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Maria Stahlbaum
A young girl whose belief in the extraordinary allows her to go on a magical journey alongside the Nutcracker. As the story’s protagonist, Maria embodies many key themes such as the importance of imagination and the power of love. She is resilient and good-hearted despite the stifling conditions of the Stahlbaum house.
Read an in-depth analysis of Maria Stahlbaum.
The Nutcracker
Drosselmeier’s enchanted nephew. Transformed into a nutcracker as a result of Lady Mouserings’ curse, he appears among the gifts that the Stahlbaum children receive on Christmas Eve. The Nutcracker bravely fights against the Mouse King in an attempt to save the Puppet Kingdom, and he expresses deep gratitude toward Maria when she repeatedly saves his life.
Read an in-depth analysis of the Nutcracker.
Godfather Drosselmeier
A mysterious watchmaker and godfather to Maria. He brings the children unique mechanical gifts each Christmas, but beneath this display of generosity is an eerie, almost menacing quality. Drosselmeier antagonizes Maria and the Nutcracker at times and plays an active role in their struggles with the Mouse King. He is also a character in the tale he tells about Princess Pirlipat, a position which emphasizes his role as the link between the Puppet Kingdom and the Stahlbaums’ reality.
Read an in-depth analysis of Godfather Drosselmeier.
The Mouse King
A greedy, seven-headed mouse set on avenging the death of his mother, Lady Mouserings. He summons a fierce army of mice to fight against the Nutcracker, and he demands that Maria sacrifice her sweets and gifts to him. As one of the story’s primary antagonists, the Mouse King’s vicious threats ultimately push Maria to act bravely and selflessly.
Frederic Stahlbaum
Maria’s older brother. Referred to as Fred for much of the story, he and his toy soldiers play a supporting role in the Nutcracker’s struggle with the Mouse King. Fred initially believes Maria’s story of the battle and takes the status of his army very seriously, but like the rest of the Stahlbaum family, he becomes doubtful and mocks her. Fred’s evolution highlights the loss of imagination that, according to Hoffmann, befalls many children.
Lady Mouserings
The queen of Mousalia and the nemesis of the Puppet Kingdom’s King and Queen. When her seven sons die as a result of Drosselmeier’s mouse traps, rage and grief drive her to cast a curse that turns Princess Pirlipat, and eventually Drosselmeir’s nephew, into a nutcracker. Lady Mouserings’ curse of ugliness lays the groundwork for the rest of the story, establishing physical appearances as a key theme.
Princess Pirlipat
The beautiful yet shallow daughter of the Puppet Kingdom’s King and Queen. From birth, her physical appearance makes up her entire identity, so undoing the transformation brought on by Lady Mouserings’ curse becomes the kingdom’s main priority. Princess Pirlipat learns nothing, however, from her time as a nutcracker and harshly refuses Drosselmeier’s nephew when the curse transfers to him. Her cruel attitude reflects the unfairness of social expectations, contrasting significantly with Maria’s open heart.
The King
Princess Pirlipat’s father and the ruler of the Puppet Kingdom when Lady Mouserings casts her curse. He is an extremely particular man and gets upset when others fail to meet his standards. This sense of entitlement drives the King to seek revenge against Lady Mouserings, an act which ultimately brings unnecessary suffering onto others.
The Queen
Princess Pirlipat’s mother and the queen of the Puppet Kingdom. She is gentle and kindhearted, offering to give Lady Mouserings a bite to eat, but after the curse, she becomes fearful and extremely protective over her daughter. The Queen plays a minimal role in attempting to reverse the curse, only soothing the King when he becomes angry at Drosselmeier.
Doctor Stahlbaum
Maria’s father and the head of the Stahlbaum house. On Christmas Eve, he gives Maria the responsibility of caring for the Nutcracker. Doctor Stahlbaum scolds her, however, when she continually insists that her adventures with the Nutcracker are real, a position which emphasizes his rejection of imagination.
Mrs. Stahlbaum
Maria’s mother. While she tries to alleviate her daughter’s fears, she also makes her rejection of Maria’s tales very clear. Like her husband, Mrs. Stahlbaum attempts to stop Maria from believing in the Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
Louise Stahlbaum
Maria’s older sister. Unlike Maria and Fred, Louise is rather uninterested in Drosselmeier and the mechanical gifts that he brings for Christmas.
