I, Claudius: Analysis of Major Characters
"I, Claudius: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex lives and relationships of key figures in the Julio-Claudian dynasty of ancient Rome. Central to the narrative is Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus, often portrayed as a scholarly yet physically challenged emperor who navigates a treacherous political landscape shaped by ambition and betrayal. His tumultuous relationships highlight the influence of powerful women, particularly Livia, Claudius' grandmother, whose ruthless schemes and manipulations drive much of the drama. Augustus, as the first Roman emperor, sets the stage for the ensuing power struggles, while Tiberius, Claudius' uncle, embodies both military success and unpopularity, marred by jealousy and tyranny.
The analysis also explores characters like Germanicus, whose popularity poses a threat to Tiberius, and Caligula, the depraved successor whose excesses lead to his downfall. Other significant figures include Julia, Tiberius' wife, whose tragic end reflects Livia's scheming, and Sejanus, Tiberius' friend turned adversary. Through these characters, the exploration reveals themes of power, loyalty, and the often brutal realities of political life in ancient Rome. This character analysis provides a lens through which to understand the intricate dynamics of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for power within this historical context.
I, Claudius: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Robert Graves
First published: 1934
Genre: Novel
Locale: Rome
Plot: Historical
Time: 10 b.c.e.-41 b.c.e.
Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus (ti-BIH-reeuhs KLOH-dee-uhs DREW-suhs NEE-roh jur-MA-nihkuhs), emperor of Rome after Caligula; a scholarly author of dull, sententious state histories; lame and a stammerer from childhood. His scholarship and stability bring him into favor with Augustus and Livia, who make him a priest of Mars. Having fainted at a bloody public sword fight, he is barred by Livia from public view. Forced by Livia to marry Urgulanilla, he later divorces her to marry Aelia, whom Tiberius orders him still later to divorce. He is afterward forced by Caligula to marry Messalina, though he loves Calpurnia.
Augustus Caesar (oh-GUHS-tuhs SEE-zur), first emperor of Rome. He suffers stomach disorders and dies, possibly poisoned by Livia.
Livia (LIH-vee-uh), his wife, Claudius' grandmother, a power-mad woman who divorces her boring husband, arranges her marriage to Augustus, and poisons those who interfere with her plans; suspected by Claudius of having poisoned Augustus. She is suspicious of Claudius and Germanicus as plotters against Tiberius, suspected by Claudius of having poisoned Claudius' young son, and set aside by Tiberius, who later refuses to return from Capri for her funeral.
Tiberius, Claudius' uncle, successor to Augustus, son of Livia by an early marriage and husband of Julia. A successful commander against the barbarians but unpopular in Rome, he is responsible for the torture and murder of Postumus, jealous of Germanicus' successes against the Germans, instigator of a reign of terror against Livia's faction, and responsible for the deaths of Sejanus and his children.
Germanicus, Claudius' brother, a successful commander poisoned by Livia and Tiberius because of fear that his popularity would grow too great.
Caligula (kuh-LIHG-yew-luh), successor to Tiberius, Germanicus'depraved son who, with Macro, takes command of the army and smothers the insane Tiberius. Having declared himself both emperor and a god, Caligula is at last murdered because of his excesses.
Julia (JEWL-yuh), daughter of Livia and Augustus and wife of Tiberius. Banished with Tiberius, she is slowly starved to death by Livia.
Urgulanilla (ur-gew-luh-NIH-luh), Claudius' gigantic young first wife forced on him by Livia. Claudius and Urgulanilla detest each other.
Postumus (POS-tew-muhs), son of Augustus. He is banished by his father, restored in Augustus' will, reported killed, then later tortured and actually killed on Tiberius' orders.
Agrippina (AG-rih-pi-nuh), wife of Germanicus.
Sejanus (seh-JAY-nuhs), the friend of Tiberius who arranges Claudius' divorce from Urgulanilla in order for him to marry Aelia. Later, he is killed along with his children on Tiberius' orders.
Aelia (EE-lee-uh), sister of Sejanus by adoption, the second wife of Claudius.
Macro (MAK-roh), commander of the guards, relieved by Caligula and later forced to kill himself.
Messalina (meh-suh-li-nuh), Claudius' third wife, forced on him by Caligula.
Calpurnia (kal-PUR-nee-uh), Claudius' only true friend, a prostitute banished by Caligula.
Urgulania (ur-gew-LAY-nee-uh), the monstrous-looking grandmother of Urgulanilla.