Ghosts · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen.
Mrs. Alving
major
Also known as Helen Alving, Mrs. Helen Alving, Alving
Widow of Captain Alving, struggling with family secrets and her son's illness.
Oswald Alving
major
Also known as Oswald, Oswald Alving
Mrs. Alving's son, a painter returning home with a fatal inherited disease.
Pastor Manders
major
Also known as Manders, Mr. Manders, the Reverend Mr. Manders
A conservative local pastor and old friend of the Alving family.
Regina Engstrand
supporting
Also known as Regina, Miss Engstrand, Regina Pied de mouton
The Alvings' maid, secretly the illegitimate daughter of Captain Alving.
Jacob Engstrand
supporting
Also known as Engstrand, old Jacob Engstrand, poor Engstrand
A scheming carpenter and Regina's supposed father, with a shady past.
Captain Alving
supporting
Also known as Mr. Alving, Chamberlain Alving, Chamberlain
Deceased husband of Mrs. Alving, whose dissolute life haunts the family.
Johanna
minor
Also known as poor Johanna
Deceased maid who had an affair with Captain Alving and bore Regina.