Martin Padway (Known in ancient Italy, in Latin, as Martinus Paduei )– Protagonist. Transported from 1938 Rome to its 535 equivalent.
Nevitta Gummund's son – Gothic farmer, Padway's best friend in ancient Rome.
Thomasus the Syrian – Banker and confidant of Padway. Often invokes God's name, especially while dickering.
Fritharik – Deposed Vandal noble, who becomes Padway's bodyguard and right-hand man. Often laments the loss of his beautiful Carthage estate and remarks that they will eventually all end up in unmarked graves.
Liuderis , commander of the Goths' garrison in Rome.
Count Honorius – city prefect.
Thiudahad – King of the Ostrogoths and Italians. He is deposed and replaced by Wittigis, but is brought back under Padway's influence.
Urias – Nephew of Wittigis and an ally of Padway's. Becomes king (with Padway's help) after Thiudahad is no longer fit to rule.
Thiudegiskel – Son of Thiudahad.
Mathaswentha – Daughter of Amalswentha, and love interest for Padway. Their brief romance is cut short when she decides, to Padway's horror, to have any competition killed. Padway sets her up with Urias, whom she marries.
Dorothea – daughter of Cornelius Anicius, and the other love interest for Padway.
Belisarius – General of the Eastern Roman Empire. Eventually persuaded by Padway to join the Gothic army.
Julia from Apulia – a servant hired by Padway who has a one-night stand with him.
Leo Vekkos – Greek physician called in by Nevitta, against Padway's protests, to treat his cold.
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