King, Queen, Knave

Main Characters and Their Development

• Franz Bubendorf - a young man who comes to Berlin to work in his uncle's store. He is naive and inexperienced but gradually becomes involved in a love triangle with his uncle and his wife. His character evolves from a simple youth to someone capable of deceit and betrayal.
• Martha - Franz's uncle's wife, a beautiful and ambitious woman. She is dissatisfied with her marriage and begins an affair with Franz. Martha is manipulative and calculating, using Franz to achieve her goals. Her character is revealed as cold and selfish.
• Kurt Dreyer - Franz's uncle, the owner of the store. He is a wealthy and influential man, yet quite dull and predictable. His character remains relatively static throughout the book, unaware of the intrigues happening around him, ultimately becoming a victim of the plot.