Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man: Analysis of Major Characters
"Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man" is a novel that delves into the life of Felix Krull, a charming and resourceful young man who becomes a master of deception. The narrative follows Felix as he adopts various identities, notably that of Armand, a hotel employee and jewel thief, and the Marquis de Venosta, a nobleman. Key characters include Müller Rose, an actor who inspires Felix’s transformation and ambition, and Madame Houpflé, a hotel guest who becomes both his lover and a victim of his deceit.
The story also features Dom Antonio José Kuckuck and his wife, who becomes infatuated with Felix while he pursues their daughter, Zouzou. Zaza, the Marquis's mistress, adds to the complexity of Felix's entangled relationships. Through its exploration of identity and manipulation, the novel raises questions about the nature of authenticity and the roles people play in society. As Felix navigates a world of intrigue and seduction, readers are invited to reflect on the thin line between confidence and deception.
Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Thomas Mann
First published: Bekenntnisse des Hochstaplers Felix Krull: Der Memoiren erster Teil, 1954 (English translation, 1955)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Germany, Paris, and Lisbon
Plot: Picaresque
Time: Early twentieth century
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 (MEW-lur ROH-suh), an actor whose performance inspires Felix Krull himself to become an actor.
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 (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 (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 (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, their daughter.
Engelbert Krull (ahng-GEHL-burt) and Frau Krull, Felix Krull's parents.
Olympia Krull, Felix Krull's sister.
Herr Schimmelpreester (shih-MAL-pray-stur), Felix Krull's godfather.
Lord Strathbogie, a guest at the hotel where Felix Krull, alias Armand, works.
Zaza (sah-sah), the Marquis de Venosta's mistress.