The Emperor

There is one character in The Vicious Planet who never actually makes a physical appearance but has a huge impact on the other characters.

Say hello to Emperor Pavel Durance.

Pavel Durance ascended to the throne of the United Empire at a young age.  He distinguished himself by being one of the least overtly oppresive Emperors in history.  He did not use weapons and fear to keep the world under his control.  He used information.  He created a news media machine that brought a level of stability the Empire had not seen in decades.  But he knew that was not enough.  He created the initiative that would expand the Empire to new worlds beyond the Solar System.

The only character in The Vicious Planet who ever actually met the Emperor in person is Dr. Charlotte Mothman AKA The Professor.