Andreas is the protagonist and narrator of The Shadow of the Galilean. He is a Jewish merchant from Sepphoris who gets arrested at an anti-Roman protest. Andreas is deeply conflicted when he is tasked with spying on rebellious movements in the Jewish community, and feels caught between his loyalty to his people and his desire to avoid conflict with the Romans. 

Throughout his journey, Andreas, accompanied by his enslaved servants Timon and Malchus, learns about the Essenes, the Zealots, John the Baptist, and Jesus and his followers. Andreas learns that these groups are emblematic of the Political and Religious Upheaval under Roman occupation, as Jewish thought undergoes a period of schism and intense debate centered on the question of how to respond to Roman oppression. At the beginning of the book, Andreas disapproves of rebellion (including nonviolent rebellion) and favors moderate reform. He does not want anyone to disturb the peace. However, as Andreas learns more about Jesus, he finds himself drawn to his ideas. He does his best to persuade Pilate that Jesus is not a threat to Rome. When he is unsuccessful, he struggles with feelings of Morality and Culpability.