# The Breaking of the Storm — Character guide

> Key figures in The Breaking of the Storm by Friedrich Spielhagen.

- [Reinhold Schmidt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/reinhold_schmidt.md): A young lieutenant and central protagonist, torn between love and duty.
- [Elsa von Werben](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/elsa_von_werben.md): The beautiful and spirited daughter of the von Werben family, Reinhold's love interest.
- [Ottomar von Werben](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/ottomar_von_werben.md): Elsa's brother, a proud and impulsive young officer.
- [The General](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/the_general.md): A high-ranking military figure, likely the father of Elsa and Ottomar.
- [Signor Giraldi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/signor_giraldi.md): An Italian singer and mysterious figure with a past connected to the Werbens.
- [Ferdinanda Schmidt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/ferdinanda_schmidt.md): Reinhold's sister, a kind and gentle young woman.
- [Uncle Ernst](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/uncle_ernst.md): Reinhold and Ferdinanda's uncle, a warm-hearted and eccentric relative.
- [Carla von Wallbach](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/carla_von_wallbach.md): A lively and flirtatious young woman, friend of Elsa.
- [Meta von Strummin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/meta_von_strummin.md): A friend of the von Werben family, often involved in social gatherings.
- [Herr Philip Schmidt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/herr_philip_schmidt.md): Reinhold's father, a stern and principled man.
- [Justus Anders](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/justus_anders.md): A friend and confidant of Reinhold, a thoughtful and loyal companion.
- [Cilli](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/cilli.md): A blind young woman, gentle and perceptive, cared for by the community.
- [Signor Antonio](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/signor_antonio.md): An Italian musician and associate of Giraldi.
- [Count Golm](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/count_golm.md): A nobleman and rival for Elsa's affections, wealthy and arrogant.
- [Aunt Rikchen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/aunt_rikchen.md): A kindly older relative of the Schmidt family.
- [Baroness Valerie Warnow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/baroness_valerie_warnow.md): A mysterious and sophisticated noblewoman with a hidden agenda.
- [Frau Louisa von Wallbach](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/frau_louisa_von_wallbach.md): Carla's mother, a good-natured but somewhat scatterbrained woman.
- [Captain von Schönau](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/captain_von_schonau.md): A fellow officer and friend of Reinhold.
- [Bertalda](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/bertalda.md): A young woman in the social circle, possibly a friend of Elsa.
- [Aunt Sidonie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/aunt_sidonie.md): An older relative of the von Werben family, often offering advice.
- [Herr von Wallbach](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/herr_von_wallbach.md): Carla's father, a somewhat flustered and conventional gentleman.
- [Grollmann](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/grollmann.md): An old family retainer or friend, gruff but loyal.
- [Hugo Lübbener](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/hugo_lubbener.md): A friend of Reinhold, possibly a fellow officer.
- [François](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/francois.md): A French servant or valet in the von Werben household.
- [Herr von Werben](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/herr_von_werben.md): The proud and stern father of Elsa and Ottomar.
- [Princess Heinrich August](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/princess_heinrich_august.md): A visiting royal figure, adding social tension to the story.
- [Frau Pölitz](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/frau_politz.md): A local woman, possibly a housekeeper or innkeeper.
- [Old Baroness Kniebreche](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/old_baroness_kniebreche.md): An elderly, eccentric noblewoman with a sharp tongue.
- [Captain Schmidt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/captain_schmidt.md): A military officer, possibly a relative of Reinhold.
- [Antonio Michele](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/antonio_michele.md): A celebrated Italian singer, admired by the characters.
- [General von Werben](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/general_von_werben.md): The General of the von Werben family, a military patriarch.
- [Fräulein Sidonie von Werben](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/fraulein_sidonie_von_werben.md): A younger relative of the von Werbens, possibly Elsa's cousin.
- [Councillor Schieler](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/councillor_schieler.md): A legal advisor involved in family affairs.
- [Papa Kreisel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/papa_kreisel.md): An older gentleman, possibly a family friend or relative.
- [Edward Lasker](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/edward_lasker.md): A historical figure mentioned in passing, possibly a politician.
- [Herr Damberg](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/herr_damberg.md): A minor character, possibly a merchant or official.
- [Colonel von Bohl](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/colonel_von_bohl.md): A senior military officer, a figure of authority.
- [Cesare](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/cesare.md): An Italian servant or associate of Giraldi.
- [Friedrich Spielhagen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/friedrich_spielhagen.md): The author himself, possibly appearing as a narrator or character.
- [Baroness von Holzweg](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/baroness_von_holzweg.md): A noblewoman, possibly a friend of the von Werbens.
- [Prince Bismarck](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/prince_bismarck.md): The historical Chancellor, mentioned in political discussions.
- [Frau Rickmann](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/frau_rickmann.md): A local woman, possibly a housekeeper or neighbor.
- [Herr Müller](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/herr_muller.md): A minor character, possibly a tradesman or official.
- [Prince Clemda](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/prince_clemda.md): A young prince, a minor noble character.
- [Richard Wagner](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/richard_wagner.md): The composer, mentioned in discussions of music and art.
- [Herr Kreisel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/herr_kreisel.md): A minor character, possibly related to Papa Kreisel.
- [Lazzaro Cecutti](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/lazzaro_cecutti.md): An Italian character, possibly a musician or servant.
- [Lesto](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/lesto.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or local.
- [Colonel Sattelstädt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/colonel_sattelstadt.md): A military officer, a figure of minor authority.
- [Young Grieben](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/young_grieben.md): A young officer of the Hussars, a minor suitor.
- [Von Wartenberg](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/von_wartenberg.md): A minor nobleman mentioned in the story.
- [Carl Peters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/carl_peters.md): A young boy, possibly a relative or servant.
- [Anton Baier](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/anton_baier.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or worker.
- [Madame la Duchesse de Rosambert](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/madame_la_duchesse_de_rosambert.md): A French noblewoman, a visiting character.
- [Old Barbara Cecutti](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/old_barbara_cecutti.md): An elderly Italian woman, possibly a servant.
- [Frau von Pusterhausen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/frau_von_pusterhausen.md): A minor noblewoman mentioned in passing.
- [Herr von Walbach](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/herr_von_walbach.md): A variant spelling of Herr von Wallbach.
- [Andreas Achenbach](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/andreas_achenbach.md): A historical painter, mentioned as an allusion.
- [The Panaris](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/the_panaris.md): A family or group of Italian performers.
- [Agnes Holzweg](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/agnes_holzweg.md): A young woman, possibly a friend of the von Werbens.
- [Haselow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/haselow.md): A minor character, possibly a local official.
- [Signora Frederica](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/signora_frederica.md): An Italian woman, possibly a singer or performer.
- [Madame Veitel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/madame_veitel.md): A minor female character, possibly a shopkeeper.

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