The Lives of the Caesars · Character

Drusus Nero

Tiberius's younger brother, a soldier who died young in the German campaigns, leaving behind a son, Claudius, whom everyone underestimated.

supporting

Also known as Drusus, Nero, Claudius Nero, The father of Claudius Caesar

First appearance: Book III: Tiberius

As a supporting figure in The Lives of the Caesars, Drusus Nero is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Son of Tiberius; reads Tiberius's speech in the senate when Tiberius feigns grief.

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With Tiberius (family): Drusus Nero was Tiberius's younger brother, and Tiberius deeply mourned his death, though some sources suggest underlying rivalry. With Tiberius (family): Drusus Nero was Tiberius's younger…

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Character Web

30 connections

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Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Emperors and key figures
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs in the stark contrast between the two irreconcilable origin storie…

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Relationships

Tiberius
family · ambivalent
Drusus Nero was Tiberius's younger brother, and Tiberius deeply mourned his death, though… How this plays out →
Tiberius
family · ambivalent
Drusus Nero was Tiberius's younger brother, and Tiberius deeply mourned his death, though… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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In the story

Drusus Nero appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book III: Tiberius
Son of Tiberius; reads Tiberius's speech in the senate when Tiberius feigns grief.
Book V: The Deified Claudius
Claudius's father, a general who campaigned in Germany and died young; his achievements and suspicious death are recounted.
Book VI: Nero
Born at Antium nine months after Tiberius' death; his father Domitius regarded him as an abomination; later became emperor and adopted by Claudius.
Book VII: Galba—Otho—Vitellius
Nero's father, Lucius Domitius, was succeeded by Galba in a consulship. Vitellius made funerary offerings to Nero and openly urged a flute-player to render something from Nero's book.
Galba
Nero's reign preceded Galba's; Galba revoked Nero's grants and punished his supporters.
Otho
Emperor whose favor Otho cultivated; Otho was privy to Nero's plans, including the murder of his mother, and was banished after a rivalry over Poppaea Sabina.
Vitellius
Vitellius was dear to Nero for his service in allowing Nero to compete in the Neronia.
Book VIII: The Deified Vespasian—The Deified Titus—Domitian
Emperor during whose reign Vespasian was banished from court and later given command in Judaea.
The Deified Vespasian
Emperor whose favor Vespasian lost by falling asleep during his performances; later Vespasian was sent to Judaea under Nero's reign.
Endnotes
Referenced in notes about his reign, the great fire, and his statue.

Chapter companion notes

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See Drusus Nero in Book III: Tiberius