Jackal

The ruthless twin brother of Mustang, whose violent conquests at the Institute earn him the feared title 'The Jackal.'

Adrius au Augustus, known universally by his terrifying nickname 'The Jackal,' is Nero Augustus's ruthless son and a central antagonist in Pierce Brown's 2014 novel Red Rising. As the leader of House Pluto at Mars's Institute, Adrius distinguishes himself through cruel and violent tactics that earn him his moniker among the elite Gold students. While his twin sister Virginia leads House Minerva with cunning strategy, Adrius embodies a different kind of threat: one defined by brutality and a relentless drive to dominate.

Quick Facts

Role: Leader of House Pluto
Affiliation: Society; House Augustus
First appears: Institute arc (Red Rising)

Lore & Background

Adrius au Augustus serves as the leader of House Pluto during the events at the Institute on Mars. His reputation is built on a foundation of sheer cruelty; he employs violent tactics of conquest that starkly contrast with the more strategic approaches of his peers. The Society, a rigid hierarchy where Golds rule over 13 other Colors, fosters this aggression in its youth. Adrius's father, Nero Augustus, holds the position of ArchGovernor on Mars and is known for orchestrating Eo's public execution, an act that sets the protagonist Darrow on his path of revenge. The Institute itself functions as a training ground where students are paired off to fight to the death in 'The Passage' before engaging in massive medieval-style warfare across recreated regions of Valles Marineris.

Reader's Guide

Adrius au Augustus operates as a high-value target and a strategic rival within the Institute. His leadership of House Pluto is characterized by an aggressive style that prioritizes domination over diplomacy. For readers tracking his narrative arc, key moments include the transmission of evidence regarding Julian's death to Cassius, which fractures Darrow's alliances, and the self-mutilation event where he amputates his hand to escape capture. His survival through Proctor intervention highlights the corruption within the Institute's administration, as Nero Augustus bribes officials to guarantee his son's success.

His relationship with his twin sister, Virginia 'Mustang' au Augustus, is complicated; while she eventually dutifully delivers him to Darrow after House Mars conquers all others, their dynamic shifts from rivalry to a form of familial duty under the pressure of the Institute's conclusion.

Did You Know?

In a desperate escape attempt after being trapped by Darrow, The Jackal amputated his own hand.
Adrius sent a video revealing Darrow killed Julian to Cassius, which caused Cassius to duel and nearly kill Darrow.