# Siddhartha — Character guide

> Key figures in Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse.

- [Siddhartha](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/siddhartha_se/characters/siddhartha.md): The protagonist, a seeker who journeys from Brahmin life through asceticism, wealth, love, and fatherhood in search of enlightenment.
- [Govinda](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/siddhartha_se/characters/govinda.md): Siddhartha's loyal childhood friend and fellow seeker, who follows the path of the Buddha.
- [Vasudeva](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/siddhartha_se/characters/vasudeva.md): The wise ferryman who becomes Siddhartha's mentor by the river.
- [Kamala](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/siddhartha_se/characters/kamala.md): A courtesan who teaches Siddhartha about love and worldly pleasure.
- [Gotama](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/siddhartha_se/characters/gotama.md): The historical Buddha, whom Siddhartha and Govinda meet; Siddhartha reveres him but chooses his own path.
- [Kamaswami](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/siddhartha_se/characters/kamaswami.md): A wealthy merchant who employs Siddhartha and teaches him business.
- [The Samanas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/siddhartha_se/characters/samanas.md): A group of ascetic wanderers with whom Siddhartha and Govinda live for a time.

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