An Enemy of the People Characters

The play’s protagonist, a doctor in a small Norwegian town. Often impetuous and charming, Dr. Stockmann is an affectionate husband to Katherine, and father to Petra, Morten, and Ejlif. He also… read analysis of Dr. Thomas Stockmann

Dr. Stockmann’s wife and mother to Petra, Morten, and Ejlif. Katherine is usually shown within the home, performing domestic tasks and catering to her husband and children’s needs; this depiction characterizes… read analysis of Katherine Stockmann

Dr. Stockmann’s adult daughter, a schoolteacher who is eventually fired for supporting her father’s ideas. Like Dr. Stockmann, Petra is a freethinker with a rigorous notion of truth: early in the play she laments… read analysis of Petra Stockmann

Dr. Stockmann’s brother, the town mayor, and one of the play’s major antagonists. The town’s scion of conservatism, Peter uses his power to uphold traditional norms at all costs; he’s actually a canny politician… read analysis of Peter Stockmann

The editor of the town’s liberal newspaper, The People’s Messenger, and Dr. Stockmann’s onetime friend. From a humble background but now an educated professional, Hovstad cultivates a reputation as the town’s liberal voice… read analysis of Hovstad

The sub-editor of the town’s liberal newspaper, The People’s Messenger. Billing parrots Hovstad’s ideas but seems to have few opinions of his own. While he claims to be a radical progressive and criticizes… read analysis of Billing

A sea captain and stalwart friend of the Stockmann family. Rarely at home due to his occupation, he has little involvement in local government and claims to have no particular political ideas. However, he’s also… read analysis of Captain Horster

The wealthy publisher of the People’s Messenger and head of two important town organizations: the Householders’ Association and the Temperance Society. A timid and nervous man, Mr. Aslaksen lives by “moderation” and encourages those around… read analysis of Mr. Aslaksen