Main Characters
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- Martin Padway (also referred to as Martinus Paduei) – Protagonist. Transported from 1938 Rome to its 535 equivalent.
- Thomasus the Syrian – Banker and confidant of Padway. Often invokes his "friend" God.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Read more about this topic: Lest Darkness Fall
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