# Ernst — Barriers Burned Away character guide

> Ernst in Barriers Burned Away by Edward Payson Roe.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** poor little Ernst, little Ernst

**First appearance:** 0008-vi-starve-then

## Who they are

Mr. Bruder's young son, a pitiable child who dies tragically.

## Relationships

### [Christine Ludolph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/christine_ludolph)

_friendship_

Ernst is a loyal family servant and friend to Christine, often acting as a protective figure.

### [Dennis Fleet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/dennis_fleet)

_friendship_

Mutual respect and camaraderie, with Ernst aiding Dennis in his pursuits.

### [Mr. Bruder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/mr_bruder)

_professional_

Colleagues in service to the Ludolph household, with a cooperative dynamic.

### [Dennis Fleet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/dennis_fleet)

_friendship_

Mutual respect and camaraderie, with Ernst aiding Dennis in his pursuits.

### [Mr. Bruder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/mr_bruder)

_professional_

Colleagues in service to the Ludolph household, with a cooperative dynamic.

### [Christine Ludolph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/christine_ludolph)

_friendship_

Ernst is a loyal family servant and friend to Christine, often acting as a protective figure.

### [Christine Ludolph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/christine_ludolph)

_friendship_

Ernst is a loyal family servant and friend to Christine, often acting as a protective figure.

### [Dennis Fleet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/dennis_fleet)

_friendship_

Mutual respect and camaraderie, with Ernst aiding Dennis in his pursuits.

## In the story

### [Just in Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xvi-just-in-time)

The Bruders' son, watches with sorrow and tries to comfort his mother, then greets Dennis with joy.

### [Rescued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xvii-rescued)

The young son who runs errands for Dennis and is hired to assist at the store.

### [Miss Ludolph Makes a Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xviii-miss-ludolph-makes-a-discovery)

Arrives at the store cowering in the cold, is welcomed by Dennis, and begins his duties under kindly instruction.

### [Miss Ludolph Commits a Theft](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxvi-miss-ludolph-commits-a-theft)

Delivers the strawberries to Christine but refuses to reveal the sender, despite her pressure.

### [The Two Pictures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-two-pictures)

Runs to inform his parents about Dennis's collapse; later accompanies Christine home, reluctant and grieving.

### [Regret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxiv-regret)

Returns crying after hearing the news of Dennis's condition, reporting it to Mr. Ludolph.

### [If He Knew!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxvii-if-he-knew)

Mentioned as the source of information about Christine taking the emblematical pictures.

### [The Gates Open](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-gates-open)

Carries messages, reports the revelry at the Ludolph mansion to Dennis, and is shocked by the festivities.

### [XLI: Fire! Fire!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xli-fire-fire)

Helps Dennis dress the children and leads his younger brother to safety.

### [Bill Cronk's Toast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xlix-bill-cronk-s-toast)

One of the Bruder orphans; he clings to Dennis and tells the story of his mother's death.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/ernst
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters