# The Secret History — Character guide

> Key figures in The Secret History by Procopius.

- [Justinian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/justinian.md): Emperor of the Roman Empire, depicted as a corrupt and demonic ruler.
- [Theodora](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/theodora.md): Empress and wife of Justinian, a former courtesan turned ruthless ruler.
- [Belisarius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/belisarius.md): Great general hoodwinked by his wife and humiliated by the empress.
- [Antonina](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/antonina.md): Wife of Belisarius and close friend of Empress Theodora, a master intriguer.
- [Peter Barsyames](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/peter_barsyames.md): Corrupt official and treasurer under Justinian, known for extortion.
- [Theodosius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/theodosius.md): Lover of Antonina who becomes a monk to escape Belisarius's wrath.
- [Justin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/justin.md): Uncle of Justinian and previous emperor, known for his ignorance and stencilled signature.
- [Chosroes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/chosroes.md): King of Persia, a frequent enemy of the Roman Empire in war.
- [Photius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/photius.md): Son of Antonina who exposes her affair with Theodosius.
- [Tribonian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/tribonian.md): Quaestor and legal expert, corruptly selling justice under Justinian.
- [Procopius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/procopius.md): Author and historian, the narrator of this secret history.
- [John the Cappadocian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/john_the_cappadocian.md): Corrupt praetorian prefect and close ally of Justinian.
- [Constantine](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/constantine.md): A general executed by Belisarius for plotting against him.
- [Solomon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/solomon.md): General and governor in Africa under Belisarius.
- [Anatolius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/anatolius.md): A Roman official involved in the story's intrigues.
- [Saturninus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/saturninus.md): A Roman officer and associate of Belisarius.
- [Arsenius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/arsenius.md): A conspirator against Justinian, later executed.
- [Liberius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/liberius.md): A Roman patrician and official under Justinian.
- [Anastasius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/anastasius.md): Former emperor, mentioned in context of Justinian's rise.
- [Priscus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/priscus.md): A Roman official and associate of Belisarius.
- [Diogenes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/diogenes.md): A soldier in Belisarius's army, known for his loyalty.
- [Faustin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/faustin.md): A Samaritan who nominally converted to Christianity under duress.
- [Paul](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/paul.md): A Roman official or clergyman mentioned in the narrative.
- [Gibbon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/gibbon.md): Historian referenced as a commentator on these events.
- [Emperor Leo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/emperor_leo.md): Previous emperor, father-in-law of Zeno.
- [Theodotus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/theodotus.md): A Roman official or clergyman under Justinian.
- [Amalasuntha](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/amalasuntha.md): Queen of the Ostrogoths, murdered by Theodatus.
- [Rhodon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/rhodon.md): A Roman soldier or official in the narrative.
- [Proclus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/proclus.md): Quaestor under Justinian, known for his integrity.
- [Alexander the Scissors](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/alexander_the_scissors.md): A Roman official known for cutting expenses.
- [Germanus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/germanus.md): A Roman general and relative of Justinian.
- [Pegasius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/pegasius.md): A Roman official or bishop mentioned in the text.
- [Domitian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/domitian.md): Roman emperor cited as a parallel to Justinian's cruelty.
- [Callinicus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/callinicus.md): A Roman official or soldier in the narrative.
- [Calligonus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/calligonus.md): A eunuch in Theodora's service, involved in intrigues.
- [Theodatus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/theodatus.md): King of the Ostrogoths who murdered Amalasuntha.
- [Herodian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/herodian.md): A Roman official or soldier mentioned in passing.
- [Eudemon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/eudemon.md): A Roman official or servant in the narrative.
- [Pope Vigilius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/pope_vigilius.md): Pope during Justinian's reign, caught in theological disputes.
- [Mammian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/mammian.md): A Roman official or soldier mentioned briefly.
- [Evangelius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/evangelius.md): A Roman official or clergyman in the text.
- [Vitalian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/vitalian.md): A rebel leader tricked and killed by Justinian.
- [Theodoric](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/theodoric.md): King of the Ostrogoths, predecessor to Theodatus.
- [Pelagius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_history_se/characters/pelagius.md): A Roman deacon or official mentioned in the narrative.

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