for John and Paul to accompany Gallicanus. ### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-v) Constance prays to Christ for Gallicanus's conversion and welcomes Gallicanus's daughters, encouraging them in their vow of purity. ### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-v) Gallicanus is mentioned as the father of Artemia and Attica, and Constance prays for his conversion. ### [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-vi) Target of Constance's mission; to be instructed in Christianity. ### [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-vii) Welcomes John and Paul, expresses eagerness for their service, and insists on performing pagan sacrifices before battle. ### [Scene VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-viii) Notices John and Paul were absent and inquires about their whereabouts. ### [Scene IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-ix) Commands the Roman forces, initially resists surrender, then converts to Christianity after John's promise, leading to victory. ### [Scene X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-xi) The Emperor, surprised by Gallicanus's delay and his pious actions. ### [Scene XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-xi) The victorious general, who prioritizes giving thanks at Saint Peter's Church over reporting to the emperor. ### [Scene XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-xii) Returns from battle, recounts his conversion and baptism, and renounces marriage to Constance. ### [Scene XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-xiii) Renounces Constance, supports her vow, and decides to devote his life to God as a disciple of Hilarion. ### [Scene XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-xiii) Reaffirms her vow of virginity and acknowledges God's hand in Gallicanus's transformation. ### [Scene XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-xiii) Welcomes Gallicanus into the palace and blesses his plans to serve God and give away his wealth. ### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-scene-iv) Reported as executed in Alexandria by Governor Ratianus. ### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-scene-v) Mentioned as a Christian emperor whom John and Paul served. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/characters/gallicanus - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/characters