IN ROME
Vitalianus: The Praetorian Prefect in Rome, and Sabinus, Prefect of the City, officers of Maximinus
Menophilus and Valerian: Envoys of the Gordiani
Pupienus: Sometime Prefect of the City
Pupienus Maximus: His elder son
Pupienus Africanus: His younger son
Gallicanus: A Senator of Cynic views
Maecenas: His intimate friend
Balbinus: A patrician of dissolute ways
Timesitheus: The ambitious Prefect of the Grain Supply
Tranquillina: His even more ambitious wife
Maecia Faustina: Daughter of Gordian the Elder, sister of Gordian the Younger
Marcus Junius Balbus: Her young son
The die-cutter: A workman in the Mint
Castricius: His young and disreputable neighbour
Caenis: A prostitute visited by both
IN AFRICA
Gordian the Elder: Formerly governor of Africa Proconsularis, now proclaimed Emperor
Gordian the Younger: His son and legate, also now proclaimed Emperor
Arrian and Sabinianus: Their supporters
Capelianus: Governor of Numidia, and enemy of Gordian
IN THE NORTH
Maximinus Thrax: The Emperor
Caecilia Paulina: His deceased wife
Verus Maximus: His son and heir
Iunia Fadilla: Wife of Verus Maximus
Apsines