Character guide

Martha Tilling

major

Also known as Martha, Tilling, Martha and Tilling

The narrator and protagonist, a countess and pacifist who recounts her experiences in war-torn Europe.

Frederick Tilling

major

Also known as Frederick, Tilling, Frederick v. Tilling, Dear Frederick, Frederick III

Martha's husband, a colonel and later general, who struggles with his military duty and his wife's pacifism.

Countess Lori Griesbach

supporting

Also known as Lori, Lori Griesbach, Griesbach

Martha's close friend and confidante, a lively and supportive countess.

Arno Dotzky

supporting

Also known as Arno, Dotzky

A passionate young officer and friend of the family, who becomes a tragic figure in the wars.

Aunt Mary

supporting

Also known as Mary, dear Mary, poor Aunt Mary

Martha's kind and traditional aunt, who often offers domestic wisdom and comfort.

Countess Martha Althaus

supporting

Also known as Martha, Countess Martha, Lady Martha

An older noblewoman and relative, known for her youthful spirit and strong opinions.

Dr. Bresser

supporting

Also known as Meet Dr. Bresser, Bresser, No Dr. Bresser, Even Bresser

A family physician and trusted advisor to the Tilling household.

Conrad Althaus

supporting

Also known as Conrad, Althaus, V Conrad Althaus, This Althaus

A young nobleman and cousin, who becomes involved in military and romantic entanglements.

Little Rudolf Dotzky

supporting

Also known as son Rudolf, Rudolf, little Rudolf, Little Rudolf

Arno Dotzky's young son, who is deeply affected by his father's fate.

Lilly

supporting

A young woman and friend of the family, involved in a romantic subplot.

Otto

minor

A servant or family retainer, often mentioned in domestic scenes.

Rosa

minor

A maid or nurse in the Tilling household, loyal and hardworking.

Godfrey v. Tessow

minor

Also known as Godfrey, young Tessow, poor Godfrey Tessow, Tessow

A young officer and friend of the family, who meets a tragic end in battle.

Frau Simon

minor

Also known as Simon, Frau Simon

A housekeeper or cook in the Tilling household, known for her practical nature.

Aunt Cornelia

minor

Another of Martha's aunts, who provides moral and emotional support.

Prince Henry von Reuss

minor

Also known as Prince Henry, Henry

A German general and acquaintance of the Tilling family, involved in military campaigns.

Baroness Martha

minor

Also known as Martha

A noblewoman and relative, possibly a different Martha from the narrator.

Rudolf Dotzky

minor

Also known as Countess Dotzky, Countess Rudolf Dotzky, Rudolf Dotzky

Arno Dotzky's wife, who struggles with her husband's military career and loss.

Baroness Tilling

minor

Also known as Tilling, dear Tilling

An older relative of Frederick Tilling, possibly his mother or aunt.

Hupfauf

minor

Also known as the brave Hupfauf, this Hupfauf

A soldier known for his bravery, mentioned in war anecdotes.

Ruru

minor

A pet dog belonging to the Tilling family, often mentioned affectionately.

Baron S—

minor

Also known as Baron

A mysterious nobleman who appears in social gatherings.

Dr. Bauer

minor

A doctor who treats wounded soldiers and family members.

Beatrix Griesbach

minor

Also known as Beatrix, Griesbach, Beatrix née Griesbach

A relative of Lori Griesbach, possibly her sister or cousin.

Father Radetzky

minor

Also known as the Radetzky, good Father Radetzky, Radetzky, Father

A chaplain or priest who provides spiritual counsel to the soldiers.

Puxl

minor

Also known as poor Puxl, Poor Puxl

A minor character, possibly a servant or local, known for his misfortunes.

Count Althaus

minor

Also known as General Althaus, née Althaus, the Count Althaus, Althaus, General Count Althaus, Count

An elderly general and patriarch of the Althaus family.

Netty

minor

Also known as Toni Delnitzky, The handsome Toni

A young woman admired for her beauty, involved in social circles.

Sylvia

minor

A friend or acquaintance of the family, mentioned in passing.

Grumnitz

minor

A servant or soldier who appears in domestic or military scenes.

Martha Dotzky

minor

Also known as Martha

A relative of the Dotzky family, possibly Arno's sister or cousin.

Frau Walter

minor

A neighbor or acquaintance of the Tilling family.

Cornelia von Tessow

minor

Also known as Frau Cornelia v. Tessow, Frau Cornelia

Godfrey Tessow's mother, who grieves her son's death.

Aunt Rosalie

minor

Also known as Rosalie

Another aunt of Martha, mentioned in family gatherings.

Ferdy Drontheim

minor

Also known as Drontheim, Ferdy Drontheim

A minor nobleman or officer who appears in social settings.

Captain Olensky

minor

A military officer who interacts with the main characters.

Adjutant-General Count Grünne

minor

Also known as Count Grünne, the Count Grünne

A high-ranking Austrian officer mentioned in military contexts.

Prince Frederick Charles

minor

A Prussian prince and military commander referenced in war discussions.

Conrad Count Althaus

minor

Also known as Conrad

A variant reference to Conrad Althaus, possibly a different generation.