Metamorphosis characters

Appears from the start

A young traveling salesman who supports his parents and sister and is burdened by his family's debt. He wakes one morning transformed into a huge insect-like creature. His first concerns are missing work and upsetting his employer, even as his new body makes speech and movement nearly impossible.

Appears from the start

Gregor's younger sister, a seventeen-year-old violinist whom he hopes one day to send to a conservatory. She is the family member most willing to enter his room after his transformation, bringing food and trying to understand what he can tolerate.

Appears from the start

Gregor's father, who has been financially dependent on his son's earnings since his business failed. Gregor's transformation brings out his fear, anger, and determination to drive the altered Gregor back into his room.

Appears from the start

Gregor and Grete's mother. She loves her son and wants to believe some part of him remains, but the sight of his transformed body overwhelms her. Her poor health and divided loyalties leave her dependent on the rest of the family.

Also known as The chief clerk

Appears from the start

A senior employee sent to the Samsa apartment when Gregor fails to catch his train. Suspicious and officious, he demands an explanation from behind the bedroom door and assumes Gregor's absence reflects poor performance or misconduct.

Also known as The cleaning woman

First appears in chapter 3

An elderly cleaner hired after the Samsas reduce their household. Unlike the family, she is neither delicate nor especially frightened by Gregor, and she addresses him with blunt curiosity when she enters his room.

First appears in chapter 3

Three exacting men who rent a furnished room from the financially strained Samsas. The household reorganizes itself around their comfort, and their presence further pushes Gregor and unwanted possessions out of ordinary family life.