# Therese Weichbrodt — Buddenbrooks character guide

> Therese Weichbrodt in Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Sesemi Weichbrodt, Fräulein Weichbrodt

**First appearance:** 0006-part-i-v

## Who they are

The dedicated, sharp-tongued proprietor of the boarding school attended by Tony and her daughter.

## In the story

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-ii-vi)

Her boarding school is chosen as the place to send Tony for a more disciplined upbringing.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-ii-vii)

The humpbacked, sharp, and respected headmistress of the boarding school. She is a literary woman who struggles with faith, commands authority, and shows contempt for her simpler sister, Madame Kethelsen.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-iii-iv)

'Sesemi' gets wind of the affair and comes to give Tony good advice.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-iii-vi)

Referenced by Tony as her former teacher, Sesemi Weichbrodt, during her recollection of school days.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-iii-xiv)

Attends the wedding as a guest, offering Tony a motherly blessing with her characteristic 'little explosion' of a kiss.

### [Family Fortunes and Personal Defenses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-iv-x)

Tactfully avoids mentioning Tony's divorce during visits, showing her kindness and discretion.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-v-iv)

Sometimes attends the family gatherings in Meng Street with her sister.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-v-v)

A member of the Jerusalem evenings, representing the pious, established social circle of the town.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-v-ix)

Mentioned as the person with whom Tony plans to leave Erica during her proposed trip to Munich.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-vi-i)

Mentioned as running the boarding school where little Erica is staying.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-vii-i)

Sesemi Weichbrodt attends the christening and gives the infant two explosive kisses, declaring him a 'good che-ild!'

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-xi-iv)

Passionately reproaches Gerda for leaving; ends the chapter with a triumphant, trembling declaration of faith in reunion after death.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/characters/therese_weichbrodt
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/characters