Character guide

Hulda Hansen

major

Also known as Hulda, V Hulda, pretty little Hulda, poor Hulda, little Hulda, Poor Hulda, Sandgoist Hulda

A central character whose fate intertwines with multiple suitors and family secrets.

Sylvius Hogg

major

Also known as IX Sylvius Hogg, Mr. Sylvius, Mister Sylvius, Mr. Sylvius Hogg, Sylvius, Mr. Hogg, Sylvius Hogg—but, Professor Sylvius Hogg, XV Sylvius Hogg, Monsieur Sylvius, Monsieur Hogg

A professor and suitor, deeply involved in the romantic and legal entanglements of the story.

Joel Hansen

major

Also known as Joel, Dal, Joel Hansen, Even Joel, Mister Joel, XI Joel, Madame Joel Hansen of Dal

A key male character from Dal, entangled in family and romantic conflicts.

Dame Hansen

supporting

Also known as good Dame Hansen, the Hansen, Dame Hansen—I

Matriarch of the Hansen family, central to domestic and plot dynamics.

Ole Kamp

supporting

Also known as Ole, IV Ole Kamp, poor Ole, Ole Kamp, Poor Ole

A young mate and suitor whose journey to Christiania drives early plot events.

Monsieur Sandgoist

supporting

Also known as Sandgoist, Mr. Sandgoist

A mysterious figure with financial and romantic interests in the Hansen family.

Mr. Benett

supporting

Also known as Benett, friend Benett, Monsieur Benett

A friend and confidant involved in the unfolding drama.

Siegfrid Helmboe

supporting

Also known as Siegfrid, mademoiselle, Mademoiselle Siegfrid Helmboe, the charming Siegfrid, Siegfrid of Bamble

A charming young woman from Bamble, central to romantic subplots.

The Stranger

supporting

Also known as the stranger, The stranger

An enigmatic figure whose identity and motives are gradually revealed.

Junior

minor

Also known as Help, Help , Junior

A minor character associated with the Help family business.

The Viking

minor

Also known as Viking, the missing Viking

A legendary or symbolic figure referenced in the narrative.

Pastor Andersen

minor

A local clergyman who appears in community scenes.

Farmer Helmboe

minor

A farmer and likely father of Siegfrid Helmboe.

The Skydskarl

minor

Also known as skydskarl

A driver or postilion who appears in travel scenes.

Help Bros.

minor

Also known as Help

A business entity or family name mentioned in the story.

Harald Hansen

minor

Also known as Harald

A member of the Hansen family with limited appearances.

Mother

minor

A maternal figure referenced in dialogue or narration.

Madame Hogg

minor

A relative or associate of Sylvius Hogg.

Captain Mosselman

minor

Also known as This Captain Mosselman

A sea captain mentioned in the narrative.

Saint Olaf

minor

A historical saint referenced in the story.

Lengling

minor

Also known as foreman Lengling, Foreman Lengling

A foreman who appears in work-related scenes.

The Storthing

minor

Also known as Storthing

The Norwegian parliament, referenced as an institution.

The Maristien

minor

A location or path name mentioned in the book.

Fink

minor

Also known as faithful Fink, old Fink

A loyal servant or animal companion in the story.