# Herman Hermansson — Downstream character guide

> Herman Hermansson in Downstream by Sigfrid Siwertz.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** old Hermansson

**First appearance:** 0000-part-i-i-the-cry

## Snapshot

The old guardian of Ekbacken, a former poor clerk turned prosperous, who cannot bear Peter Selamb and quietly hopes Laura will marry his son.

## Who they are

Old Hermansson rose by marrying his employer's daughter, and he still regards Selambshof as an old distinguished place, secretly flattered that Laura walks with Herman. He nods pensively at her complaints about Peter, who exposed Brundin, and offers her Ekbacken as a refuge without seeing that he is being managed. His fond, perplexed indulgence of Laura is the hinge on which her scheme of escape turns, making him both her dupe and her ladder.

## In the story

### [II: The Robber’s Stronghold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-i-ii-the-robber-s-stronghold)

Participates in the games, bites Peter in frustration, is punished by Kristin.

### [III: The Dance of the Crow Indians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-i-iii-the-dance-of-the-crow-indians)

Walks with dignity, frees Oskar, and scolds the children.

### [VI: The Two Fair Heads](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-i-vi-the-two-fair-heads)

Walks up the avenue after failing exams, is mocked by Laura, and tries to invite her fishing.

### [September Spring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-i-viii-september-spring)

Old Hermansson, Laura's guardian, is aging and unwell. He is flattered by Laura's interest in Herman and reluctantly considers her request for boarding school.

### [IX: Peter the Boss](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-i-ix-peter-the-boss)

Old Hermansson, the guardian of Selambshof, dies in this chapter. He had been distant and on his dignity towards Peter, but showed fatherly interest in Stellan.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/characters/herman_hermansson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/characters