Personality
Octavian's top military commander and right-hand man, Agrippa is earnest and humble, a sharp contrast to his peers. Agrippa is very trustworthy; Octavian appears happy to send Agrippa with a personal message as well as reliable to carry out plans for alliances. He seems to understand Octavian very well and speaks of him with familiarity, although he is fully aware of his lower rank and still refers to him by his adopted title "Caesar." Agrippa is in love with Octavian's sister, Octavia, but they keep their assignations secret from her brother whom they fear would disapprove because of Agrippa's lowly birth. His high moral character stands in contrast to Octavian's cruelty and Maecenas' surreptitious corruption; despite his military genius, his moral qualms are frequently dismissed as naivety.
Although of high rank, his rising to his position from a lower class leaves Agrippa a careful man. He stops short of criticising Octavian where others of high birth may have. His honesty is surprising considering his company; when Octavian confronts his family with accusations of infidelity, Agrippa is the first to admit that he and Octavia are having an affair. After Octavian has forgiven him, an honorable Agrippa breaks off his relationship with Octavia out of respect for his friend's wishes and legal rights.
Read more about this topic: Marcus Agrippa (Rome Character)
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