My character's name is Quintus Flaminius Vitulus, a plebeian. He come from a distinguished family, founded by Caius Flaminius who rose up the cursus honorum to become Consul on two occasions, and later Censor, before falling in the Battle of Trasimene to Hannibal. His son, of the same name, also became Consul, although thereafter the family settled into comfortable obscurity for decades.

Quintus is 42 years old, slim and of average height, his prominent nose markedly noticeable in profile. He was married to Lucia Balba, who died in childbirth a year later giving birth to their only child, Caius Flaminius Vitulus, who is now 21 years old. His parents were Quintus Flaminius Vitulus and Fidelia Crassa. Quintus senior achieved very little in his life, sitting in the Senate little and no one could claim ever to have heard him speak. He died three years ago and Fidelia now lives on the family estate, rarely venturing into Rome.

Since his father's death, Quintus has taken up his place in the Senate, and is finishing his term as quaestor in Rome. He was seen as having served competently, though rumours abound about his private life and his close friendship with an actor, Marcus Antonius. Hoping to rise up the cursus honorum, he has been looking out for a new wife to present a more respectable front to the electorate, as well, of course, as looking for a large dowry to fund his election campaign. Quintus, once indolent and unmotivated, has conceived of the desire to make his name as an orator of note and a successful politician, and his household has recently been joined by Alcaeus, a Greek teacher of rhetoric.

Currently undecided on his next move, Quintus has been preparing to stand for election and live up to the success of his famous ancestors. As champions of the people, his famous Consular antecedants - the first granting more voting rights to the poor, the second noted for handing out cheap grain to the masses - are remembered by some. Quintus hopes to remind the people of these popular moves and, though he would consider himself a conservative, is all too aware of the need to appeal to the masses.

QFV