- Nathanael: narcissistic protagonist with a manic sense of mission.
- Clara: Nathanael's fiancée with a peaceful, judicious, yet determined temperament.
- Lothar: Clara's brother and Nathanael's friend.
- Nathanael's father: alchemical experimentalist whose dealings with Coppelius during Nathanael's childhood lead to his death.
- Coppelius: Fear-instilling, large and malformed man who spoiled the happiness of Nathanael and his siblings in their childhood and may be implicated in the death of Nathanael's father.
- Coppola: Italian trader in barometers and lenses, in whom Nathanael recognizes Coppelius.
- Spallanzani: physics professor with whom Nathanael is studying, and collaborator with Coppola on building the lifelike automaton Olimpia.
- Olimpia: "Daughter" of Nathanael's professor, Spallanzani, who is later revealed to be an automaton, or robot; this revelation is one of the elements that incites Nathanael's madness.
- Siegmund: Attempts to save his friend Nathanael from unhappiness and insanity.
This content is from Wikipedia. GradeSaver is providing this content as a courtesy until we can offer a professionally written study guide by one of our staff editors. We do not consider this content professional or citable. Please use your discretion when relying on it.
