The King of the Mountains: Analysis of Major Characters
"The King of the Mountains" is a narrative featuring a complex interplay of characters set against a backdrop of Greek brigandage. The central figure, Hadgi-Stavros, is portrayed as a ruthless brigand who resorts to extreme cruelty, including torture and hostage-taking, to extract ransom. Hermann Schultz, a young German botanist, emerges as a clever protagonist who, despite his captivity, cleverly turns the tables on the brigands by poisoning them. Mrs. Simons, a wealthy Englishwoman, represents a contrasting perspective, initially supportive of Hermann's endeavors but later exhibiting a cold demeanor post-rescue.
John Harris, Hermann's American friend, plays a crucial role in the dynamics of captivity and negotiation, holding Photini, a Greek girl and secret daughter of Hadgi-Stavros, as a hostage. The narrative also introduces Dmitri, who is in love with Photini and serves as a guide to Mrs. Simons, highlighting the romantic tensions woven throughout the story. Lastly, Mary Ann Simons, Mrs. Simons' daughter, is the object of Hermann's affection, though obstacles posed by her mother's influence create additional complexity in the character relationships. This exploration of themes such as power, love, and survival invites readers to delve deeper into the characters' motivations and struggles.
The King of the Mountains: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Edmond François About
First published: Le Roi des montagnes, 1856 (English translation, 1861)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Greece
Plot: Adventure
Time: Mid-nineteenth century
Hadgi-Stavros HAHD-ji STAHV-rohs), “king of the mountains,” a cruel Greek brigand. He holds people for ransom, killing them if the ransom is not paid. He shows his cruelty by torturing Hermann Schultz, even trying to roast the young German alive.
Hermann Schultz, a young German botanist doing research in the Greek mountains. Captured by the brigands, he daringly dupes them of their hostages and their ransom. He poisons the brigands with arsenic from his specimen box.
Mrs. Simons, a wealthy, arrogant Englishwoman captured by Hadgi-Stavros. She encourages Hermann with her daughter until rescued. After their rescue, she is but icily polite to the young man.
John Harris, Hermann's American friend. He keeps Photini as a hostage until the young German is released by the bandits.
Photini (foh-TEE-nee), a homely Greek girl in love with John Harris. She turns out to be the daughter of the king of the mountains.
Dmitri (DMEE-tree), a young Greek in love with Photini. He acts as Mrs. Simons' guide while on her tour of the Greek countryside, during which she is captured by the brigands.
Mary Ann Simons, the daughter of Mrs. Simons. She is loved by Hermann, although he realizes her mother will not let them marry.
Captain Pericles (PEHR-ih-kleez), a soldier in league with the brigands.