The Doctor

The unnamed doctor is an elderly man and a longtime Nazi sympathizer. He believes that people should actively express their political beliefs; he works with a band of men who burn swastikas atop the mountains to show their desire for Austria's allegiance with Nazi Germany.

Unlike his wife and despite his political leanings, he does not openly display any prejudice against Dr. Heine. When his wife complains about having a Jewish man in her house, he reminds her that Dr. Heine comes highly recommended and seems amiable. However, his fundamental disdain for the Jew reveals itself subtly throughout the story.

Superficially, the doctor seems to be a thoughtful, worldly, and artistic man. However, he uses his charm, good reputation, and obvious intelligence to promote Nazi ideology. For instance, his puppets are used to express his political beliefs in the form of a puppet show. His political demonstrations...