# Gregor's Father — The Metamorphosis character guide

> Gregor's Father in The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.

**Role:** major

**First appearance:** II

## Snapshot

Gregor's aging father, once dependent on his son's salary, who after the transformation hardens into the family's enforcer, driving Gregor back into his room with stamping feet and a cane.

## Who they are

Before the change, he was a tired old man who fell asleep at the table and had to be helped to bed by his wife and daughter. Afterward he takes a job as a bank messenger, puts on a uniform, and discovers a new, harsh authority—especially toward the son who once supported him. His rages and his refusal to look at Gregor turn the apartment into a place of punishment, forcing the family to choose between pity and survival.

## Relationships

### [Gregor Samsa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/5200/characters/gregor_samsa)

_family_

Gregor's father views him with hostility and aggression, seeing the transformed Gregor as a monstrous burden and threat.

### [Gregor's Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/5200/characters/gregors_mother)

_family_

They are a married couple united in their distress over Gregor, with the mother often deferring to the father's harsh authority.

## In the story

### [Metamorphosis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/5200/chapters/metamorphosis)

Initially pleads at Gregor's door. After the transformation is revealed, his response is one of hostile repulsion, clenching his fist and weeping with rage before driving Gregor back into his room.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/5200/chapters/i)

Transitions from relative control to panic, violently driving Gregor back into his room with a stick and newspaper. His actions are forceful, impatient, and lacking any recognition of Gregor's humanity or attempts to communicate.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/5200/chapters/ii)

Undergoes a dramatic transformation from a weak, tired man to an authoritative, uniformed figure. He explains the family's strained finances and later becomes aggressively hostile, attacking Gregor with apples, symbolizing his renewed dominance and rejection of his son.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/5200/chapters/iii)

Stubbornly sleeps in his shabby uniform, symbolizing his subservience to his new job. He is tired, obstinate, and helpless. Initially shocked by Grete's pronouncement, he comes to agree with her, asking 'what are we to do?' and finally accepting the need to remove Gregor.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/5200/characters/gregors_father
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/5200
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/5200/characters