The Trial · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Trial by Franz Kafka.
Josef K.
major
Also known as K., Mr. K., defendant K., Josef, Albert K., Now K.
A bank chief clerk arrested and prosecuted by a mysterious court, struggling to understand his case.
Leni
supporting
A nurse and mistress of Lawyer Huld, who becomes involved with Josef K. and Block.
Miss Bürstner
supporting
Also known as Miss Bürstner Someone
A lodger at Mrs. Grubach's boarding house who briefly befriends Josef K.
Block
supporting
Also known as Fetch Block, Mr. Block
A businessman also entangled in the court, who seeks help from Lawyer Huld.
Mrs. Grubach
supporting
Also known as the shocked Mrs. Grubach
Josef K.'s landlady, who is distressed by his arrest and its implications.
The Priest
supporting
A chaplain in the cathedral who tells Josef K. the parable of the law.
The Judge
minor
A presiding figure in the court who appears during Josef K.'s first interrogation.
Miss Montag
minor
Also known as Montag
A friend of Miss Bürstner who moves into her room after the arrest.
Franz Kafka
minor
Also known as Franz
The author, briefly referenced as a character in the narrative.
Titorelli
supporting
A painter who claims connections to the court and offers advice to Josef K.
The Examining Judge
minor
A judge who conducts the initial interrogation of Josef K.
Elsa
minor
A woman Josef K. occasionally visits, mentioned as a casual acquaintance.
Willem
minor
One of the warders who arrests Josef K. at the start of the story.
Uncle
supporting
Josef K.'s uncle, who visits and tries to help with the legal proceedings.
Karl
minor
Also known as Uncle Karl
A relative of Josef K., possibly his uncle, mentioned briefly.
Rudi
minor
A minor acquaintance or colleague of Josef K., briefly referenced.
Dr. Huld
supporting
Also known as Huld
A lawyer hired by Josef K.'s uncle to defend him in court.
Kaminer
minor
A colleague of Josef K. at the bank, mentioned in passing.
Erna
minor
A relative or acquaintance of Josef K., briefly mentioned.
Captain Lanz
minor
Also known as Lanz
A captain who appears briefly in the narrative.
Rabensteiner
minor
A colleague of Josef K. at the bank, mentioned in passing.
Kullich
minor
A colleague of Josef K. at the bank, mentioned in passing.
State Attorney Hasterer
minor
Also known as Hasterer
A state attorney who is an acquaintance of Josef K.
