Characters

Gregor Samsa

Gregor is the protagonist of the story. He works as a traveling salesman in order to provide for his sister and parents. He wakes up one morning as a large insect-like creature. After the metamorphosis, Gregor is unable to work. This prompts his father to begin working once again.

Grete Samsa

Grete is Gregor's younger sister, who becomes his caretaker after the metamorphosis. Initially Grete and Gregor have a close relationship but this quickly fades. While Grete initially volunteers to feed him and clean his room, she grows more and more impatient with the burden and begins to leave his room in disarray out of spite. She plays the violin and dreams of going to the conservatory, a dream Gregor had intended to make happen. Gregor planned on making the announcement on Christmas Eve. To help provide an income for the family after Gregor's transformation she starts working as a salesgirl.

Mr. Samsa

Gregor's father owes a large debt to Gregor's boss, forcing Gregor to continue working at a job he dislikes. When Gregor is no longer able to provide for his family, Gregor's father proves himself to be an able worker despite being elderly and lazy.

Mrs. Samsa

Mrs Samsa is Grete and Gregor's mother. She is initially shocked at Gregor's transformation, however she wants to enter his room. This proves too much for her, thus giving rise to a conflict between her maternal impulse and sympathy and her fear and revulsion of Gregor's new form.