Gudbjartur Jonsson (Bjartur)

Bjartur, the central character of Independent People, epitomizes the indomitable spirit of the Icelandic peasant. His life is a relentless pursuit of autonomy, having spent years laboring on another's land before acquiring his own farm. Bjartur's determination to maintain independence is matched by his resilience and stubbornness, often to the point of cruelty. He endures the loss of two wives: Rósa, who dies during childbirth, and Finna, who succumbs after years of hardship on the farm. Despite knowing Ásta, Rósa’s child, is not his biological daughter, he raises her as his own. Tragically, his harshness leads to estrangement from Ásta, who he casts out when she becomes pregnant. Ultimately, Bjartur loses his home but is reconciled with Ásta, taking her and her children to live with him and Hallbera in an old sod house. This reuniting symbolizes the enduring bond between two fiercely independent spirits. His relationship with his children is fraught with loss: Helgi dies in childhood, Nonni emigrates to America, and while Gvendur remains, he too is drawn to the allure of distant lands and political radicalism.

Ásta Sollilja (Sola)

Ásta Sollilja, Bjartur’s adopted daughter, is marked by a romantic and imaginative nature. She inherits her mother's physical trait—a cast in one eye—and shares her longing for a more fulfilling life. Her journey is marred by misfortune: impregnated by a tutor, she is disowned by Bjartur. Yet, Ásta remains independent, refusing the aid of her biological father, Ingólfur. Eventually, she becomes consumptive, but the prospect of reuniting with Bjartur brings her solace. Ásta's life is a poignant exploration of independence and familial bonds, mirroring Bjartur’s own struggles.

Rósa

Rósa, Bjartur’s first wife, embodies the tension between tradition and progress. She is a small, resilient woman with a distinctive eye condition, pregnant with Ásta during her marriage to Bjartur. Rósa holds fast to folk superstitions and traditional values, clashing with Bjartur’s disdain for such beliefs. Her untimely death during childbirth leaves a profound impact, setting the stage for the ongoing saga of Bjartur and Ásta.

Finna

Finna, Bjartur’s second wife, is a tragic figure sent by Madam Myri to care for Ásta. Her life with Bjartur is characterized by poverty and neglect, compounded by rapid childbearing and a lack of emotional support. Her death is precipitated by Bjartur’s callousness, exemplified by the slaughter of her cherished cow, underscoring the harsh realities of their life together.

Gvendur

Gvendur, one of Bjartur’s sons, embodies the tension between familial duty and personal ambition. Initially planning to join his brother Nonni in America, he ultimately decides to stay, motivated by love for Ingólfur’s daughter, who later rejects him. Gvendur’s story reflects the larger themes of aspiration and the quest for belonging within the narrative.

Jon (Nonni)

Nonni, Bjartur’s younger son, serves as a symbol of youthful aspiration and the allure of new worlds. He departs for America to join an uncle, seeking opportunities beyond the confines of Iceland, just before the outbreak of World War I.

Ingólfur Arnarson Jonsson

Ingólfur Arnarson, Ásta’s biological father, plays a crucial role as the manager of a cooperative society. His offer of assistance to Ásta, which she declines, highlights the theme of independence that pervades the narrative.

Helgi

Helgi, Bjartur and Finna’s firstborn son, is a tragic figure lost on the moor, representing the fragile nature of life in the harsh Icelandic landscape.

Bailiff Jon of Myri

Bailiff Jon, Bjartur’s former employer for eighteen years, presents a complex character. Despite his slovenly appearance, he wields significant influence, which Bjartur resents, reflecting the power dynamics within the community.

Madam Myri

Madam Myri, the poetic...