The Adventurous Simplicissimus Characters
by HansJakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen

Simplicius Simplicissimus

Simplicius Simplicissimus, a simple lad reared in Germany’s Spessart Forest. At the age of twelve, when taken by soldiers to Hanau, he knows only that he has been reared by peasants and a hermit. He pretends to have lost his wits and becomes the governor’s fool. Later, he becomes a great soldier known as the Hunter of Soest and has many adventures. He learns eventually that he is really the son of a German nobleman and that his real name is Melchior Sternfels von Fuchsheim, but he still remains an adventurer, traveling all over the world.

A peasant

A peasant, Simplicissimus’ foster father, a good man. He turns up later to inform Simplicissimus of his true identity.

A hermit

A hermit, who befriends Simplicissimus when, at the age of ten, he is separated from his foster parents during the Thirty Years’ War. He is really a nobleman, Simplicissimus’ father, who became a hermit because he was sick of war. His name is Herr von Fuchsheim.

Ulrich Herzbruder

Ulrich Herzbruder, a young German who becomes Simplicissimus’ friend and aids him many times.

Oliver

Oliver, an erstwhile friend of Simplicissimus who mistreats Ulrich Herzbruder.