Katharina Brettloh, nee Blum
Katharina Brettloh, nee Blum, is the protagonist of the story. She is born on March 2, 1947 at Gemmelsbroich in the district of Kuir. Katharina is described as independent, strong, down-to-earth, kind, professional and quite attractive young woman. Her beauty, flawless professional skills and high moral standards attract attention not only of potential employers but gentlemen who would like to try to gain her affection.
Huber Blorna
Huber Blorna is an attorney of Alois Sträublender, a husband of Trude and an employer of Katharina Blum. He and his wife help Katharina to buy her own apartment and build a very cordial relationship with her. The scandal with Katharina and false accusation towards his wife in the press ruins his professional life, but reveals his true feelings towards somebody. Huber Blorna is in love with Katharina, but this love is definitely one-side.
Trude Blorna
Trude Blorna is a wife of Huber Blorna and a friend of Katharina. Trude is also a victim of the yellow press, because their accusation towards her and her connection with the communists ruins her reputation.
Aloise Sträublender
Aloise Sträublender is a conservative politician, who is also known in the economical, political and academic world for his charm. He is often compared with a movie star. Despite the fact that he has a family, he seeks Katharina’s affection.
Else Woltersheim
Else Woltersheim is Katharina’s godmother. She helps Katharina to get a diploma and supports her on her way to independence.
Ludwig Götten
Ludwig Götten is Katharina’s The One, a man she falls in love with. Although Ludwig Götten is a wanted criminal who is accused of a murder, Katharina helps him to escape.
Walter Moeding
Walter Moeding is a crime commissioner whom Katharina confesses to murdering Werner Tötges.
Werner Tötges
Werner Tötges is a reporter from the News, who is responsible for Katharina’s tragedy. His false accusations, misinterpreting other people’s words and absolute heartlessness ruins not only Katharina’s but her close friends’ lives. Katharina calls him “a bastard” and that is the best characterization of him both as a person and a reporter.
Beizmenne
Beizmenne is a chief crime commissioner.
Schönner
Schönner is a press photographer and a colleague of Werner Tötges, also found dead.
Wilhelm Brettloh
Wilhelm Brettloh is an ex-husband of Katharina.
Peter Hach
Peter Hach is a public prosecutor and a friend of Huber Blorna.
