"Life of Brian": Six Actors - Fifteen Roles Quiz

Answer: Graham Chapman

Brian Cohen is the main character in "Monty Python's Life of Brian". Born on the same day as Jesus, he is visited by the Three Wise Men, who mistakenly arrive at his home. Brian grows up with a cruel mother, Mandy Cohen, and never meets his father, a Roman centurion named Naughtius Maximus.

As a young man, Brian joins the People's Front of Judea, a militant group opposing the Romans, and develops a romantic interest in Judith, a fellow member of the group. He becomes involved in various incidents against Roman authorities, including pranks, chases and confrontations with soldiers.

Eventually, he is captured and sentenced to crucifixion. After missing an opportunity for release, he is left on the cross, where he sings the film's famous song, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life".

Answer: Graham Chapman

Biggus Dickus is a Roman official in Judea. A friend and subordinate of Pontius Pilate, he appears in the palace during meetings with other Roman officials. According to Pilate, Biggus Dickus is married to Incontinentia Buttocks. He is notable for his awkward speech and lisp, which causes Pilate and the others to struggle to keep a straight face.

This is highlighted when he reads out a list of imprisoned criminals, mispronouncing phrases such as "theveral thedithiouth thcribeth from Thaetharea". While his speech impediment amuses others in Rome privately, nobody dares mention it to him or Pilate.

Answer: Eric Idle

Harry the Haggler is a street vendor in ancient Judea. He is known for his relentless negotiating and his loud, persistent haggling in the marketplace. Brian and his mother, Mandy Cohen, first encounter him when they need a disguise for a stoning event, and Harry offers them a fake beard at a negotiable price.

He appears again later in the film when Brian is being pursued by Roman soldiers, offering to sell him a new identity.

Answer: Eric Idle

Stan is a member of the People's Front of Judea, a group that carries out actions against the Romans. In one scene, he announces his wish to become a woman and be called Loretta. He also says that he wants to have children, but the other members dismiss this idea because he does not have a uterus. Ultimately, however, the group concedes that, while Loretta cannot have children, she has the theoretical right to do so.

Answer: Eric Idle

Mr. Cheeky is a Jewish man who mocks his fellow Jews for having big noses, all the while trying to charm the Romans with his jokes. Early in the film, he stands next to Brian and his mother, listening to Jesus' speech from a distance. Mr. Cheeky remains unseen for most of the film, only appearing again in the crucifixion scene.

He is lined up for execution on the same day as Brian and suggests to the usher, Nisus Wettus, that he is being released. However, he then admits that this is a joke. When Brian is pardoned by Pilate's centurion, Mr. Cheeky claims to be him and is taken down in his place.

Although he admits to playing another prank, the Roman soldiers drag him away to freedom.

Answer: Terry Jones

Mandy Cohen is Brian's mother. She appears in the stoning scene and in several others involving Brian. She accompanies her son when he needs a disguise and interacts with the townspeople in the marketplace. Throughout the film, she is present in both domestic settings and public events, preparing food, managing household tasks and taking part in conversations with other characters about Brian's behaviour and plans.

She is very protective of Brian and reacts angrily when he is mistaken for the Messiah.

She also disapproves when he 'invites' Judith over. At the end of the film, she visits Brian on the cross and walks away crying.

Answer: Terry Jones

Simon the Holy Man is another minor character in the film. He appears in public spaces, giving sermons and speaking to crowds about spiritual matters. Simon interacts with bystanders and occasionally with Brian, delivering messages that reflect his eccentric interpretation of religious teachings.

His role is limited to these brief appearances, which contribute to the film's satirical portrayal of holy figures.

Answer: John Cleese

Reg is the leader of the People's Front of Judea. He appears in scenes depicting the group's meetings and discussions, during which members plan protests and actions against the Roman authorities. He takes part in debates about strategy and tactics, and is often shown giving instructions to other members. Scenes also depict him travelling with the group to public gatherings and demonstrations, where he engages with bystanders. Reg is portrayed as assertive, often snapping at members of rival groups - especially the Judean People's Front.

Answer: Terry Jones

The Alarmed Crucifixion Assistant is a minor character who assists with the preparation and arrangement of the convicts during the crucifixion scene. He reacts nervously to the events as they unfold, especially when Brian and the other prisoners are involved. He only appears during the crucifixion sequence.

Answer: John Cleese

The centurion is the leader of the Roman soldiers and is responsible for overseeing the crucifixion of criminals. He pursues anyone who opposes the Romans, including Brian and the members of the People's Front of Judea. He works for Pontius Pilate but becomes unpopular after mispronouncing the name of Pilate's friend Biggus Dickus.

Although educated, the Centurion sometimes lacks common sense. This is demonstrated when he catches Brian writing "Romanes Eunt Domus" in graffiti and punishes him by making him write the correct phrase, "Romani Ite Domum" ("Romans go home"), 100 times on the building.

Answer: Michael Palin

Mr. Big Nose is a minor character in "The Life of Brian". He appears in several crowd scenes in Jerusalem, most notably during the stoning of Brian. As his name suggests, Mr. Big Nose is recognised for his unusually large nose, which is occasionally commented on by other characters.

He is one of the townspeople who react to events around Brian, including public gatherings and scenes in the marketplace.

Answer: Michael Palin

The ex-leper is a minor character who appears in scenes set in public spaces in Jerusalem. He interacts briefly with bystanders in these scenes. The character shows visible signs of having recovered from leprosy. His appearances are limited to these brief moments in the crowd.

Answer: Michael Palin

Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, is responsible for overseeing the administration of Roman law. He appears in several scenes set in his palace. He is portrayed as pompous and overly concerned with formalities, including the correct pronunciation of his name.

He has rhotacism, meaning that when he says "Roman", it sounds like "woman". Pilate is friends with Julius Caesar, as well as with Biggus Dickus and his wife, Incontinentia Buttocks. Together with Nisus Wettus, Pilate orders criminals, including Brian, Jesus, and Mr Cheeky, to crucifixion.

Answer: Terry Gilliam

The gaoler is a hunchbacked, leather-clad figure who manages the prison beneath Pontius Pilate's citadel with the help of his assistant. During a crucifixion, he acts strangely when questioned by the Roman soldier Nisus Wettus. The gaoler's assistant, who stutters severely, claims that the gaoler is both deaf and mad, and that he only has his job because of Pilate's favouritism.

However, both the gaoler's strange behaviour and the assistant's stutter are an act: when they are alone, they both speak normally.

Answer: Terry Gilliam

The Blood and Thunder Prophet is a minor character who makes a brief appearance in a street scene, preaching loudly about upcoming events and using exaggerated gestures. He warns of doom and destruction while interacting with bystanders in the marketplace. This is the only time he appears in the film, serving as part of the chaotic public life in Jerusalem.