Miss Julie

Miss Julie stands at the heart of the play as a young woman of aristocratic lineage, being the daughter of a count. Her character exhibits a fierce independence and a notable disdain for traditional female roles, a mindset she inherited from her mother. The household buzzes with gossip about her broken engagement, a scandal stemming from her coercing her fiancé to repeatedly jump over her horsewhip, each jump resulting in a cut, eventually driving him away. Seizing the opportunity presented by her father's absence, Julie joins the servants' holiday festivities, blatantly ignoring societal norms.

Julie's relationship with Jean, her father's valet, is complex, swinging between tenderness and animosity. Caught in a tangle of emotions, she oscillates between numerous plans: escaping alone, running away with Jean, or forming a suicide pact when their affection dwindles. She briefly considers bringing along Jean's fiancée, Christine, though Christine outright rejects the idea. Their bond deteriorates further when Jean, at her behest, kills her cherished pet finch, transforming Julie's affection into hatred. Enthralled by the notion of liberation through death, she takes Jean's razor and leaves, contemplating suicide.

Julie grapples with her societal and gender identity throughout the play. Her upbringing by a mother who encouraged boyish behavior muddles her understanding of her role as both a woman and an aristocrat. Although she experiences shame over her actions, by the conclusion, she remains torn between her aristocratic heritage and a yearning for equality with the servants. In a final act of despair and submission, she directs Jean to command her to end her life.

Jean

Jean, serving as both Miss Julie's lover and her father's valet, is driven by ambition and a desire to transcend his social standing. His aspiration to rise above his current status manifests in dreams of opening a hotel in Como, Italy, thereby equating himself with Julie's father. Jean expresses to Julie his appreciation for refined dining and quality wines, encapsulated in a metaphorical climb up a tree, representing his quest for upward mobility. However, his engagement to Christine, the cook, binds him to the servant class he professes to despise. His liaison with Julie complicates his situation, as he fears losing his position due to this indiscretion.

After their intimate encounter, Jean appears to disregard traditional power dynamics, openly insulting Julie. Nevertheless, he demands Christine show respect for Julie as her mistress. His bravado disintegrates with the count's return, as Jean reverts to his subservient role, revealing that his ambitions may never be realized. Despite occasional daring actions, such as pilfering wine from his master, Jean's servility prevails, casting doubt on his capacity to elevate his status. Ultimately, he hands Julie his razor, suggesting suicide as an escape from her turmoil, yet he remains powerless to prevent her tragic fate.

Christine

Christine, Jean's fiancée and the household cook, embodies traditional values and a clear awareness of her societal standing. Her character is steeped in religious conviction and a firm belief in proper conduct. Initially appalled by Julie's behavior, Christine's disapproval intensifies upon learning of Julie's affair with Jean. She struggles with the idea of working for those she deems indecent.

Despite her distress over Jean's indiscretion, Christine rationalizes that Julie's higher social standing reduces the gravity of the sin. In her view, Julie's actions represent a complete degradation of her status, worthy of scorn. Christine's loyalty lies with the Count, a fact underscored when she ensures that no horses will be available for Julie and Jean's escape, thus sealing their fate. Her commitment to traditional values and allegiance to the Count highlight the social and moral boundaries she refuses to transgress.