Elective Affinities (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Johann Goethe
- First Published: 1809
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Love
- Time of Work: Eighteenth century
- Setting: Germany
- Genres: Long fiction, Philosophical realism
- Subjects: Love or romance, Marriage, Pregnancy, Eighteenth century, Adultery, Death or dying, Castles, Germany or German people, Nobility
- Locales: Germany
Characters Discussed
Edward (EHD-vahrd), a wealthy nobleman. He lives an idyllic life on his estate with his wife, Charlotte, until the arrival of Ottilie, for whom he develops a passion which, in his immaturity, he does little to control. He and Ottilie are finally united in death.
Charlotte (shahr-LOHT-teh), Edward’s wife. She lives happily with her husband until his friend, the Captain, comes to live with them, and she and the Captain fall in love. A mature person, she controls her passion and resolves to adhere to the moral code. She is united with the Captain...
[The entire page is 502 words long]
