Characters Discussed

Jean-Christophe Krafft

Jean-Christophe Krafft (zhah[n]-krees-TOHF krahft), a musical genius who is uneducated in most phases of life. He has temporary love affairs and gets involved in the syndicalist political movement. He dies alone in Paris, recognized as the world’s greatest composer of modern music.

Melchior Krafft

Melchior Krafft (mehl-CHOHR), his virtuoso father.

Louisa

Louisa (lwee-ZAH), his lower-class mother.

Jean Michel

Jean Michel (zhah[n] mee-SHEHL), a famous orchestra conductor and Jean-Christophe’s grandfather.

Ada

Ada (ah-DAH), a vulgar shop girl who becomes Jean-Christophe’s first mistress.

Lorchen

Lorchen (lohr-SHAH[N]), a young farm girl in whose defense Jean-Christophe kills a soldier and has to leave Germany.

Colette Stevens

Colette Stevens (koh-LEHT stay-VAH[N]), a coquette to whom Jean-Christophe gives music lessons.

Grazia

Grazia (grah-TSYAH), Colette’s cousin, who secretly helps build Jean-Christophe’s reputation. After her husband’s death, she encourages Jean-Christophe in Switzerland.

Antoinette

Antoinette (ahn-twah-NEHT), who dies of consumption while educating her brother Olivier.

Olivier

Olivier (oh-lee-VYAY), a writer who admires Jean-Christophe’s work. He is killed while with Jean-Christophe in a May Day political riot.

Jacqueline

Jacqueline (zhahk-LEEN), a shallow girl, Olivier’s wife.

Anna

Anna (ah-NAH), a married woman with whom Jean-Christophe has an affair during his Swiss exile.