William Tell

Main Characters and Their Development

• William Tell - the main character, a Swiss peasant and skilled marksman. At the beginning of the work, he appears as a man living in harmony with nature and his family. However, faced with the injustice and tyranny of the Austrian governor Gessler, Tell is forced to become a fighter for freedom. His development involves transitioning from a peaceful life to active resistance against oppression, making him a symbol of the struggle for independence.
• Gessler - the Austrian governor, the antagonist of the work. He embodies tyranny and abuse of power. Gessler sets up a hat on a pole and demands that the residents bow to it, which becomes the catalyst for the conflict with Tell. His cruelty and arrogance lead to his demise at the hands of Tell.
• Walter Fürst - one of the leaders of the Swiss resistance, William Tell's father-in-law. He is a wise and respected man who supports Tell and helps organize the fight against the Austrians.
• Rudolf der Harras - a knight and supporter of Gessler, who, however, shows doubts about the legitimacy of his master's actions. His internal conflict reflects the complexity of moral choices under tyranny.
• Attinghausen - an old baron who supports the Swiss in their quest for freedom. He symbolizes the old aristocracy that understands the need for change and supports the popular movement.