Nero

I agree with others that Nero had traits that were probably made worse by his being in power. I think if Nero would have been born into a less powerful family he would have still shown signs of trouble (like his vanity) but he wouldn't have had the power to carry out his impulses and ideas. I also thought it was interesting how the author talked about his relationship with his mother. It seems like she had a lot of problems with the idea of power.  Some of these stories seem like they would most likely be rumors (like her seducing Nero to strengthen their connection) but I think it's interesting that some of Nero's obsessions with power might have come from an early age.