A career soldier in the Imperial Roman legions, Macro has only recently achieved the coveted rank of centurion (Sixth Century of the Fourth Cohort of the Second Legion) when the "Eagle" series of stories begin. Macro is a prototypical Roman line officer: disciplined, tough and scarred from a life in the legions, but also extremely knowledgable and skilled. He's a fearless and respected soldier who loves to fight, as well as pursue the standard "off duty" activities (drinking, carousing, feasting).
Macro is surprised and angered when he is forced to take on brand new recruit Quintus Licinius Cato as his new Optio (second-in-command), and his initial feelings are that Cato will never make it in the Legions at all, let alone as an officer. But he eventually becomes more and more of a supportive mentor to young Cato, who matures rapidly during their campaigns under Macro's guidance, and by following his example.
