This extremely popular form usually develops in exactly the plot with similar characterization. The saint is recognized as a holy person even when young and uninstructed. The saint's religious practices are extraordinary for their exertion. The saint is tested, perhaps by friends but always, finally, by heathan or demonic oppressors. The saint resists, marvelously, their worst efforts, and dies singing God's praises.
Miracles often accompany or follow the testing and resistance.
This attracts the attention of the pagan Roman authorities. The guys get axed immediately upon refusing to kneel to the idols, and the sight of their souls being received into heaven by angels converts Maximus on the spot. Almachius has him beat to death to improve his character, and Maximus' soul goes to heaven. Almachius, not yet seeing the pattern in these events, interrogates her himself, but she turns the tables by showing him how all his questions are based on folly and are the result of his moral blindness. Livid with anger, he orders her boiled to death, but she keeps her cool.