The Secret History · Character

Procopius

The historian who chronicled Rome's wars by day and wrote this secret indictment by night, risking death to tell what he could not say aloud.

major

Also known as a Procopius, other Procopius

First appearance: The Secret History

As a major figure in The Secret History, Procopius is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The historian and narrator, who explains his decision to write a secret history revealing the truth about the reign.

In the storyForeword by the HistorianOpen this moment free

See Procopius in Foreword by the Historian Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

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 like fiction to future generations, yet writes anyway, trusting that witnesses of his own time will vouch for him. His presence gives the book its double edge: every polished sentence carries the weight of what it cost him to write it, and every revelation is shadowed by the knowledge that discovery would have meant a horrible death.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Procopius sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Procopius in The Secret History

Character Web

16 connections

A slice of how Procopius sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Professional
Other

Character groups

Historical Figures and Narrator
Protagonist
Justinian's Court Intriguers

+11 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when Theodora’s jealousy and fear of Amasalontha’s beauty and cunn…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Theodora
psychological · negative
Procopius, the author, harbors a deep-seated hatred and obsession with Theodora,… How this plays out →
Justinian
professional · negative

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Procopius in The Secret History

In the story

Procopius appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Foreword by the Historian
The historian and narrator, who explains his decision to write a secret history revealing the truth about the reign.
The Secret History
The author and secretary to Belisarius, recording the secret history of the regime.
Character and Appearance of Justinian
The author who attempts to portray Justinian's complex character, noting his own difficulty in fully describing it.
X: How Justinian Created a New Law Permitting Him to Marry a Courtesan on Her Promise to Repent Her Past; and the Truth About the Apparent Quarrels of a Happy Pair
Narrator and historian, providing critical commentary on the events.
XV: How an Roman Citizens Became Slaves, and a Complaining Patrician Was Ribaldly Mocked by Theodora’s Eunuchs
The narrator, who refrains from naming the patrician to avoid eternal ridicule.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Procopius unlock in the free preview.

See Procopius in The Secret History

See Procopius in Foreword by the Historian