Charactersketch

Hate. Vengeance. These two emotions rule Daniel completely. He is impulsive, and his temper is a smoldering coal, always ready to burst into flame. Ever since the brutal massacre of his father, followed by the death of his mother and demon-possession of his sister, he has vowed to overthrow the Romans and free his beloved country, Israel. He has joined a rogue zealot band to further this vow. But then he is told of a carpenter from Nazareth, a rabbi from a humble background who preaches one must overcome hate with love to find peace. Daniel is confused by the rabbi's words. At first he thought the Rabbi must be the Messiah, but now the man has said that fighting only increases the hatred. Can Daniel give up his hate? And what will happen to his sister if he doesn't? His final decision leaves tears in the eyes, though not necessarily ones of sorrow.

Warm, good-natured and friendly, Thacia fits gracefully into her position as a wealthy scribe's daughter in every way but one. She, like her brother Joel and his friend Daniel, is an ardent Zealot, against her father's wishes. But she knows that patriotism cannot and should not be suppressed because it is not 'safe'. Upper-class girls, she feels, can be of as much use to Israel as the eager peasant boys that form the zealot band her brother belongs to. Thacia faces each new calamity with staunchness and faith becoming of a daughter of Israel.

Tall, serious Demetrius gazes upon his excited master with a kindly eye. Marcellus, although appointed Tribune a few years before, quite often forgets his position and looks upon the world as a new and unopened scroll. In his early twenties, Marcellus is but a few years younger than his slave Demetrius, but his carefree manner and far fewer responsiblities combined with his little experience of the world set him as more impetuous and headstrong, contrasting against Demetrius' calm demeanor, strength, and profound knowledge.
Born and bred in Rome, Marcellus energetically steps out of his home town and accepts his position as general of a Roman fort near Jerusalem. This new world challenges his courage, strength, and faith, making his mind dwell upon deeper thoughts and forcing him to answer questions which have been pushed far back in his mind. As he searches for answers, the adventures and hardships which he endures form his character to be more like the man who has changed his life forever.