Character Relationship Map: Attila

Characters

• Attila the Hun (played by Gerard Butler) — protagonist

  Attila the Hun is the central figure of the miniseries, rising from a violent tribal leader to the ruler who unifies the Hunnic tribes and campaigns against the Eastern Roman Empire, the Visigoths, an...

• Flavius Aetius (played by Powers Boothe) — protagonist

  Flavius Aetius is the principal Roman general and Attila's primary antagonist. He works to keep the Western Roman Empire intact despite factional politics, a weak emperor, and repeated barbarian invas...

• N'Kara / Ildico (played by Simmone Mackinnon) — supporting
• Valentinian (played by Reg Rogers) — supporting
• Placida (played by Alice Krige) — supporting
• Galen (played by Pauline Lynch) — supporting
• King Rua (played by Steven Berkoff) — supporting
• Bleda (played by Tommy Flanagan) — supporting
• Orestes (played by Andrew Pleavin) — supporting
• Honoria (played by Kirsty Mitchell) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Attila the Hun → Orestes (Professional Advisor) — Roman secretary who later served Attila
• Attila the Hun → Honoria (Romantic Complex) — Roman princess who sent ring to Attila seeking his help
• Flavius Aetius → Placida (Romantic Lover) — Implied romantic relationship with Roman noblewoman
• Flavius Aetius → Valentinian (Professional Subordinate) — Roman general serving under Emperor Valentinian
• Attila the Hun → King Rua (Power Successor) — Attila succeeded his uncle King Rua as Hun leader
• Attila the Hun → N'Kara / Ildico (Romantic Lover) — Complex romantic relationship with Attila
• Attila the Hun → Bleda (Family Brother) — Siblings who initially ruled together before Attila killed Bleda

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Attila the Hun → Galen (Social Friend) — Roman hostage who became Attila's friend
• Attila the Hun → Flavius Aetius (Conflict Arch Enemy) — Primary antagonist and Roman general who opposed Attila

Story Analysis

Epic historical drama following Attila the Hun's rise to power and conflicts with the Roman Empire

Plot Progression

1. The Hun Prince's Return — Attila returns from Rome as a hostage, determined to unite the Hunnic tribes and challenge Roman dominance.
2. Blood and Steel — Attila consolidates power, kills his brother Bleda, and becomes the sole ruler of the Huns.
3. The Scourge of God — Attila launches devastating campaigns against the Eastern Roman Empire, demanding tribute and expanding his influence.
4. The Roman Response — Flavius Aetius organizes Roman resistance, forming alliances with various tribes to confront Attila's invasion.
5. Catalaunian Plains — The climactic battle between Attila and Aetius, followed by Attila's mysterious death and the collapse of his empire.