Julius

Julius is proud, authoritarian and intensely conscious of social rank. Griffith's elevation offends his belief that positions near the royal family belong to established nobility rather than talented commoners.

He is similarly rigid as a father. Julius demands discipline from Adonis and treats tenderness as something that would weaken the boy, even when his caretaker urges him to remember that his son is only thirteen.

His hostility toward Griffith is driven by both class prejudice and political anxiety. Griffith's closeness to Charlotte makes the mercenary commander appear not merely socially offensive but a potential rival for influence over Midland's future.

Julius is an experienced knight and military commander. As head of the White Dragon Knights, he occupies one of Midland's most prestigious martial positions and is proficient with a sword.

His authority also gives him substantial political influence at court. As the king's brother, he stands close to the royal succession and can organize covert action through trusted subordinates.

Julius has no supernatural powers.

Julius appears among the nobles resentful of Griffith's growing influence. During the autumn hunt, he arranges an assassination attempt intended to make Griffith's death appear accidental.

The attempt fails when Griffith's Crimson Behelit absorbs the projectile that would otherwise have killed him. Griffith determines who was responsible and decides to retaliate covertly.

Griffith orders Guts to assassinate Julius. Guts infiltrates the nobleman's residence and kills him, but the mission becomes a personal trauma when Adonis unexpectedly enters and Guts accidentally kills the boy as well.

Julius's death contributes to the court conspiracy against Griffith, particularly because the Queen of Midland had been Julius's secret lover.

Adonis is Julius's son and intended successor. Julius trains him severely, believing harsh discipline will prepare him to command the White Dragon Knights.

Midland no Ou is Julius's elder brother and sovereign. Julius's proximity to the throne gives him considerable status within Midland.

Charlotte is Julius's niece. He imagines a future in which Adonis might marry her and potentially rule Midland.

Griffith is Julius's political rival. Julius resents his common origins, royal favor and closeness to Charlotte.

Guts assassinates Julius on Griffith's orders.

Queen of Midland is Julius's secret lover, and his death helps motivate her later attempt to have Griffith killed.

Foss cooperates with Julius in political maneuvering against Griffith.