M. Didius Falco – an auditor on holiday
Helena Justina – companion of his life and heart; poor girl
Maia Favonia – Falco's sister; a widow (heading for trouble)
L. Petronius Longus – a vigiles officer (aiming for Maia)
S. Julius Frontinus – governor of Britain (thinks he runs the province)
G. Flavius Hilaris – procurator of finance (really does run it)
Aelia Camilla – Helena's aunt, his wife (runs Flavius Hilaris)
King Togidubnus – a Roman ally with a mind of his own
Verovolcus – past tense; a British mugging victim
Flavia Fronta – a 'respectable' barmaid, allegedly
Crixus – a disrespectful centurion, who knows it all
Silvanus – another centurion, who should know better
Norbanus Murena – a 'charming' property developer; perhaps a suspect
Popillius – an 'honest' lawyer; definitely suspect
Amazonia – a fighter with a future… aka Chloris; trouble from the past
The Collector' working at the office; a cowardly pimp
Epaphroditus – a brave baker; in really bad trouble
Albia – a troubled young survivor
Finnus – a sunbather, in the customs service
Amicus – the official torturer
Splice – a different kind of persuader
Pyro – a persuasive arsonist
Children – too numerous to mention, especially Julia, Favonia, Marius, Cloelia, Ancus, Rhea and Flavia
Dogs-ditto
Barkeepers, gladiators, crooks, soldiers, slaves and so forth
A bear
A tired bee