The Weavers (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)

At a glance:

Characters Discussed

Herr Dreissiger (DRI-sih- gehr), a manufacturer who works his weavers for all he can, paying them as little as he can, though he does not think he is a bad man. When the weavers riot, he tries to stand up to them but is forced to flee with his family.

Herr Pfeifer (PFI-fur), Herr Dreissiger’s manager, who judges the weavers’ work harshly, so that less money must be paid for it. He sides with his master against the weavers.

Moritz Jaeger (MOH-rihts YAY-gehr), a husky young returned soldier. Appalled at the weavers’ misery, he leads them to riot. He terms Herr Dreissiger an oppressive villain.

Becker, an impudent young giant of a man who is one of the weavers. He becomes a leader in the riots. After he is captured, his fellow weavers free him from the hands of the police.

Old Baumert (BOW-mehrt), an elderly weaver who kills his pet dog so that his family can have meat.

Old Hilse (HIHL-zeh), an elderly weaver who believes the weavers are wrong to riot. He stays at his loom, only to be killed by a stray bullet.

Gottlieb Hilse (GOT-leeb), Old Hilse’s son. His wife shames him into joining the rioters.

Luise Hilse (lew-EE-zeh), Gottlieb’s wife. She braves the bayonets of the soldiers.

Mielchen Hilse (MEEL-khehn), Gottlieb and Luise’s small daughter.

Emma Baumert and

Bertha Baumert, Old Baumert’s two daughters, who wear themselves out at the looms.

William Ansorge (AHN-zohr- geh), the owner of the house in which the Baumerts live.

Pastor Kittelhaus (KIH-tehl- howz), a minister who has no sympathy for the rioting workers.

Herr Welzel (VEHL-tsehl), the keeper of the inn where the leaders of the weavers meet.

Anna Welzel, Herr Welzel’s merry, red-haired daughter.

Weinhold (VIN-hohlt), the tutor in Herr Dreissiger’s house. He sympathizes with the weavers.

Wiegand (WEE-gahnt), a joiner and coffin maker.