Johann Buddenbrook (the Elder)

I

The patriarch, in his seventies, teases Tony about her catechism and displays his jovial, slightly irreverent nature and old-fashioned attire. He is skeptical of the new governess.

II

Host of the dinner. Uses his gold snuffbox and comments wryly on Christian's behavior and the ostentatious gift from Lebrecht Kröger.

III

Mentioned but not present in the scene. His strong prejudice against his son's marriage and the resulting disobedience is the root cause of the family rift and financial dispute.

IV

Chides his son for his philosophical ideas and encourages a focus on the 'jolly present'.

V

Hosts the dinner, tells stories, expresses irritation with 'practical ideals' and modern education, preferring tradition.

VII

Relaxes slightly but maintains perfect decorum, setting the standard for respectable conduct.

IX

Found pacing in the dimly lit dining room after the guests have left.

A House Divided

Dismissive and angry at Gotthold's demands. He views the matter as settled business and is pleased by his son Jean's decisive, financially sound counsel.

I

Sings a nursery rhyme while rocking Clara's cradle, beaming with pride and suggesting the baby looks like his wife, Antoinette.

II

Tony's grandfather, who interjects angrily about Heinrich Hagenström, calling him 'The old skunk!', showing the depth of the family's animosity.

IV

Retires from the firm, expresses a sense of life's strangeness, and dies peacefully. His death marks the end of an era for the family business.