Wallenstein: Analysis of Major Characters
"Wallenstein: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complexities of key figures in the narrative surrounding Albrecht Wallenstein, the ambitious Duke of Friedland and a general during the Thirty Years' War. The text explores Wallenstein's rise to power, his growing sense of entitlement, and his eventual downfall due to political intrigue and betrayal. Central to this story is Prince Octavio Piccolomini, a loyal lieutenant general whose allegiance is tested as Wallenstein's ambitions lead to conflict and treachery. Other notable characters include Max Piccolomini, who struggles between loyalty to his leader and his moral compass, and Butler, an Irish commander whose loyalty falters amid changing allegiances.
The analysis also highlights the roles of various supporting characters, such as Count von Questenberg, who reveals Wallenstein's treachery, and Countess Terzky, who seeks to secure her family's legacy amid Wallenstein's decline. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of ambition are prevalent throughout the character interactions, culminating in tragic outcomes for many involved. This examination offers insights into the intricate web of relationships and motivations that define the historical and dramatic landscape of Wallenstein's era.
Wallenstein: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Friedrich Schiller
First published: 1800 (as trilogy; The Camp of Wallenstein Camp, 1846; The Piccolominis, 1800, Death of Wallenstein, 1800)
Genre: Drama
Locale: Germany
Plot: Historical
Time: The Thirty Years' War
Albrecht Wallenstein (ahl-brehkht VAHL-ehn-shtin), the Duke of Friedland and the general of Emperor Ferdinand's forces in the Thirty Years' War. His experience follows the well-known pattern displayed by any overly ambitious and capable leader. Favored by the court for his military prowess in raising and leading a large army to subdue the Protestant states and to repel the Swedish invaders, Wallenstein loses his sense of perspective concerning his real function to the government. Fearful that other leaders will rise above him and greatly admired by his soldiers, he practices self-aggrandizement. Through a long series of political intrigues, involving Wallenstein's officers, and personal complications, involving various members of his family, Wallenstein's fate is precarious. Blind either to the realities of the intrigue he knows so well or to the recollection of his once strong favor with the court, he fails to heed the advice of those who would avert his downfall. Such naïveté leads to his murder on orders of one of his trusted commanders.
Prince Octavio Piccolomini (ohk-TAH-fyoh peek-kohLOH-mee-nee), the Duke of Amalfi, Wallenstein's lieutenant general and lifelong friend. Loyal to his leader, Piccolomini serves him until the general's ambitions and aims become apparent. Piccolomini's apparent scruples and the news that Wallenstein is to be deposed change the rapport between the two men. Imminence of his own promotion to the position of generalissimo completes the rift, and Piccolomini's chief task becomes the enlightenment of his own son, an officer, to Wallenstein's negotiations with the enemy. By leading Wallenstein's forces to defection through persuasion and deception, and by winning officers away from the once-powerful Wallenstein, Piccolomini completes his work and is given a princedom.
Max Piccolomini, his son, a regimental colonel who is faithful to Wallenstein in the face of evidence of the general's treachery. When Max, who is loyal to the emperor, is convinced of his leader's treason—through Wallenstein's own confession—the young man tries to get Wallenstein to retract his negotiations with the Saxons and the Swedes. Max, betrothed to Wallenstein's daughter, leaves with his forces of the imperial army, his decision to stay honorable having the concurrence of his betrothed, who says she cannot love him if he betrays his own conscience. The noble young Max is killed in a battle against the Swedes, his death being directly attributable to the man whom he had trusted and admired.
Butler, a regimental commander, an Irish soldier of fortune. He remains loyal to Wallenstein, despite the defection of the greater part of the army, until Octavio Piccolomini leads him to believe that Wallenstein has hindered Butler's promotion and insulted him. Learning of the successes of the Swedish forces to be joined by Wallenstein's remaining troops, Butler arranges the murders of Wallenstein and the officers who have remained with Wallenstein.
Count von Questenberg, the war commissioner. As the envoy from the emperor, Questenberg delivers word of Wallenstein's deposition. Through his recital of battles lost to the enemy, the reasons for the general's dismissal, Wallenstein's treachery is revealed. The scenes with Questenberg point up the fidelity of Wallenstein's officers.
Field Marshal Illo (EEL-loh), Wallenstein's confidant. He cunningly induces the officers, under the influence of wine, to sign a pledge of loyalty to Wallenstein. He has removed a proviso from the pledge, safeguarding their loyalty to the emperor. His deceptions and his allegiance to Wallenstein bring about his murder.
Countess Terzky, Wallenstein's sister-in-law, who sees the advantage of an alliance between Max Piccolomini and Wallenstein's daughter. The countess leaves no stone un-turned in furthering the aims of Wallenstein. Because family and success mean so much to her, she cannot accept Wallenstein's reverses, and she poisons herself.
The duchess of Friedland, Wallenstein's wife, who admonishes her husband to temper his ambitions. She reports to him that she has heard rumors about his tactics and describes him as the despot he has become.
Thekla (TAYK-lah), Wallenstein's daughter, who through Countess Terzky's connivances becomes attracted to Max Piccolomini. Despite her real love for him, she tells him to obey his conscience and desert her father's cause. After Thekla learns of Max's heroic death, she goes to his tomb to die.
Count Terzky, the commander of several regiments. Having remained loyal to Wallenstein through the thick of the treachery, he is slain by Butler's men.
Gordon, the governor of Egra and commander of the citadel. Through Gordon, much of Butler's plan for murdering his adversaries is revealed. Gordon, a peaceful person, advocates deliberation rather than haste, especially where lives are concerned. He discourages Butler in his plans.
Devereux (deh-veh-ROH) and Macdonald, captains under Butler who carry out Butler's plot to murder Illo, Terzky, and Wallenstein.
Colonel Wrangel, the Swedish envoy with whom Wallenstein negotiates for Swedish troops in return for the territories Wallenstein would yield to those troops in feigned battles.