Melchior Gabor

Melchior Gabor (MEHL-shee-ohr gah-BOHR) is a promising high school student navigating the complexities of adolescence, particularly as he begins to experience sexual awareness. In an effort to enlighten his friend Moritz Stiefel, Melchior writes a note explaining his knowledge of sex. This act unwittingly leads to dire consequences when the note is discovered after Moritz's tragic suicide, resulting in Melchior being accused of moral corruption. His mother defends him until she faces the undeniable truth of Wendla Bergmann’s pregnancy, for which Melchior is responsible.

Moritz Stiefel

Moritz Stiefel (MOH-rihts STEE-fehl) is a close friend of Melchior Gabor. He struggles with overpowering sexual urges and a profound fear of academic failure. These internal conflicts, compounded by societal pressures, ultimately drive him to take his own life. Before his death, Moritz is approached by Ilse, a prostitute, who attempts to seduce him, highlighting his turmoil and vulnerability.

Wendla Bergmann

Wendla Bergmann (VAYN-dlah BEHRG-mahn) is a fourteen-year-old girl who becomes pregnant with Melchior Gabor's child. Tragically, she dies during an unsafe and illegal abortion attempt. Her lack of understanding about love and sex is partly due to her mother, Mrs. Bergmann, who avoids giving her truthful answers about such matters.

Mrs. Bergmann

Mrs. Bergmann is Wendla’s mother, who fails to provide her daughter with honest information about love and sexuality. This evasion leaves Wendla ill-prepared for the realities she faces, contributing indirectly to the tragic outcomes in her daughter's life.

Mr. Gabor

Mr. Gabor, alongside

Mrs. Gabor

Mrs. Gabor, are Melchior's parents. They are confronted with the ramifications of their son’s actions when Wendla's pregnancy comes to light. Mrs. Gabor initially supports Melchior but her support wanes under societal pressure and the weight of the scandal.

Martha

Martha and

Thea

Thea are Wendla’s confidantes. Together, they share their thoughts and feelings on love and sexuality, providing Wendla with some semblance of guidance in a society that offers little truthful information.

Ilse

Ilse (IHL-seh) is a prostitute who encounters Moritz Stiefel and makes an attempt to seduce him. Her presence in Moritz's life represents a fleeting escape from his overwhelming pressures and conflicts.

Mr. Stiefel

Mr. Stiefel is Moritz's father, a retired pensioner, who is left to grapple with the aftermath of his son's suicide and the stigma that follows.

Dr. Von Brausepulver

Dr. Von Brausepulver (BROW-seh-pool-fur) and

Mother Schmidt

Mother Schmidt are abortionists whose dangerous practices lead to Wendla Bergmann’s death. Their involvement underscores the dire consequences of inadequate sexual education and the societal taboos surrounding reproductive health.

A muffled gentleman

A muffled gentleman appears to both the ghost of Moritz Stiefel and the living Melchior Gabor during a conversation among the graves. He admonishes Moritz for trying to draw Melchior into death's embrace and ultimately departs with Melchior, symbolizing a choice between life and the afterlife.