ENTER LUDHER
CHARACTERS
JOHANN
A widower, fiftyish, with strong bonds to his mother. Talks in an off-beat manner with a constant impulse to explain matters. Self-justifying and somewhat pedantic.
MARTINUS
Sixteen, intelligent, energetic, with a resolute urge to grasp at life. Garrulous in expressing his inner thoughts, he has a voice belching up from the buckle of his belt.
KATHARINA
Has the voice of an over-active wayward nun, pretty expeditious in all her dealings. Slow to understand, but this is only a false impression while she concocts a reply and possibly a plot how to get the best out of anything. Quick to show affection and love. Prone to lonely bouts of murmuring.
FRIEDRICH
A bachelor who, albeit over forty, is brisk and rational. Tongue-in-cheek type, flattering, in constant search of building blocks to eke out his ego.
THERESA
A spinster in her mid-thirties, classic lady type and pillar of integrity, at least at first sight. Highly prudent though concealing discreet feelings which may be defiant at times. Has a categoric tone and is a very self-assured woman, having had to struggle with life.
CORNELIA
More than a maid in Johann’s house, prim and proper when other characters are around, as reflected in her tone and language, but affectionate and homely with Johann when on their own. Also doubles up for Greta, the mysterious granma who is always to be heard but never seen, who sways control from her upper room.