Character guide

Paul Bäumer

major

Also known as Bäumer, Paul

Young German soldier and narrator of the novel, grappling with the horrors of war.

Katczinsky

major

Also known as Kat, Stanislaus Katczinsky, the Militiaman Stanislaus Katczinsky, Katczinsky—a

Older, resourceful soldier who becomes Paul's mentor and close friend.

Albert Kropp

supporting

Also known as Kropp, little Kropp, Kropp and Tjaden, Suddenly Kropp

Paul's sharp-minded friend and fellow soldier, often philosophical about the war.

Tjaden

supporting

Also known as the stingy Tjaden, Only Tjaden, The Tjaden

A soldier with a grudge against Corporal Himmelstoss, known for his appetite.

Corporal Himmelstoss

supporting

Also known as Himmelstoss

Brutal former postman turned drill instructor, despised by the men.

Franz Kemmerich

supporting

Also known as Kemmerich, Franz, Suddenly Kemmerich

Young soldier who dies early from a leg amputation, deeply affecting his comrades.

Haie Westhus

supporting

Also known as Westhus, Haie

A peat-digger turned soldier, known for his strength and loyalty.

Müller

supporting

Practical and ambitious soldier who covets Kemmerich's boots.

Kantorek

minor

Also known as Territorial Kantorek

Patriotic schoolmaster who shamed his students into enlisting.

Leer

supporting

A soldier known for his womanizing and camaraderie with Paul.

Mittelstaedt

minor

Also known as Hullo Mittelstaedt

Former classmate who later becomes a training officer.

Detering

minor

A homesick soldier who longs for his farm and family.

Berger

minor

A young soldier who dies in a futile attack.

Bertinck

minor

Also known as Bertink

A brave company commander respected by his men.

Ginger

minor

A cook who begrudges the soldiers their rations.

Josef Hamacher

minor

Also known as Josef

A soldier with a head wound who gets a special pass.

Lewandowski

minor

Also known as Johann, Johann Lewandowski

A Polish soldier who visits his wife in a hospital.

Sergeant Oellrich

minor

Also known as Oellrich

A non-commissioned officer in the company.

Franz Wächter

minor

Also known as Franz

A soldier mentioned briefly in the narrative.

Boettcher

minor

A soldier in the company with a minor role.

Tiedjen

minor

A soldier mentioned briefly in the story.

Joseph Behm

minor

Also known as Behm

A reluctant recruit who is among the first to die.

The Kaiser

minor

Also known as Kaiser, the Kaiser

German emperor mentioned as a distant authority figure.

Sister Libertine

minor

A nun who cares for wounded soldiers in a hospital.