Metaxas is the Prime Minister of Greece at the start of the novel; he dies of a chronic illness in January of 1941. He's a small and regretful man who feels trapped by his choice to lead Greece. He spends most of his time worrying about Mussolini and his daughter, Lulu, who contradicts him publically and is uncontrollable. When Grazzi delivers Mussolini's ultimatum to Metaxas, Metaxas very calmly refuses to give in. Grazzi declares that this is Metaxas's finest moment, and insists that Metaxas is the most honest leader he's ever met. After the start of the war with Italy, Metaxas's choice to refuse the Italian occupation earns him the love and respect of Greeks who never before thought they'd support him--Dr. Iannis even puts a picture of Metaxas on his wall, despite believing his past policies to be silly.