The Piano Teacher

Main Characters and Their Development

• Erika Kohut: The protagonist of the novel, a piano teacher at the Vienna Conservatory. Erika lives with her domineering mother and experiences intense internal tension and repression. She suffers from a lack of personal freedom and sexual fulfillment. Throughout the novel, Erika attempts to escape her emotional and psychological trap, but her efforts lead to tragic outcomes.
• Erika's Mother: A domineering and tyrannical woman who completely controls her daughter's life. She does not allow Erika to have a personal life and constantly interferes in her affairs. Erika's mother symbolizes repression and the restriction of freedom.
• Walter Klemmer: A young student who falls in love with Erika. His relationship with Erika evolves from admiration and passion to disappointment and violence. Walter becomes a catalyst for the revelation of Erika's internal conflicts and her struggle for self-identity.