Character guide

Werther

major

Also known as poor Werther, O Werther, Dear Werther, the unfortunate Werther

The passionate and sensitive young man whose letters and experiences form the core of the novel.

Charlotte

major

Also known as dear Charlotte

The kind and virtuous object of Werther's obsessive love, who is engaged and later married to Albert.

Albert

major

Charlotte's sensible and steady fiancé, later husband, who becomes a rival to Werther.

Wilhelm

supporting

Also known as O Wilhelm, dear Wilhelm, Dear Wilhelm

Werther's trusted friend and the recipient of most of his letters.

The Servant

minor

Also known as his servant, my servant, the servant

Werther's loyal servant who attends to him.

Miss B

minor

Also known as the agreeable Miss B⁠⸺, Miss B⁠⸺ walking

A lady of Werther's acquaintance who appears in his social circle.

Herr Schmidt

minor

An acquaintance of Werther's mentioned in passing.

The Judge

minor

A local official, likely the father of a peasant lad Werther befriends.

The Doctor

minor

A doctor who attends to a character in the story.

Young Servant Girl

minor

Also known as a young servant - girl

A servant girl who becomes infatuated with Werther.

The good-natured A

minor

Also known as The good - natured A⁠⸺

A friendly acquaintance of Werther's.

Frederica

minor

A woman mentioned in connection to a story Werther hears.

Sophy

minor

A young woman in Charlotte's household, likely one of her siblings.

Jane

minor

A name mentioned in a poetic or quoted context within the narrative.

Henry

minor

A name mentioned in a poetic or quoted context within the narrative.

Philip

minor

A name mentioned in a poetic or quoted context within the narrative.

Ossian

minor

The legendary Celtic bard whose poems Werther reads and quotes passionately.