Enemy of the People
Characters
Dr. Thomas Stockmann - Medical doctor who becomes the medical officer of the town baths. Before his brother Peter got him the job at the baths, Thomas and his family lived a poor life in the country. Now him and his family enjoy their comfortable life in the bustling city. Sr. Stockmann then discovers a problem with the baths that can cause harm to townspeople and tourists if not shut down and fixed. The town lashes out at Dr. Stockmann’s family. He loses his job, his children are ridiculed, and his house is violated.
Mrs. Stockmann - Dr. Stockmann’s wife. Encourages Dr. Stockmann to think of his family before he does anything rash. She tries to convince him to conform with the town so that they can continue their comfortable lives.
Petra - The daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Stockmann. She is engaged to Billing. She is a teacher but is very frustrated with the law's requirements of what she is teaching. She is the only one that stands by her father and encourages him to stand up for what he believes in.
Ejlif - Son of Dr. and Mrs. Stockmann.
Morten - Son of Dr. and Mrs. Stockmann.
Peter Stockmann - Brother of Dr. Stockmann. Chairman of the baths and is the mayor.
Morten Kill - Mrs. Stockmann’s adoptive father. He is very wealthy and all of his wealth will go to Mrs. Stockmann, but when Dr. Stockmann fights against the town about the baths, he threatens to take the inheritance away.
Hovstad - Editor of the People’s Messenger. He is slightly corrupt but at heart is a political radical.
Billing - Sub-editor of messenger and is dating Petra. He plans to run for office, and is a slight radical like Hovstad.
Captain Horster - Ship captain who has little interest in politics. He provides the hall for Dr. Stockmann’s speech and his ship is taken away from him.
Aslaksen - Newspaper’s printer, chairman of the homeowners association. He allows the paper to be printed on credit giving him some control.
Setting: Coastal city in southern Norway
Themes: Criticizes Democracy
By: Missy Davis
