Debit and Credit: Analysis of Major Characters
"Debit and Credit: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate dynamics of characters within a German business and social context. Central to the narrative is Anton Wohlfart, a young, intelligent man who transforms from an employee to a partner in a firm after successfully managing the chaotic affairs of the nobleman Baron von Rothsattel. The story also highlights T. O. Schröter, a principled businessman and Anton's employer, alongside his sister Sabine, who becomes Anton's wife. The character of Baron von Rothsattel is marked by his aristocratic pride and eventual downfall, influenced by his daughter Lenore, who plays a pivotal role in guiding Anton to retrieve the family's lost estates. Additional characters include the scheming Hirsch Ehrenthal, who represents unscrupulous financial dealings, and his accomplice Veitel Itzig, whose manipulative actions ultimately lead to his demise. The narrative is enriched by Fritz von Fink, an Americanized nobleman who aids in restoring the Baron’s fortunes and marries Lenore. Together, these characters reflect themes of ambition, social status, and the complexities of moral integrity in financial affairs.
Debit and Credit: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Gustav Freytag
First published: Soll und Haben, 1855 (English translation, 1893)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Germany
Plot: Social realism
Time: Early nineteenth century
Anton Wohlfart (AHN-tohn VOHL-fahrt), a young middle-class German. Intelligent and attractive, he wins the esteem of his employer, T. O. Schröter, whom he later antagonizes by becoming the agent of Baron von Rothsattel. After bringing order out of the chaos of the Baron's affairs, he marries Sabine Schröter and becomes a partner in T. O. Schröter's firm.
T. O. Schröter (SHREH-tehr), an honorable German businessman and the employer of Anton Wohlfart.
Sabine Schröter (zah-BEE-neh),T.O.Schröter'ssister,who marries Anton Wohlfart.
Baron von Rothsattel (ROHT-zaht-tehl), a German nobleman. His chaotic business affairs are put in order by Anton Wohlfart, whom the Baron insults and finally dismisses because of a misplaced sense of rank.
Lenore von Rothsattel (leh-NOH-reh), Baron von Rothsattel's beautiful daughter, who persuades Anton Wohlfart to become her father's agent and retrieve the Baron's ruined estates. She marries Fritz von Fink.
Hirsch Ehrenthal (hihrsh EH-rehn-tahl), an unscrupulous usurer who plots the financial ruin of Baron von Rothsattel.
Veitel Itzig (VI-tehl IHT-zihg), an employee of Hirsch Ehrenthal. With his knowledge of Ehrenthal's affairs and by means of a dishonest manipulation of documents, he plots to acquire Baron von Rothsattel's estates. He is drowned in his attempt to escape arrest.
Fritz von Fink, an Americanized German nobleman and friend of Anton Wohlfart. He is instrumental in saving Baron von Rothsattel's Polish estates and marries Lenore von Rothsattel.
Eugen von Rothsattel (OY-gehn), Baron von Rothsattel's gallant but impractical son.