# Niels Lyhne — Character guide

> Key figures in Niels Lyhne by J. P. Jacobsen.

- [Niels Lyhne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/niels_lyhne.md): The protagonist, a young man searching for meaning in life, love, and art.
- [Fennimore](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/fennimore.md): A passionate woman who becomes entangled in a tragic love affair with Niels.
- [Erik Refstrup](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/erik_refstrup.md): Niels's friend and rival, a painter married to Fennimore.
- [Mrs. Boye](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/mrs_boye.md): A sophisticated older woman who introduces Niels to intellectual circles.
- [Dr. Hjerrild](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/dr_hjerrild.md): A physician and friend who offers Niels counsel and companionship.
- [Gerda](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/gerda.md): Niels's young cousin, a gentle and innocent presence in his life.
- [Bigum](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/bigum.md): A quirky, loquacious schoolmaster who befriends Niels.
- [Bartholine](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/bartholine.md): Niels's aunt, a stern and religious woman who influences his childhood.
- [Frithjof](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/frithjof.md): A painter and friend of Niels, part of the artistic milieu.
- [Young Lyhne of Lønborggård](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/young_lyhne_of_lonborggard.md): Niels's cousin, a landowner and foil to Niels's artistic nature.
- [Edele Lyhne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/edele_lyhne.md): Niels's cousin and first love, a beautiful but fragile young woman.
- [Madame Odéro](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/madame_odero.md): An eccentric and wealthy widow who hosts salons.
- [J. P. Jacobsen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/jacobsen.md): The author, occasionally referenced as a narrative voice.
- [Miss Lyhne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/miss_lyhne.md): Niels's unmarried aunt, a minor relative.
- [Berendt Claudi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/berendt_claudi.md): A younger relative of Consul Claudi, a businessman.
- [Mr. Boye](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/mr_boye.md): Mrs. Boye's husband, a minor figure in social scenes.
- [Helge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/helge.md): A legendary Norse king mentioned in Niels's childhood stories.
- [The Neergaards](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/the_neergaards.md): A family who host social gatherings Niels attends.
- [Councillor Skinnerup](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/councillor_skinnerup.md): A local official and acquaintance of the Lyhne family.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters