Characters Discussed
(Great Characters in Literature)
Felix Krull
Felix Krull (FAY-lihks krewl), alias Armand, a hotel employee; alias the Marquis de Venosta. Impressed at a theatrical performance by the ease with which the actors create various impressions, Felix himself becomes an actor. From that time on he plays a variety of roles in life. As Armand, the waiter in a hotel, he leads a double life on the proceeds from the sale of jewels he steals from a guest, Mme Houpflé; impersonating the Marquis de Venosta, he sets out on a trip around the world.
Müller Rose
Müller Rose (MEW-lur ROH-suh), an actor whose performance inspires Felix Krull himself to become an actor.
Madame Houpflé
Madame Houpflé (HEWPF-lay), a guest at the hotel where Felix Krull, alias Armand, is employed. She becomes Armand’s mistress, and, to complete her humiliation, she begs him to rob her of all her valuables.
The Marquis de Venosta
The Marquis de Venosta (vay-NOH-stah), a nobleman. In despair because his parents plan to send him around the world, thus separating him from his mistress Zaza, he engages Armand (Felix Krull) to impersonate him and make the journey in his stead.
Dom Antonio José Kuckuck
Dom Antonio José Kuckuck (ahn-TOH-nyoh ho-SEH KEW-kewk), a Portuguese museum director whom Felix Krull, alias the Marquis de Venosta, visits in Lisbon.
Dona Maria Pia Kuckuck
Dona Maria Pia Kuckuck (mah-REE-ah PEE-ah), the wife of Dom Antonio José Kuckuck. She falls in love with Felix Krull, alias the Marquis de Venosta, while he is attempting to seduce her daughter.
Susanna “Zouzou” Kuckuck
Susanna “Zouzou” Kuckuck, their daughter.
Engelbert Krull
Engelbert Krull (ahng-GEHL-burt) and
Frau Krull
Frau Krull, Felix Krull’s parents.
Olympia Krull
Olympia Krull, Felix Krull’s sister.
Herr Schimmelpreester
Herr Schimmelpreester (shih-MAL-pray-stur), Felix Krull’s godfather.
Lord Strathbogie
Lord Strathbogie, a guest at the hotel where Felix Krull, alias Armand, works.
Zaza
Zaza (sah-sah), the Marquis de Venosta’s mistress.