Franz Huchel

Franz, the protagonist of the novel, is a young boy from the Salzkammergut who is sent to Vienna to apprentice for his mother's friend, Otto, at a tobacconist's shop. At the beginning of the novel, Franz is timid and idealistic, overwhelmed by the big city when he arrives there and frequently yearning for the safety and familiarity of his mother and his home. He diligently performs his duties for Otto but does not have much of a life outside of the tobacconist's shop.

This changes when Franz meets Sigmund Freud, whom he develops an instant fascination with. Freud begins to encourage Franz to explore the city and seek out a romantic connection while he is young, words that Franz takes to heart when he links up with Anezka, a Bohemian girl. Franz also becomes increasingly aware of the political situation unfolding in Vienna as Hitler rises to...