# Inger — Growth of the Soil character guide > Inger in Growth of the Soil by Knut Hamsun. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Inger Sellanraa, II Inger, Poor Inger, That Inger **First appearance:** 0001-i ## Snapshot Isak's strong-willed wife, whose hidden shame over her child and hunger for a wider life pull her between the farm and the world beyond it. ## Who they are Inger works early and late beside Isak, a faithful helper and support, yet she carries a secret that hangs over Sellanraa like weather — the thing done at the birth of a child with a harelip, known only to her and guessed at by others. Her fierce, desperate tenderness toward Isak after the truth surfaces binds them closer even as it exposes them both to Oline's gossip and the law. She matters because her guilt, her physical vitality, and her longing for finery and town life make her the story's most human counterweight to Isak's single-minded devotion to the soil. ## Relationships ### [Isak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/isak) _family_ Husband and wife, partners in building a life on the farm, bound by deep mutual reliance and affection. ### [Oline](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/oline) _psychological_ Oline is a spiteful antagonist to Inger, spreading malicious gossip and undermining her reputation. ### [Geissler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/geissler) _friendship_ Geissler shows kindness and practical support to Inger, especially after her release from prison. ### [Eleseus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/eleseus) _family_ Mother and son, with Inger doting on Eleseus and hoping for his success, though he disappoints her. ### [Gustaf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/gustaf) _romantic_ A brief, illicit affair while Inger was in prison, resulting in a child and causing lasting shame. ### [Isak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/isak) _family_ Husband and wife, partners in building a life on the farm, bound by deep mutual reliance and affection. ### [Isak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/isak) _family_ Husband and wife, partners in building a life on the farm, bound by deep mutual reliance and affection. ### [Geissler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/geissler) _friendship_ Geissler shows kindness and practical support to Inger, especially after her release from prison. ### [Geissler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/geissler) _friendship_ Geissler shows kindness and practical support to Inger, especially after her release from prison. ### [Oline](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/oline) _psychological_ Oline is a spiteful antagonist to Inger, spreading malicious gossip and undermining her reputation. ### [Eleseus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/eleseus) _family_ Mother and son, with Inger doting on Eleseus and hoping for his success, though he disappoints her. ### [Oline](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/oline) _psychological_ Oline is a spiteful antagonist to Inger, spreading malicious gossip and undermining her reputation. ## In the story ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/book-i) Arrives at Sellanraa, marries Isak, kills her newborn, serves prison sentence, returns changed. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/i) A woman with a harelip who arrives at Isak's hut, ostensibly crossing the hills. She stays and becomes his wife, bringing livestock, goods, and domestic skills. She is grateful for Isak's acceptance despite her disfigurement. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/ii) Leaves to visit her people, returns with a cow, and helps with building and household tasks. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/iii) Gives birth to a son alone, tends to the livestock, and marvels at the growing wealth of the homestead. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/iv) Manages household and children, weaves cloth, and gives birth to a second son; proud of her family and possessions like the clock. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/v) Inger serves milk to the visitors, expresses concern about the price of the land, and thanks Geissler for his help. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/vi) Distracted and troubled after losing her baby, sings and teaches Eleseus prayers, but is hostile to Oline and later breaks down at the hidden grave. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/vii) Inger is consumed by guilt over killing her newborn, sings hymns mournfully, and is eventually sentenced to eight years in prison. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/viii) Inger is mentioned as being far away in prison, having given birth to a girl child. Isak and Geissler discuss the possibility of applying for a pardon. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/ix) Sends a letter from prison, written and spelled by herself, reporting that she is well and learning many things; her daughter Leopoldine is skilled in hemstitch and crochet. ### [Geissler's Visit and Inger's Freedom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/x) Inger is mentioned as being in prison, having undergone an operation for her harelip, and is expected to be pardoned and return home. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xi) Returns from prison with a repaired harelip, bringing gifts and a sewing machine; she is emotional and surprised by the farm's growth. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xii) Shows less care for the household, focuses on dressmaking and her cloak, and desires a servant. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xiii) Receives a gold ring from Isak, is found sitting alone with a young telegraph hand, attempts to explain away the incident, and shows signs of changed behavior compared to earlier years. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xiv) Becomes talkative and proud of her time in Trondhjem, steals money for Eleseus, and later humbly works to bring in hay. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xv) Returns to earnest settler's wife after being set in her place; grateful to Geissler for his help in Trondhjem; prepares a generous parcel for his journey. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xvi) Abashed and grateful for Isak's kindness, worries about Eleseus in town, and prepares for the christening of Rebecca. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xvii) Gives Oline wool and is reminded of her past by Oline's comments. ### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xix) Surprised by Isak's news and the new horse; she claps her hands in astonishment. She also shows interest in gossip about the Lensmand's wife's baby. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/book-ii) Gives birth to children, struggles with the isolation and her past, and is eventually sentenced to prison for killing her newborn. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/i) Reacted with patience to news of Old Sivert's fortune, cried openly at Eleseus's departure, and gave him woven cloth and money. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/iv) Visits the mine to show herself, flirts with Gustaf, and feels a thrill from male attention. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/v) Goes berry-picking with Gustaf, engaging in a passionate affair, and returns home just in time to greet Geissler. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/vi) Inger struggles with guilt over her past, seeks redemption through piety and devotion, and works to be a more attentive and humble wife to Isak. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/viii) Inger is eager for the family to buy Storborg. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/ix) Grows dissatisfied with the maid Jensine and is pleased when Jensine decides to leave. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xi) Has become more reasonable and settled after the winter, no longer opposing Jensine's return. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xii) Described as the 'Margravine' preparing the evening meal at Sellanraa, having returned from her stormy voyage in the city. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/inger - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters