Who Messala is
Messala returns to Jerusalem after years in Rome, where he learns to value imperial power. He is witty and confident, and his first greeting with Judah is warm. Their renewed friendship soon reveals how far their beliefs have grown apart.
What Messala wants
Messala wants Judah to join the Roman side and enjoy the rewards of power. He treats Judah's loyalty to his people as something to abandon for advancement. His scorn for Jewish customs and hopes of a promised king deepens their quarrel.
Messala and the others in the story
When a falling roof tile strikes the Roman governor, Judah appeals to Messala for help. Messala knows the incident is an accident, but he remains silent rather than defend his friend. Roman interests and the wealth of Judah's household matter more to him than their old bond.
Later, Messala is wealthy and admired in Antioch, where he bets heavily on chariot racing. Judah prepares to face him in the arena, bringing their broken friendship into a public contest.
Questions
Who is Messala in Ben-Hur?
Messala is a Roman officer and Judah Ben-Hur's friend from boyhood.
Why does Messala betray Judah?
He puts Roman power and his own ambition ahead of loyalty to Judah. The accident offers a chance to make a Jewish example and seize useful wealth.
Is Messala a villain?
He acts cruelly toward Judah, but the novel does not present him as simply a villain from the start. Their early warmth gives way to pride, contempt and betrayal.
