Ethan Brand Characters

Ethan Brand was once a humble lime-burner at a kiln on Mount Greylock. Many years ago, he began to ponder the nature of sin while he tended his kiln through the night. Gradually, he became… read analysis of Ethan Brand

Bartram is the lime-burner who now tends Ethan Brand’s old kiln. Bartram arrived after Brand embarked on his quest, and he lives at the kiln with his son Joe. In many important… read analysis of Bartram

Joe is a young boy who lives with his father, Bartram, the current lime burner at Ethan Brand’s old kiln. Joe is easily alarmed and often turns to his father for comfort… read analysis of Joe

The “German Jew” is a traveling entertainer who is drawn to the kiln by the size of the crowd that has gathered to gawk at Ethan Brand. The German Jew, also called the Jew… read analysis of The German Jew

Another tavern patron, the Doctor comes with his fellow drinkers the Stage Agent and Lawyer Giles to visit Ethan Brand at the kiln. In contrast to Lawyer Giles, the ravages of alcohol have a… read analysis of The Village Doctor

Humphrey is a wild and shabby old man, whose daughter Esther disappeared from his home years ago. He now wanders the hills asking travelers if they have seen her or have any news of her… read analysis of Humphrey

Humphrey’s daughter, Esther, left the village many years ago to join the circus. She performs on the highwire and on horseback, and news of her beautiful performances occasionally comes back to the village. Esther… read analysis of Esther

The state agent is a patron of the local tavern who comes with Lawyer Giles, the Village Doctor, and Humphrey to see Ethan Brand’s return. Although he is old and wrinkled, he… read analysis of The Stage Agent