Life of Brian - Characters & Cast

To impress Judith and live a quiet, autonomous life free from Roman rule and his mother's overbearing nature.

Brian starts as a man seeking purpose and romance, accidentally stumbles into messiahhood, tries desperately to reject it, and ultimately accepts his fate with a shrug and a song. He is the sane center in an insane world.

To maintain his status as a leader of the resistance without actually incurring any personal risk or achieving concrete results.

Reg leads the PFJ with fierce cowardice. He talks a big game about revolution but constantly retreats into committee procedures. He abandons Brian at the end to "discuss" the situation rather than act.

To maintain control over her son and her own peace of mind.

Mandy remains consistent throughout: she sees Brian as a child and the crowds as a nuisance. She defends Brian from worship ("He's a very naughty boy!") but abandons him on the cross because he didn't listen to her.

To prove his authority and friendship with Biggus Dickus while suppressing the laughter of his own guards.

He attempts to maintain order and dignity but is constantly undermined by his speech impediment (rhotacism) and his disconnect from the reality of the people he rules.

To overthrow the Roman Empire through ideological purity and sacrifice (preferably someone else's).

She is the object of Brian's affection but is more married to 'The Cause'. She praises Brian's martyrdom as a political statement rather than trying to save his life.