Character guide

Diogenes Teufelsdröckh

major

Also known as Professor Teufelsdröckh, Herr Teufelsdröckh, Teufelsdröckh, Diogenes, Herr Diogenes Teufelsdröckh, the Professor

Eccentric German philosopher whose autobiographical fragments form the core of the book.

The Editor

major

Also known as the Editor

Framing narrator who compiles and comments on Teufelsdröckh's papers.

Herr Hofrath Heuschrecke

supporting

Also known as Hofrath Heuschrecke, Heuschrecke, the Hofrath, Herr Heuschrecke

Teufelsdröckh's friend and correspondent who supplies the Editor with manuscripts.

Andreas Futteral

supporting

Also known as Andreas, the deceased Andreas Futteral

Teufelsdröckh's adoptive father, a simple rural worker.

Gretchen Futteral

supporting

Also known as Gretchen, the good Gretchen, Good old Gretchen

Teufelsdröckh's adoptive mother, a kind and pious woman.

Gneschen

minor

Also known as young Gneschen, the youthful Gneschen

Teufelsdröckh's childhood nickname, used for his early years.

Old Lieschen

minor

Also known as Lieschen, Lisekin, Liza

Teufelsdröckh's bed-maker and stove-lighter in his youth.

Herr Towgood

supporting

Also known as Towgood

Teufelsdröckh's English friend from his university days.

Blumine

supporting

Also known as the Blumine

Teufelsdröckh's first love, a beautiful and refined young woman.

Frau Gräfinn

minor

Also known as Frau Gräfinn

A countess who hosts Teufelsdröckh in society.

George Fox

minor

Also known as Fox

Founder of the Quakers, referenced as a spiritual exemplar.

Goethe

minor

Also known as him—Goethe

German poet and philosopher, a major intellectual influence on Teufelsdröckh.

Napoleon

minor

French emperor, used as a symbol of world-historical force.

Schiller

minor

Also known as the great Schiller

German poet and playwright, quoted and referenced by Teufelsdröckh.

Luther

minor

Protestant reformer, cited as a model of spiritual struggle.

Lord Byron

minor

Also known as Byron, Aaron

Romantic poet, referenced as a figure of passionate genius.

Voltaire

minor

Also known as Herr von Voltaire

French philosopher, criticized for his skepticism.

Jesus of Nazareth

minor

Central figure of Christianity, invoked in religious discussions.

Monsieur Ude

minor

Famous French chef, mentioned in a culinary metaphor.

Sir Walter Raleigh

minor

Also known as Sir Walter

Elizabethan explorer and writer, cited as a historical example.