Cicero - The main protagonist, a gifted orator and politician rising through the ranks of the Roman Republic.

Tiro - Cicero's secretary and the first-person narrator of the novel, providing an inside look into Cicero's life and career.

Pompey - A powerful military leader and member of the First Triumvirate alongside Caesar and Crassus.

Caesar - Cicero's eventual rival, an ambitious military commander and populist politician seeking to expand his power.

Crassus - An extremely wealthy Roman belonging to the conservative faction and part of the First Triumvirate.

Catiline - A notorious revolutionary and Cicero's adversary who attempted an uprising against the Republic.

Cato the Younger - A staunch defender of the Roman Republic and opponent of the First Triumvirate's increasing power.

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Rise to Power
The novel chronicles Cicero's ambitious journey from a young lawyer to becoming the first "new man" (someone not from the aristocratic class) elected as a Roman consul, the highest elected office. It depicts his development of oratory skills, building strategic alliances with the elite, and his prosecution of the corrupt governor Gaius Verres which brought him fame.

Politics and Corruption
A central theme is the harsh realities of Roman politics - the bargaining, deals, and corruption rampant among the ruling class. Cicero navigates this murky world, making compromises and alliances to achieve his ambitions while maintaining a veneer of virtue.

Historical Figures
The novel features many prominent historical figures like Pompey, Crassus, Caesar, Cato, and the young Mark Antony. Their characterizations and political maneuverings with Cicero are vividly portrayed.

Narration Style
The story is narrated by Cicero's slave and personal secretary Tiro, providing an intimate first-hand account of Cicero's public and private life.

In essence, "Imperium" offers a fictionalized but well-researched glimpse into the tumultuous world of Roman republican politics through the lens of Cicero's meteoric rise.

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Many reviewers appreciated Harris's meticulous research and attention to historical detail. The novel was praised for bringing ancient Rome to life with vivid descriptions and an authentic sense of place and time.

Some readers felt the political maneuvers and courtroom drama were particularly compelling. Yet some critics felt that the novel occasionally relied too heavily on historical exposition, which could slow down the narrative. Additionally, a few readers found the political intricacies complex and challenging to follow.

Overall, "Imperium" was well-received for its engaging storytelling, rich historical context, and the compelling portrayal of one of Rome's greatest figures. It appealed to both fans of historical fiction and readers with an interest in ancient Roman history.