The Roman emperor Nero Claudius Caesar, who has survived for centuries as one of three rulers of Triumvirate Holdings, an evil corporation that manipulates mortal and demigod affairs. Known as 'the Beast', he is Meg McCaffrey's abusive stepfather, having raised her after killing her father. Nero is headquartered in a tower in Manhattan and controls a network of loyal Germanus guards. He is cunning, theatrical, and deeply manipulative, using psychological control over the children in his household.