The Mysterious Stranger, A Romance: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Mysterious Stranger, A Romance" is a complex narrative that explores the interactions between a group of young boys and the enigmatic figure of Satan, also known as Philip Traum. The story is narrated by Theodor Fischer, the son of a church organist, who provides insights into the philosophical and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Central to the narrative are Theodor's friends, Nikolaus Bauman and Seppi Wohlmeyer, who become entangled in Satan's influence, leading to tragic outcomes, including Nikolaus's drowning while trying to save a young girl, Elsa.
Satan, who presents himself as a charming and mysterious stranger, embodies a nihilistic worldview, undermining traditional concepts of morality and existence, claiming to be an ancient angel. His actions have profound effects on those around him, often leading to despair or insanity. Father Peter, a dedicated priest, represents a counterpoint to Satan's malevolence, exemplifying love and goodness, yet he faces severe trials due to false accusations from the vindictive Father Adolph. The narrative also features other characters such as Margret, Father Peter's niece, who displays resilience and compassion, and Wilhelm Meidling, an inept lawyer whose actions are influenced by Satan.
Overall, "The Mysterious Stranger" delves into themes of fate, morality, and human nature through its richly developed characters and their interactions with the supernatural, inviting readers to reflect on the deeper philosophical questions posed by Satan's presence.
The Mysterious Stranger, A Romance: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Mark Twain
First published: From an unfinished manuscript edited and completed by A. B. Paine (1861–1937) and Frederick Duneka (?-1919)
Genre: 1916
Locale: 1590
Plot: Novella
Time: Philosophical
Theodor Fischer, the narrator, a young boy who is the son of the church organist. Together with Nikolaus Bauman and Seppi Wohlmeyer, he meets and interacts with Satan. His observations and opinions pervade the entire work. He is sympathetic to other people and open to, yet questioning of, popular and new attitudes and opinions. Only he is privy to all of Satan's acts and philosophical statements.
Nikolaus Bauman, another young boy, the son of the principal judge. He, too, is involved with Satan. He drowns trying to save little Elsa, his future having been altered by Satan.
Seppi Wohlmeyer, a third young boy, the son of the keeper of the principal inn. With Nikolaus, he is close friends with Theodor.
Satan, who sometimes goes by the name of Philip Traum, the nephew of the fallen angel of the same name. He claims to be an angel sixteen thousand years old. He can appear or vanish at will. He changes the future of other characters, causing their deaths or insanity. He claims to be benevolent, though his actions at times seem the opposite. He idealizes animals and takes a dim view of humankind. At the end, he is completely nihilistic, denying the existence of heaven, hell, the afterlife, and even humankind itself. Using the name Philip Traum, he appears as a handsome young man, a mysterious stranger, to whom people are drawn. He provides money and sustenance to Father Peter and others through indirect, ingenious means. On one occasion, he enters the body of the Astrologer. The misanthropic philosophy of the work is embodied in his attitudes.
Father Adolph, a priest. He is vindictive, causing the defrocking of Father Peter and, later, his imprisonment. He is of questionable merit as a clergyman, zealous but often with impure motives. He is vindictive toward those accused of witchcraft but friendly toward the evil Astrologer.
Father Peter, a loving, dedicated priest. He teaches the goodness of God and looks for the best in humans. He is accused of heresy by Father Adolph; loss of priesthood and poverty result. Enriched by Satan, he is accused of witchcraft. Satan alters his future by making him serenely insane for an extended lifetime.
The Astrologer, a friend of Father Adolph but a foe of Father Peter and often his accuser. Embodied by Satan, he does wonders, showing witchcraft to be less than evident.
Margret, Father Peter's niece, an attractive young woman. She suffers loss of fortune and popularity in the misfortunes of Father Peter, but she is patient and loving toward her beleaguered uncle.
Wilhelm Meidling, an inept lawyer. He is faithful in his attentions to Margret, even when others have shunned her. He defends Father Peter against the charge of theft brought by the Astrologer by showing that Father Peter's money was minted too recently to have belonged to the Astrologer; however, it is Satan, possessing Wilhelm's body, who brings about the acquittal.
Ursula, the servant to Father Peter and his household. She meets Satan and is given a magical, money-producing cat. She eventually hires a manservant to help her with the work.
Agnes, the magical cat. Her tongue-whiskers grow the opposite direction from normal as proof that she is not ordinary. She produces money for Father Peter's household.
Solomon Isaacs, a Jewish moneylender. He is ready to fore-close on Father Peter's house. After the accusations of theft against Father Peter, he holds the disputed money until resolution of the issue.