"The Lantern Bearers" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

"The Lantern Bearers" is a historical novel set in Roman Britain during the fifth century. The story follows Aquila, a Roman officer, as he navigates the conflicts between the Roman invaders and the native Britons. Aquila is the protagonist of the story, and his journey serves as a lens through which the reader explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the clash of cultures.

Character Descriptions

1. Aquila: He is a Roman officer torn between his loyalty to Rome and his love for Britain. Aquila is described as a skilled warrior with a strong sense of duty. He carries the responsibility of being a leader and protector for both his Roman comrades and the British natives.
2. Flavian: Aquila's brother and fellow Roman officer. Flavian shares Aquila's conflicted feelings about their role in Britain. He is depicted as a loyal and honorable soldier, always supporting and standing by Aquila's side.
3. Ness: Aquila's sister, who is a British native. Ness represents the indigenous people of Britain and serves as a bridge between the Roman invaders and the Britons. She symbolizes the cultural and emotional connection to Britain that Aquila and Flavian struggle with.
4. Cunorix: A British chieftain who initially opposes the Roman invasion but later forms an uneasy alliance with Aquila. Cunorix is portrayed as a strong and charismatic leader who seeks to protect his people's interests while navigating the changing dynamics of the time.
5. Sergius: A Roman commander who plays a significant role in Aquila's life. Sergius represents the Roman authority and embodies the clash between the Roman empire and the native Britons. He serves as a catalyst for Aquila's internal conflict as he grapples with his loyalty to Rome and his growing attachment to Britain.

Character Traits

1. Aquila: Brave, conflicted, honorable, loyal, compassionate, introspective.
2. Flavian: Loyal, supportive, honorable, skilled, reliable.
3. Ness: Strong-willed, compassionate, culturally rich, brave, adaptable.
4. Cunorix: Strong, charismatic, protective, strategic, adaptable.
5. Sergius: Authoritative, ambitious, influential, commanding.

Character Background

1. Aquila: Born into a Roman family stationed in Britain, Aquila grew up with a strong sense of duty and loyalty to Rome. However, his time spent in Britain and his relationships with the British natives, including his sister Ness, have instilled conflicting emotions within him.
2. Flavian: Flavian, being Aquila's brother, shares a similar background and upbringing. He is equally torn between his loyalty to Rome and his attachment to Britain, struggling to find a balance between the two.
3. Ness: As a British native, Ness represents the cultural and emotional connection to Britain that Aquila and Flavian grapple with. Her upbringing and experiences have shaped her into a resilient and compassionate individual who understands both the Roman and British perspectives.
4. Cunorix: Cunorix is a British chieftain who has witnessed the Roman invasion and its impact on his people. He has a deep understanding of his culture and seeks to protect his people's interests while navigating the complex dynamics of the time.
5. Sergius: Sergius is a Roman commander who represents the authority of the Roman empire. He is driven by ambition and seeks to maintain Roman control over Britain, often at the expense of the native Britons.

Character Arcs

1. Aquila: Throughout the story, Aquila undergoes a significant character arc as he grapples with his conflicting loyalties. Initially devoted to Rome, he gradually begins to question his role as a Roman invader and develops a stronger connection to Britain. His arc culminates in a decision to leave the Roman army and join the Britons in their fight against the invading Saxons.
2. Flavian: Flavian's character arc closely mirrors Aquila's journey. He starts as a loyal Roman officer but, influenced by Aquila's growing attachment to Britain, begins to question his allegiances. Flavian ultimately follows Aquila's path and joins him in supporting the British resistance against the Saxons.
3. Ness: Ness represents the connection between the Roman and British worlds. Her character arc involves navigating her dual identity and serving as a bridge between the two cultures. She plays a vital role in helping Aquila and Flavian understand the perspective of the British natives and their struggle for autonomy.
4. Cunorix: Cunorix's arc is centered around his shifting alliances. Initially positioned as an enemy of the Romans, he forms an uneasy alliance with Aquila to defend Britain against the Saxons. Cunorix's arc highlights the complexities and sacrifices involved in navigating political alliances during times of conflict.

Relationships

1. Aquila and Flavian: As brothers, Aquila and Flavian share a deep bond and unwavering loyalty to one another. Their relationship serves as a pillar of support throughout their individual journeys.
2. Aquila and Ness: Aquila and Ness share a strong sibling bond and a profound understanding of each other's struggles. Ness's presence in Aquila's life allows him to see the impact of the Roman invasion on the British natives and pushes him to question his allegiances.
3. Aquila and Cunorix: Aquila's alliance with Cunorix represents a significant turning point in his journey. Their relationship evolves from one of distrust to a mutual understanding of the need to protect Britain from external threats.
4. Aquila and Sergius: Aquila's relationship with Sergius represents the clash between the Roman empire and the British natives. Sergius serves as a catalyst for Aquila's internal conflict, challenging his loyalty to Rome and pushing him to question the morality of the Roman invasion.

In conclusion, "The Lantern Bearers" by Rosemary Sutcliff presents a rich cast of characters who navigate the complexities of loyalty, identity, and cultural clashes during the Roman invasion of Britain. Aquila, Flavian, Ness, Cunorix, and Sergius each contribute to the narrative through their distinct roles, traits, backgrounds, character arcs, and relationships. Through their journeys, the novel explores the impact of colonization on both the invaders and the indigenous people, offering a nuanced portrayal of a turbulent period in history.