# The Secret History — Character guide

> Key figures in The Secret History by Procopius.

- [Justinian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/justinian.md): Justinian begins as the affable nephew maneuvering beside a senile uncle, then seizes sole power with Theodora at his side. His willingness to nullify ancient law for his own marriage becomes Procopius's proof that no re
- [Theodora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/theodora.md): Theodora enters the palace over every obstacle of birth and reputation, and once there she governs through fear, favor, and rumored sorcery. She shields the vicious Peter Barsyames because his wickedness mirrors her own,
- [Belisarius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/belisarius.md): Belisarius returns from victories over Gelimer and Vitiges only to find the palace hostile and his own fortune coveted by the imperial pair. Terrified and stripped of manhood by fear, he prostrates himself before Antonin
- [Antonina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/antonina.md): Antonina moves through the story as the Empress's trusted agent and the mistress of her own household, feared by men who know what she is capable of. She keeps Theodosius close with her husband's complaisance, plots agai
- [Peter Barsyames](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/peter_barsyames.md): Peter survives Justinian's attempt to dismiss him only because Theodora prizes his wickedness and his devotion to magicians and demons. Promoted to chief of the treasurers over the gentle John, he embezzles the dole set 
- [Theodosius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/theodosius.md): Theodosius manages the plunder of Carthage and Ravenna, then becomes the open secret of Belisarius's household, indulged by a husband who joins in mourning him. When exposure threatens, he takes the monk's habit at Ephes
- [Justin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/justin.md): Justin sits at the head of the empire but not at the center of its power, a figure whose ignorance is matched only by his willingness to be led. He is the doorway through which his nephew Justinian enters imperial author
- [Chosroes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/chosroes.md): Chosroes looms beyond the Roman border as the enemy every general must reckon with, a monarch whose ambitions keep the eastern armies perpetually engaged. He represents the external pressure that exposes Rome's internal 
- [Photius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/photius.md): Photius is caught between his mother's schemes and the empress's vengeance, a frail young man whose loyalty to Belisarius costs him his health and freedom. Tortured and imprisoned for what he knows, he keeps silent under
- [Tribonian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/tribonian.md): Tribonian stands at the intersection of law and corruption, a man whose expertise serves not justice but the systematic extraction of wealth from the empire's citizens. He embodies the perversion of institutions meant to
- [Procopius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/procopius.md): Procopius is both narrator and fugitive, a man who published flattering histories while privately recording the truth he dared not reveal during the lifetimes of Justinian and Theodora. He fears his account will seem lik
- [John the Cappadocian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/john_the_cappadocian.md): John the Cappadocian operates at the heart of Justinian's fiscal machinery, a minister whose corruption is so flagrant that even his fellow officials fear him. He represents the systemic nature of the rot, showing that J
- [Constantine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/constantine.md): A general executed by Belisarius for plotting against him.
- [Solomon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/solomon.md): General and governor in Africa under Belisarius.
- [Anatolius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/anatolius.md): A Roman official involved in the story's intrigues.
- [Saturninus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/saturninus.md): A Roman officer and associate of Belisarius.
- [Arsenius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/arsenius.md): A conspirator against Justinian, later executed.
- [Liberius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/liberius.md): A Roman patrician and official under Justinian.
- [Anastasius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/anastasius.md): Former emperor, mentioned in context of Justinian's rise.
- [Priscus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/priscus.md): A Roman official and associate of Belisarius.
- [Diogenes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/diogenes.md): A soldier in Belisarius's army, known for his loyalty.
- [Paul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/paul.md): A Roman official or clergyman mentioned in the narrative.
- [Emperor Leo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/emperor_leo.md): Previous emperor, father-in-law of Zeno.
- [Theodotus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/theodotus.md): A Roman official or clergyman under Justinian.
- [Amalasuntha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/amalasuntha.md): Queen of the Ostrogoths, murdered by Theodatus.
- [Rhodon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/rhodon.md): A Roman soldier or official in the narrative.
- [Zaberganes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/zaberganes.md): A Persian general under Chosroes.
- [Sergius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/sergius.md): A Roman official or military commander.
- [Proclus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/proclus.md): Quaestor under Justinian, known for his integrity.
- [Alexander the Scissors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/alexander_the_scissors.md): A Roman official known for cutting expenses.
- [Germanus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/germanus.md): A Roman general and relative of Justinian.
- [Pegasius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/pegasius.md): A Roman official or bishop mentioned in the text.
- [Domitian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/domitian.md): Roman emperor cited as a parallel to Justinian's cruelty.
- [Callinicus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/callinicus.md): A Roman official or soldier in the narrative.
- [Calligonus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/calligonus.md): A eunuch in Theodora's service, involved in intrigues.
- [Buzes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/buzes.md): A Roman general under Belisarius.
- [Zeno](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/zeno.md): Previous emperor, father of Longinus.
- [Pope Vigilius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/pope_vigilius.md): Pope during Justinian's reign, caught in theological disputes.
- [Mammian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/mammian.md): A Roman official or soldier mentioned briefly.
- [Evangelius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/evangelius.md): A Roman official or clergyman in the text.
- [Vitalian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/vitalian.md): A rebel leader tricked and killed by Justinian.
- [Chrysomallo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/chrysomallo.md): A courtesan and associate of Theodora.
- [Theodoric](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/theodoric.md): King of the Ostrogoths, predecessor to Theodatus.
- [Pelagius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/pelagius.md): A Roman deacon or official mentioned in the narrative.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters