Character guide

Martin Birck

major

Also known as Martin, XIV Martin

The protagonist, a young man growing up in Stockholm, whose inner life and experiences are the focus of the novel.

His Mother

supporting

Also known as his mother, His mother

Martin's mother, a recurring presence in his childhood and later life, often seen through his memories.

Hjalmar Söderberg

minor

Also known as Söderberg

The author, who appears as a narrative voice or frame, possibly as a character in the dedication or framing.

Henrik Rissler

supporting

Also known as Henrik, XII Henrik Rissler

A friend or acquaintance of Martin, appearing in various episodes of his youth and adulthood.

Ida Dupont

supporting

Also known as little Ida Dupont, Ida

A young woman, possibly a love interest or significant figure in Martin's life, with a delicate presence.

Josef Marin

minor

Also known as Josef

A character who interacts with Martin, possibly a friend or colleague, with a distinct personality.

Maria

supporting

Also known as Dear Maria

A woman addressed as 'Dear Maria,' likely a romantic interest or close correspondent of Martin.

XI Martin

minor

Also known as Martin

A duplicate or alternate reference to Martin Birck, possibly from a different chapter or perspective.

Old Moberg

minor

Also known as Moberg

An older man, possibly a neighbor or family acquaintance, who appears in Martin's world.

Johan

minor

Also known as Furthermore Johan

A recurring character, possibly a friend or servant, with a name that appears multiple times.

Franz

minor

A character with a limited but notable presence, possibly a friend or acquaintance of Martin.

Miss Oldhusen

minor

A woman, possibly a relative or acquaintance, who appears in the narrative.

Venus

minor

A mythological or symbolic figure, possibly referenced in a literary or artistic context.

Lotta

minor

A woman, possibly a servant or acquaintance, with a small but recurring role.

Mrs. Heggbom

minor

Also known as Heggbom

A married woman, possibly a neighbor or family friend, who appears in the story.

Mrs. Lundgren

minor

A woman, possibly a landlady or acquaintance, with a limited presence.

Uncle Abraham

minor

An older relative of Martin, possibly a mentor or family figure.

Auditor Camin

minor

A professional man, possibly an auditor or official, who interacts with Martin.

Messer Guido Cavalcanti

minor

Also known as Messer Guido

A historical or literary figure, possibly referenced in a discussion or as a symbolic character.

Von Heringslake

minor

Also known as Heringslake

A character with a noble-sounding name, possibly an acquaintance or authority figure.

The Red Turk

minor

Also known as The Red Turk

A mysterious or exotic figure, possibly a storybook character or a real person in Martin's imagination.

Billfelt

minor

Also known as The elder Billfelt

A man, possibly a family member or acquaintance, with a limited role.

Doctor Markel

minor

Also known as Markel

A doctor, possibly a physician who treats Martin or someone in his circle.

Mr. Dupont

minor

The father of Ida Dupont, possibly a shopkeeper or businessman.

Grandmother

minor

Also known as grandmother

Martin's grandmother, a family elder who appears in his childhood memories.

Planius

minor

A character, possibly a historical or literary reference, with a small role.

The Stranger

minor

Also known as the stranger

An unnamed man who appears in a scene, possibly a mysterious or symbolic figure.

Harriet Skottë

minor

Also known as Miss Harriet Skottë, Harriet

A young woman, possibly a love interest or acquaintance of Martin, with a refined name.

Kolmodin

minor

A character, possibly a friend or colleague, with a brief appearance.

Willie

minor

A young boy, possibly a relative or neighbor, who appears in the story.

Father

minor

Martin's father, a family figure who appears in his memories or scenes.

Gabel

minor

A character, possibly a friend or acquaintance, with a limited role.

Mamma

minor

A term for mother, possibly used by a child or in a domestic scene.

Secretary Oldhusen

minor

A secretary, possibly related to Miss Oldhusen, with a minor role.

John

minor

A common name, possibly a servant or acquaintance, with a brief appearance.

Papa

minor

Also known as papa

A term for father, used in a domestic or childhood context.

Director Sundell

minor

A director, possibly a business or official figure, with a minor role.

Hamlet

minor

The Shakespearean character, referenced in a literary or theatrical context.

Pella Oldhusen

minor

Also known as Pella

A woman, possibly a relative of Miss Oldhusen, with a small role.

Punch

minor

A character from a puppet show or literary reference, possibly symbolic.

Mother

minor

A generic term for mother, possibly used in a specific scene.

Charles XII

minor

Also known as XII

The Swedish king, referenced as a historical figure in the narrative.

Gretchen

minor

A woman, possibly a literary or personal reference, with a minor role.

Song

minor

A personification or symbolic figure, possibly in a poetic context.

Sigrid Tesch

minor

A woman, possibly an acquaintance or relative, with a brief appearance.