Character guide

Simplicissimus

major

Also known as Melchior, Melchior Sternfels von Fuchshaim, young Simplicissimus, Herr Simplicissimus, the good Simplicissimus, poor Simplicissimus

The naive protagonist who journeys from rustic innocence through war, folly, and spiritual awakening.

Ulrich Herzbruder

supporting

Also known as old Herzbruder, young Herzbruder, the honest Herzbruder, good old Herzbruder, So poor Ulrich

Simplicissimus's loyal friend and moral compass, a soldier of deep faith.

Oliver

supporting

Also known as the traitorous Oliver

A treacherous and violent brigand who becomes Simplicissimus's enemy.

The Governor

supporting

Also known as the Governor, The governor

The commanding officer of Hanau who takes Simplicissimus into his service.

The Hermit

supporting

A pious hermit who rescues and educates young Simplicissimus in the woods.

Jupiter

supporting

Also known as great Jupiter

A madman who believes he is the king of the gods and befriends Simplicissimus.

Springinsfeld

supporting

A roguish soldier and companion who shares adventures with Simplicissimus.

The Huntsman of Soest

minor

Also known as Soest, The Huntsman, the Huntsman, Huntsman

A legendary marksman and trickster whose exploits Simplicissimus hears of.

Monsieur Canard

minor

Also known as the good Canard

A French quack doctor and stage player who employs Simplicissimus.

Governor Ramsay

minor

Also known as Ramsay, Susanna Ramsay

A Scottish governor and father of Susanna, involved in Simplicissimus's marriage.

Count von der Wahl

minor

Also known as the Count von der Wahl, the said Count von der Wahl, Count von Wahl

A nobleman and military commander who employs Simplicissimus as a page.

Torstensohn

minor

A Swedish general mentioned in the narrative of the war.

Count Götz

minor

Also known as General Count Götz, Count von Götz, the said Count Götz

A German general and military leader during the Thirty Years' War.

Duke Bernhard of Weimar

minor

Also known as Weimar

A prominent Protestant general in the Thirty Years' War.

Count Mansfeld

minor

Also known as Mansfeld

A famous military commander of the early Thirty Years' War.

Wallenstein

minor

The imperial generalissimo, a major figure in the war's background.

Hans Jacob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen

minor

Also known as Christoffel von Grimmelshausen, Jacob, Hans

The author, who appears as a character in the framing narrative.

Simon Meron

minor

A carpenter who is shipwrecked with Simplicissimus and becomes his companion.

The Mummelsee

minor

Also known as the Wonderful Mummelsee, Mummelsee

A magical lake spirit who guides Simplicissimus to the center of the earth.

Burchiello

minor

A character encountered during Simplicissimus's travels in Italy.

Jean Cornelissen of Harlem

minor

Also known as Jean Cornelissen, Cornelissen

A Dutch painter whose works are mentioned in the narrative.

Ghirlandus

minor

A character referenced in the context of Simplicissimus's adventures.

John of Hembach

minor

Also known as Hembach

A minor character appearing in the narrative.

Count Adam Terzky

minor

Also known as Adam

A nobleman and associate of Wallenstein mentioned in the story.

Antonio Quevara

minor

Also known as the Franciscan friar Quevara, Quevara

A Franciscan friar whose writings are cited in the text.

Tittmann

minor

A character mentioned in passing during the narrative.

Daniel St. André

minor

Also known as St. André, Daniel

A character encountered in Simplicissimus's later travels.

Herr von Schönstein

minor

A nobleman mentioned in the context of Simplicissimus's service.

The Provost Marshal

minor

Also known as the wicked old Provost Marshal, Provost, the Provost

A cruel military official who torments soldiers.

Jump-i'-th'-field

minor

Also known as Jump, Whereupon Jump

A soldier known for his leaping ability, a minor character.

Robert Fitzroy Bell

minor

Also known as Anna, Ann, Mary

A character mentioned in the later part of the book.

The Accurate Dahlmann

minor

A character referenced in the narrative.

Hading

minor

A minor character mentioned in the story.

Torquemada

minor

A historical figure referenced in the text.

Fortunatus

minor

A legendary figure whose story is alluded to.

Ganymede

minor

Also known as Dear Ganymede, dear Ganymede

A mythological figure mentioned in the narrative.

The Branntwein

minor

Also known as Branntwein

A personification or character associated with brandy.

Rehnen

minor

A minor character mentioned in the narrative.

Wesel

minor

A location personified or a character associated with the town.