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Mr. Hundert 

The narrator and protagonist. Mr. Hundert began teaching history at St. Benedict’s School at the age of twenty-one and is sixty-eight years old and recently retired when he narrates the story. He greatly admires Greek philosophy and the Roman Empire and serves as the moderator of the school’s annual “Mr. Julius Caesar” contest. While Mr. Hundert reveres history above all else, he is also very concerned with moral principles.

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Sedgewick Bell

A struggling student of Mr. Hundert. The son of a U.S. senator and the story’s antagonist, Sedgewick is thirteen years old when he enrolls at St. Benedict’s. Although he is well liked by his peers, Sedgewick is a disrespectful troublemaker and dishonest manipulator. He goes on to become the chairman of the highly successful EastAmerica Steel company, and then a U.S. senator.

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Senator Sedgewick Hyram Bell

A senator from West Virginia and Sedgewick’s father. Senator Bell, an intimidating and stern man, has just taken office when Sedgewick begins school at St. Benedict’s. His election is the result of his gaining the populist vote.

Mr. Woodbridge

The headmaster of St. Benedict’s during Mr. Hundert’s time there. Mr. Woodbridge does not share Mr. Hundert’s reverence for morality.

Fred Masoudi

A student Mr. Hundert calls “the leader of the dullards” and a classmate of Sedgewick Bell. Fred, one of the more popular boys in the class, challenges Sedgewick on his first day. Later, he is one of the final three contestants in the “Mr. Julius Caesar” contest.

Deepak Mehta 

A dedicated student of history and a classmate of Sedgewick Bell. Deepak is Mr. Hundert’s best student and Sedgewick’s main competition in both “Mr. Julius Caesar” contests, both impressively knowledgeable and soft-spoken. As an adult, Deepak becomes a professor of history at Columbia University, specializing in Asian history. 

Martin Blythe

A St. Benedict’s student and classmate of Sedgewick Bell. Martin rightfully earns a place in the “Mr. Julius Caesar” contest but is not given the chance to participate when Mr. Hundert advances Sedgewick instead. Martin goes on to become an officer in the Air Force and loses a leg in the Korean conflict.

Charles Ellerby

A Latin instructor at St. Benedict’s and Mr. Hundert’s confidant, friend, and eventual competition for the headmaster position. Though Ellerby is a trusted companion to Mr. Hundert for many years, he displays disloyalty in his vie for power.

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