Eugenius, the character who narrates the novel, asserts that "Count Belisarius had . . . a simple devotion to virtue, from which he never declined."

Some critics complain that Belisarius' unwavering integrity makes him an unrealistic and one-dimensional character. A well-rounded character, according to this view, would have more flaws than does Belisarius. Graves was contemptuous of this criticism and asserted that Belisarius is "a really good man" and that those critics who disliked the characterization of Belisarius were merely unwilling to accept the idea that someone could be genuinely good.

Belisarius may be seen as a reflection of Claudius in I, Claudius (1934). In the Claudius novels, virtuous people are either murdered or forced into treacherous intrigues. Claudius himself survives by hiding his virtues, such as his intelligence and love of liberty. On the other hand, Belisarius' virtues are obvious and open. He is a good Christian who honors his pledges...