Who is Petronius of Quo Vadis?

Petronius is a character in Henryk Sienkiewicz's historical novel "Quo Vadis," set in ancient Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero. He is portrayed as a sophisticated and witty courtier, known for his taste in art and luxury, and serves as a foil to other characters, particularly the protagonist Marcus Vinicius. Petronius is often depicted as a figure who understands the moral decay of Roman society, yet navigates its complexities with a sense of irony and detachment. His character embodies the conflicts of loyalty and personal integrity amidst the excesses of the imperial court.