Emperor Septimus Severus
The Emperor possesses no personal qualms with Christianity, but there are many influential members of his staff who are deeply opposed to it. In order to maintain political power, he issues an edict which outlaws Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. Again, he bears no ill will toward Christians, but he signs them all away to execution if they refuse to recant their faith.
Perpetua
Author and heroine, Perpetua is a legendary figure. She is a noblewoman and a Christian. Unwilling to renounce her faith, she becomes a leader among the underground Christians in her area. After receiving visions from God, she remains unable to keep silent. She speaks out to her fellow imprisoned Christians that they will be tried and suffer greatly, but that ultimately they will be victorious because of their faith. Before her execution, in prison, Perpetua gives birth to her baby and enjoys precious little time with the child.
Satarius
He is a fellow leader among the Christians. Satarius also receives visions from God. In a much more direct and personal way, he encounters the suffering of past Christians in visions which prepare him to face his own violent death in the arena.
Governor Hilarianus
The governor is the one charged with prosecuting the Christians. He begs them to renounce their faith publicly in order to be spared execution, but he fails to persuade them. When he tries Perpetua, the governor is touched by her devotion to God, but he has a duty to fulfill.
Felicitas
One of the Christians imprisoned and executed, Felicitas is a slave. While in prison, she gives birth to her daughter. Unfortunately the birth of the child means that the mother is no longer spared certain death. Before, as a pregnant woman, she was not allowed to be executed. Nevertheless she faces her fate with dignity.
Secundulus
Another of the Christians, Secundulus escapes further violence when he dies in prison. The conditions of their cells were abominable to their health.
