Which Diary of Perpetua Character Are You?

Perpetua was an educated woman of good family, who lived in Carthage (present-day North Africa) during the reign of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. At age 22, she was arrested for refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods for the Emperor's welfare. From her prison diary, we know that she was married, had an infant son, and that her parents and her brothers played an important role in her life. She loved her family very much, but ultimately decided that her love for God was stronger, and she needed to show them that the God she believed in was worth living and dying for.

If you're Perpetua, you are smart, determined, and stronger than you seem. You are very close to your family, and love them very much. You are sure of what you believe, and steadfast in your convictions. You are a force to be reckoned with, but you can also be sensitive and gentle, and you are usually honest and open about things that are hard for you. You want to share your story not for your own fame, but so that others may be encouraged in their own struggles.

Saturus was an older member of the church community Perpetua and her friends belonged to. He may have been the one teaching these young Christians and preparing them for baptism. When he heard they had been arrested, he turned himself in so that he could continue to encourage them in their faith.

If you're Saturus, you are wise, patient, and gentle. You keep calm under pressure, and help people find the strength to get through scary or stressful situations. You would do just about anything for the people you care about, as long as it doesn't compromise what you believe and know to be the truth.

Saturninus was one of five young Christians, including Perpetua, who were arrested in Carthage in 203 A.D. for refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods on behalf of the Emperor. In Still Small Theatre's production, he is the class clown; the one who can always find a way to make people smile, even in a horrible situation.

If you're Saturninus, you have a warm personality and a big heart. You are fiercely loyal to your friends, and you would do just about anything for them. You can see the funny side of every situation, and know how to put a smile on someone's face even when things seem hopeless.

Secundulus was one of five young Christians, including Perpetua, who were arrested in Carthage in 203 A.D. for refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods on behalf of the Emperor. The redactor of Perpetua's diary notes that Secundulus died in prison before their execution date, although it is not specified exactly how he died. In Still Small Theatre's production, he struggles with anxiety, but with God's help and the encouragement of his friends, he finds the courage to speak up and defend his faith even when everyone else is scared into silence.

If you're Secundulus, you may not be the most outspoken or outgoing in your group of friends, but your quiet support means the world to them. You are very loyal, and would do just about anything for your close friends. When you do speak up, you do so with clarity and eloquence. You may not think you're brave, but when the situation calls for it, you will find the courage that you need.

Revocatus was one of the four young Christians who were arrested along with Perpetua for refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods on behalf of the emperor. The redactor of Perpetua’s diary tells us that Revocatus was a slave. Although slaves in the Roman empire didn’t have it quite so bad as slaves in American history, they were still considered second-class citizens and had few legal rights. But in Christ there is “neither slave nor free”––the labels society attaches to people don’t matter, because everyone is equally valued and loved in God’s eyes. As a Christian, Revocatus finds himself treated as an equal, and even served, by people born into a higher social status, like Perpetua and Pomponius, because they see his worth defined by God, not by society.
If you’re Revocatus, you tend to put other people’s needs before your own. You will always look out for your friends and protect them, no matter what. You understand that every person has great value, despite whatever labels society has given them, and you try to make sure the people in your life know how important they are, to you and to the world.

Felicitas was one of the four young Christians who were arrested along with Perpetua for refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods on behalf of the emperor. We know two things about Felicitas: she was a slave, and she was pregnant when she was arrested. This meant that her execution would be delayed until after the baby was born, and she would have to face the horrors of the arena alone, without the support of her friends. Two days before their execution date, her friends united in prayer for Felicitas, and their prayers were answered by a miraculous premature delivery. The baby was taken in and raised by “a dear sister”––possibly a member of the church––and Felicitas died two days later, surrounded by loving brothers and sisters in Christ.
If you’re Felicitas, you are a quiet person who usually puts other people’s needs before your own. You are caring and compassionate, and know how to keep your head in a crisis, although you will have some choice words for anyone foolish enough to mess with you. You understand the need to make space for sadness and grief in our lives, and know that sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all.

Pomponius was a deacon (a servant of the church) who came from a wealthy and prestigious Roman family. When Perpetua and her friends were in prison, Pomponius used his wealth and influence to ensure they were treated well and had the things they needed. In Still Small’s version, Pomponius is the redactor of Perpetua’s diary, the one who makes sure her story is heard and passed on. Pomponius is one of two roles in the show whose gender changes depending on which actor is playing the role––if it’s a woman, the character becomes Pomponia.
If you’re Pomponius (or Pomponia), you are a kind and caring person whose greatest desire is to serve others. You may have come from privilege, but you’ve learned to use your advantages to help people in tough situations. You treat every person with dignity and respect, because you know that they have great value regardless of the labels society has placed on them. You’re the Eliza Hamilton of this show, dedicated to sharing the stories of the people you love so that the world can be encouraged by their legacy.

Perpetua recorded in her diary that her brother, who was also a Christian, visited her in prison. She did not record his name, but in our version he is called Asinius, a common Roman name of the time. Asinius struggles throughout the play with the fact that his beloved sister has been chosen to glorify God in a special––and painful––way, while his calling seems much more mundane. Perpetua helps him see that his calling is no less noble than hers, and encourages him to carry on as a living witness to God’s faithfulness. Asinius helps Pomponius to share Perpetua’s story with future generations.
If you’re Asinius, you care very deeply about your family and close friends, and yet you sometimes feel like an outsider. While you are happy to see your friends honored, it’s hard not to wish that your own calling was a little more glamorous. But even though you may not always feel it, the work you do is of great importance. You play an essential role in the lives of your family and friends. Never forget that you are needed and loved.