Locusta

detached paranoid professional pragmatic dismissive

Locusta holds the position of official poisoner in Emperor Nero's Roman court. She crafts lethal concoctions in her workshop for clients like Empress Poppaea, targeting rivals such as slaves favored by the emperor. Her professional detachment shields her from moral qualms, as she views her role as essential survival within the court's tradition of intrigue and murder. Paranoia guards her against threats, while pragmatic loyalty secures her place amid Nero's volatile household.

3 appearances

Poisoning in Nero's Imperial Court

Locusta's Journey

A timeline through the narrative

3 moments

S2E14 · Conspiracy

Locusta’s Hostile Welcome

Deeply paranoid and hostile, with a surface-level detachment masking her lethal instincts. Her emotional state is one of immediate threat assessment, treating Vicki as a potential enemy.

Locusta, the court poisoner, reacts with sharp, instinctive hostility to Vicki’s unannounced arrival. Her tone is dismissive and laced with paranoia, immediately establishing her as a dangerous figure. Physically, she …

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S2E14 · Conspiracy

Vicki witnesses Rome’s normalized brutality

Amused by Vicki’s horror, but beneath the surface, a hint of defensiveness—her justifications are rehearsed, a shield against moral scrutiny. She is neither remorseful nor fully at ease; her role is a necessary evil in her eyes.

Locusta dominates the scene, her hands steady as she grinds the pestle, her tone detached yet amused by Vicki’s naivety. She justifies her role as the court’s official poisoner with …

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S2E14 · Conspiracy

Poppaea commissions Barbara’s poisoning

Unaware and vulnerable. If she could hear Poppaea’s words, she would likely feel a mix of fear, betrayal, and determination to survive—traits we’ve seen in her interactions with the Doctor and Ian.

Barbara is not physically present in this scene, but she is the central figure of Poppaea’s monologue and the implicit target of the poisoned drink. Her absence looms large—she is …

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Affiliation

Nero’s Court

Roman Imperial Court and Palace Intrigue