Character guide

Christine Ludolph

major

Also known as Miss Ludolph, Christine, Ludolph, Cruel Christine, poor Christine

Proud, beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant, central to the story's romance and spiritual journey.

Dennis Fleet

major

Also known as Dennis, Fleet, honest Dennis, poor Dennis

Struggling young artist and employee who becomes Christine's love interest and moral anchor.

Mr. Ludolph

supporting

Also known as Ludolph, keen Mr. Ludolph, Baron Ludolph

Christine's wealthy, ambitious father who opposes her relationship with Dennis.

Mr. Fleet

minor

Also known as Fleet, moder Mr. Fleet

Dennis's father, a modest and supportive parent.

Miss Winthrop

supporting

Also known as Susie Winthrop, Susie, Mrs. Leonard

A kind, wealthy woman who befriends Dennis and later marries Professor Leonard.

Mr. Bruder

supporting

Also known as Bruder, poor Bruder, drunken old Bruder, Berthold Bruder

A poor, alcoholic German immigrant who works for Ludolph and has a tragic family.

Ernst

minor

Also known as poor little Ernst, little Ernst

Mr. Bruder's young son, a pitiable child who dies tragically.

Bill Cronk

supporting

Also known as Bill, Cronk, old Bill Cronk

A rough but good-hearted sailor and friend to Dennis.

Miss Brown

minor

Also known as Brown

A fellow employee and friend of Christine at the art store.

Mr. Schwartz

minor

Also known as Schwartz, old Schwartz

A Jewish merchant and business associate of Ludolph.

Dr. Arten

minor

Also known as old Dr. Arten, shrewd old Dr. Arten

The family physician who attends to the Ludolphs and later dies dramatically.

Mr. Berder

minor

Also known as Berder, poor Berder

A poor, struggling artist who works with Dennis.

Mrs. Bruder

minor

Mr. Bruder's long-suffering wife, mother to Ernst and other children.

Mr. Cornell

minor

A business associate of Ludolph involved in financial dealings.

Ethel Fleet

minor

Also known as Ethel

Dennis's younger sister, a sweet and supportive family member.

Mrs. Von Brakhiem

minor

Also known as von

A wealthy, snobbish socialite and friend of the Ludolphs.

Mr. Brown

minor

A minor character, possibly a shopkeeper or neighbor.

Mr. French

minor

A business acquaintance of Ludolph.

Archer

minor

Also known as Mr. Archer

A minor character, possibly an employee or associate.

Baroness Ludolph

minor

Also known as the Baroness Ludolph

Christine's deceased mother, mentioned in backstory.

Professor Leonard

minor

Also known as Professor

A scholarly man who marries Susie Winthrop.

Yahcob Bunk

minor

Also known as VIII Yahcob Bunk

A comical German immigrant encountered early in the story.

Mr. Swig

minor

A minor character, possibly a tavern keeper.

Mr. Winthrop

minor

Susie Winthrop's father, mentioned briefly.

Mr. Jones

minor

A minor character, possibly a neighbor or tradesman.

Brandt

minor

A minor character, possibly an employee of Ludolph.