A stern, honest Roman general favored by Emperor Marcus Aurelius as successor. He steps aside for Commodus, defends the empire against Germanic tribes, and advocates for captives' peaceful integration. He later fights Armenian and Persian forces to preserve unity, refuses to punish rebels, defeats Commodus in a duel, but loses faith in Rome, departing with Lucilla.
Emperor and chosen successor, representing a transfer of moral and political authority.
Former intimate friends whose loyalty fractures over imperial succession.
Romantic partners united by shared ideals and political opposition to Commodus.
Strategic partners who jointly push for Aurelius's policy of clemency.
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