Narrator
The narrator is not disclosed by name, but it is inferred that he is male. He takes frequent trips to the shoe store, and purchases more than necessary – thus, indicating his wealth and love for fashion. He becomes a little attached to the brothers and becomes quick friends with them. By the end of the book, he is taken aback that the brothers’ shop has closed and states that they made the finest shoes he’d ever bought.
Mr Gessler (Older)
The older Gessler brother is the initial owner of the shoe-making store. He is highly devoted to his work and goes above and beyond to make the narrator happy with his purchases. He is also outspoken about his dislike for larger companies manufacturing low-quality shoes. He eventually dies and his store is taken over by the younger Mr Gessler.
Mr Gessler (Younger)
The younger Mr Gessler is shown to have the same passion for shoemaking as his older brother. Indeed, he too gains the favor of the narrator, who compliments him throughout for the quality of his work. Eventually, he too dies because he becomes consumed with his shoes and stops caring for himself.
