Hedda Gabler characters

Also known as Hedda Gabler

Appears from the start

The daughter of the late General Gabler and the new wife of Jørgen Tesman. Recently returned from a long honeymoon, she enters a respectable household that cannot provide the excitement, luxury, or influence she wants. She is poised and socially commanding, yet already restless in the villa Tesman has strained his finances to obtain for her.

Also known as George Tesman, Tesman

Appears from the start

Hedda's husband, an earnest scholar whose specialty is cultural history and domestic crafts. He adores Hedda and assumes their marriage is happy, but he is preoccupied with research, his expected university appointment, and the debts incurred to furnish the home she admired.

Also known as Aunt Julle, Miss Tesman

Appears from the start

Tesman's affectionate aunt, who helped raise him and secured the newlyweds' expensive villa by risking her own savings. Proud of her nephew and eager to welcome Hedda into the family, she receives a cool and cutting response from the bride.

Also known as Berta, Bertha

Appears from the start

The Tesman household's servant, formerly employed by Juliana. She is anxious about satisfying Hedda, whose expectations and manner are very different from the family setting Berte knows.

Also known as Mrs Elvsted

Appears from the start

A former school acquaintance of Hedda's who has left her husband's home to follow Eilert Løvborg to the city. Though nervous in Hedda's presence, she has shown considerable resolve: her steady companionship helped Løvborg stop drinking and complete his recent work.

Appears from the start

A judge and close friend of the Tesmans who arranged much of their new household. Urbane, observant, and well connected, he brings news that Tesman's expected university appointment may face competition.

Also known as Ejlert Løvborg, Eilert Lovborg

Appears from the start

A gifted writer and Tesman's former academic rival. After a period of scandal and heavy drinking, he has rebuilt his reputation and published a successful book. With Thea's help he has also completed a more ambitious manuscript, and his return may threaten the university post Tesman has been counting on.

Also known as Aunt Rina

Appears from the start

Tesman's seriously ill aunt and Juliana's sister. She remains offstage under Juliana's care, and her condition is one of the family responsibilities occupying Tesman after his return.