Marcus Furius Camillus
Camillus was a famed Roman general and dictator. He is a central figure of Book V and is referenced in many other books. He leads the Romans to victory in capturing the city of Veii, facilitating the expansion of Rome. However, his arrogance and constant disagreements with the tribunes of the plebs cause his exile to Ardea. Camillus is forced to leave Rome as a result, causing him great personal anguish due to his commitment to Rome and her people. He is recalled to city and appointed dictator once the famine caused by the Gallic siege of Rome becomes severe. Camillus intervenes in the Romans' shameful ransom payment to the Gauls, motivating the Romans to fight for their freedom and city.
Camillus leads the Romans to a great victory, defeating and slaughtering all the invading Gauls. He is praised as a a second Romulus, another founder of Rome and a father of the fatherland. Following his triumph, Camillus takes great care in undergoing the restoration of religious sites and relics in Rome.
Livy utilizes Camillus as a moral exemplar of pietas - dutifulness to one's country and the gods. Camillus' dutifulness is particularly evident in the speech to the plebeians which closes The Rise of Rome. Camillus successfully persuades the Romans against the tribunes' plans to move the seat of power to the nearby Veii. He cites the divine favor clearly shown by the gods in protecting the sacred site of Rome. He also calls upon the Romans to re-ignite their religious fervor as integral to preserving Rome's military and civic success.
Camillus is mentioned in later books, particularly mourned for his death in old age following a violent outbreak of disease in Rome.
Marcus Manlius
Manlius was an eminent consul and military general, characterized by his outstanding courage and military prowess. During the Gauls' attempted infiltration of the Capitoline Hill, Manlius is awoken by the sacred geese to Juno. He is the first to seize his weapons and, without hesitation, begin fending off the enemy. Manlius calls his comrades to action as he slaughters oncoming Gauls and pushes them off the cliffs. Manlius is successful in leading the charge against the Gauls and the Capitoline Hill remains protected.
As a reward for this display of virtus and disciplina, the Romans individually bring forth a quarter pint of wine and half a pound of flour for Manlius at his quarters in the citadel. This was a sign of huge gratitude since the army were experiencing a time of intense famine.
Lucius Valerius
Camillus' right hand man and second in command. He is the Master of the Horse. Camillus entrusts him to build and gather forces to fight against the Gauls in final battle to end the siege.
Plebeians and the tribunes of the plebs
The plebeians and their tribunes are important for their shared group characterization in the Rise of Rome. Livy often portrays their group intentions and feelings, highlighting their moral inadequacy compared to the upper echelons of Roman society. Livy emphasizes their moral and religious negligence as a source for conflict between the orders, disturbing the structures of Roman society and displeasing the gods. Individual instances of neglect by the plebeians and misconduct among the tribunes, Livy argues, leads to large scale misfortune on the Romans' part. Conversely, when the plebeians are pacified and follow the leadership of the senators and patricians, Rome flourishes.
Brennus
Brennus is the leader and chieftain of the Gauls. He is the direct rival of Romans, leading the siege against the Capitoline army. Brennus is portrayed as insolent and greedy, cheating the Romans in the exchange of ransom gold. He displays a lack of empathy and nobility, telling the Romans, "woe to the vanquished" in response to their protestations.
He also exhibits poor military discipline, easily flustered by Camillus' wisdom and strategy in war. His poor choice of location for the Gallic camp outside Rome leads to huge plagues killing his men. Livy disdains Brennus' disrespect for the dead in the reckless burning of corpses in the Gallic pyres.
