The Roman Actor: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Roman Actor" is a dramatic exploration set against the backdrop of Emperor Domitian's Rome, focusing on the interplay of ambition, power, and betrayal among its major characters. Domitian emerges as a tyrannical ruler, exhibiting cruelty and a delusion of godhood, which drives him to eliminate threats, including his wife Domitia's lover, the actor Paris. Domitia, ambitious and manipulative, uses her brief power over the emperor to pursue her desires but ultimately seeks revenge after Paris is killed. Paris, portrayed as a dignified actor, becomes a tragic figure, his talents and loyalty leading to his downfall in a world rife with political intrigue. Other key figures include Parthenius, the emperor's sycophantic adviser who turns against him, and Aretinus, a treacherous informer whose actions contribute to the devastation of several characters. The narrative reveals the complex relationships and moral dilemmas faced by those entangled in the web of power, making it a poignant commentary on the fragility of life and loyalty in a politically charged environment. Through its characters, "The Roman Actor" invites contemplation on themes of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked power.
The Roman Actor: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Philip Massinger
First published: 1629
Genre: Play
Locale: Rome
Plot: Tragedy
Time: First century
Domitian (duh-MIHSH-ee-ehn), the emperor of Rome. Cruel and self-indulgent, and convinced of his own godhood, he has no fear of the laws of the gods or men. Infatuated with Domitia, he forces her husband to divorce her, then has him killed. He is shaken when two stoic senators scorn his tortures and die calmly. In his own mind, he performs a kindness by killing the actor, Paris, while taking part with him in a play, rather than having him executed. Eventually, he gathers the nerve to have his faithless wife killed, but he is assassinated before he can have his sentence executed.
Domitia (duh-MIHSH-ee-uh), the beautiful and ambitious wife of Aelius Lamia. Willingly divorcing her husband, she uses the emperor's power to dominate the noblewomen. Becoming madly infatuated with the handsome actor, Paris, she indiscreetly orders him to a private meeting and attempts to seduce him. The emperor surprises them together, but Domitia's voluptuous power over him keeps him from killing her. After the emperor kills Paris, her hatred leads her to join the conspirators. She is sentenced to death by the Tribunes after Domitian is killed.
Paris, the Roman actor. A dignified defender of the stage and a loyal servant of the emperor, he has political enemies. Domitia's infatuation destroys him. He acts roles in three plays within the main play, his final role ending in real, not mimic, death.
Parthenius (pahr-THEH-nee-uhs), the emperor's toady, a freedman. He arranges the divorce of Domitia and her marriage with the emperor. He suffers Domitian's fiendish cruelty, even the death of his own father, Philargus, but after finding his name listed in the emperor's death book, he joins the conspirators and tricks the emperor to his death.
Aretinus (ay-reh-TI-nuhs), an unprincipled informer. His spying leads to the deaths of Aelius Lamia, Junius Rusticus, and Palphurius Sura. He informs the emperor of the secret meeting of Paris and Domitia and receives the reward of being strangled for his trouble.
Philargus (fih-LAHR-guhs), Parthenius' miserly father. His avarice is not cured by Paris' play but is cured by Domitian, who has him killed.
Latinus (lah-TI-nuhs) and Aesopus (ee-SOH-puhs), actors in Paris' company.
Aelius Lamia (EE-lee-uhs LA-mee-uh), a senator, Domitia's husband. He despises Domitian.
Junius Rusticus (JEW-nee-uhs RUHS-tih-kuhs), a virtuous senator. At the moment of his death, he prophesies the destruction of Domitian.
Palphurius Sura (pal-FEWR-ee-uhs SEW-ruh), another stoic senator, who is tortured and murdered with Rusticus.
Ascletario (as-kleh-TA-ree-oh), a soothsayer. Prophesying that his body will be devoured by dogs just before the emperor's death, he rouses Domitian to fury. Subsequent events reduce the fury to fatalistic despair.
Domitilla (do-mih-TIHL-luh), Domitian's cousin, whom he has violated.
Julia, Domitian's niece, with whom he has committed incest.
Caenis (SEE-nihs), the former mistress of the dead Titus.
Sejeius (seh-JAY-yuhs) and Entellus (ehn-TEHL-luhs), conspirators who, with Domitilla, Julia, and Caenis, help kill the emperor.