Last Updated on May 5, 2015, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 196

Simplicius Simplicissimus

Download The Adventurous Simplicissimus Study Guide

Subscribe Now

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.

Last Updated on May 5, 2015, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 195