Nero's suicide
Emperor Nero, realizing his reign is over and his enemies are closing in, prepares to take his own life in a secluded chamber of the Villa of Phaon. Assisted by his freedman Epaphroditus, he hesitates
Setting
A secluded chamber in the Villa of Phaon, located on the outskirts of Rome. The room is sparsely furnished, with thick stone walls and a high ceiling. A narrow window allows a sliver of daylight to enter, casting long shadows across the floor.
Characters
Nero
primary
A man in his early thirties, with a stocky build and curly reddish-blond hair. His face is flushed with panic, and his eyes dart nervously. His once-imperial bearing has collapsed into desperate agitation. His hands tremble visibly.
Epaphroditus
secondary
A middle-aged Greek freedman of slight build, with sharp, intelligent features and closely cropped grey-streaked hair. His olive skin bears the pallor of recent sleepless nights, and his dark eyes are deeply lined from years of service and recent stress.
Phaon
secondary
A middle-aged Roman man of patrician bearing, with a lean but sturdy build. His face is lined with the cares of a man who has navigated dangerous political waters, with sharp features and deep-set eyes that suggest both intelligence and caution. His dark hair is streaked with gray, worn short in the Roman style.
Slave Boy
background
A thin, wiry boy of about 12 years with close-cropped dark hair and large, watchful eyes. His olive skin shows faint scars from past punishments, and his hands bear calluses from menial labor.
Dialog
Nero
Qualis artifex pereo! What an artist dies in me!
Epaphroditus
Dominus... perhaps there remains yet some path to reconciliation with the Senate?
Nero
Silence! We hear the hooves of Galba's cavalry even now!
Epaphroditus
If it please Augustus... your loyal servant stands ready with steel.
Nero
Too slow! Must I do everything myself? Give me the blade!
Epaphroditus
The wound must be... properly placed, Dominus. Allow me.
Nero
Strike true, faithful Epaphroditus... and tell them Nero died free!