An Enemy of the People Characters
Every major character in An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen, with a portrait, who they are and the chapters they appear in.
AslaksenMajor character · 5 chaptersThe cautious small‑master printer and chairman of the Householders’ Association who defends the compact majority and civic stability.
BillingMajor character · 5 chaptersA young, eager journalist at the People's Messenger who loudly favors radical causes while seeking personal advancement.
Dr. Thomas StockmannProtagonist · 5 chaptersThe principled medical officer who discovers the Baths' contamination and insists on telling the truth despite civic backlash.
Ejlif StockmannMinor character · 5 chaptersEjlif Stockmann is Thomas Stockmann’s elder son, an inquisitive schoolboy who reflects his family’s values and reactions.
HovstadMajor character · 5 chaptersThe ambitious editor of the People's Messenger who champions reform but yields to pragmatism and public pressure.
Morten KiilMajor character · 5 chaptersA prosperous local tanner and Dr. Stockmann’s father‑in‑law who protects his money and local interests.
Morten StockmannMinor character · 5 chaptersThe younger son of Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Stockmann, a schoolboy who appears in domestic scenes and reflects the family's stakes.
Mrs. StockmannMajor character · 5 chaptersDr. Thomas Stockmann’s wife, the household’s stabilizing, pragmatic center who balances domestic care with cautious support of her husband.
Peter StockmannAntagonist · 5 chaptersThe town mayor and Baths administrator who defends civic order, reputation, and economic stability against his brother's truth-telling.
Petra StockmannMajor character · 5 chaptersDr. Thomas Stockmann’s outspoken daughter, a principled schoolteacher and translator who supports truth against town pressure.
Captain HorsterMajor character · 4 chaptersA quietly principled ship captain who supports Dr. Stockmann and offers moral courage and practical help when the town turns hostile.
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