Known as Rufus because of his red hair, Marcus Valerius Messalla is a young Roman nobleman. As a member of Rome's ruling class, Rufus has the bearing and demeanor of someone much older than his sixteen years would suggest. As brother-in-law of the dictator Sulla, Rufus has access to people, places and things that other nobles do not. Rufus is infatuated with Cicero, which comes as a complete shock to Gordianus. Physically, Rufus is quite tall and has a ruddy complexion, brown eyes and a freckled nose.