# The Doctor — Heidi character guide

> The Doctor in Heidi by Johanna Spyri.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** doctor, the dear doctor, Dr. Classen

**First appearance:** 0006-vi-a-new-chapter-with-new-things

## Snapshot

The kind family physician who climbs the Alp with a heavy heart and finds Heidi running toward him in joy instead of disappointment.

## Who they are

He arrives at the hut expecting to be unwelcome, having feared Heidi would not remember him, and is met with gratitude and a thousand thanks. Lonely and worn, he finds the mountain restores him, and he lingers until business calls him back to Frankfurt. His parting with Heidi, and her offer to come to him if he is ever sick and alone, gives the story one of its warmest adult friendships.

## Relationships

### [Heidi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/heidi)

_friendship_

The Doctor becomes a caring friend and mentor to Heidi, recognizing her homesickness and helping her return to the mountains.

### [Mr. Sesemann](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/mr_sesemann)

_professional_

Mr. Sesemann and the Doctor are professional associates, with the Doctor advising on Clara's health.

### [Clara Sesemann](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/clara_sesemann)

_professional_

The Doctor is Clara's physician, who monitors her health and recommends the mountain cure.

### [Heidi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/heidi)

_friendship_

The Doctor becomes a caring friend and mentor to Heidi, recognizing her homesickness and helping her return to the mountains.

### [Mr. Sesemann](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/mr_sesemann)

_professional_

Mr. Sesemann and the Doctor are professional associates, with the Doctor advising on Clara's health.

### [Mr. Sesemann](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/mr_sesemann)

_professional_

Mr. Sesemann and the Doctor are professional associates, with the Doctor advising on Clara's health.

### [Clara Sesemann](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/clara_sesemann)

_professional_

The Doctor is Clara's physician, who monitors her health and recommends the mountain cure.

### [Heidi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/heidi)

_friendship_

The Doctor becomes a caring friend and mentor to Heidi, recognizing her homesickness and helping her return to the mountains.

### [Clara Sesemann](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/clara_sesemann)

_professional_

The Doctor is Clara's physician, who monitors her health and recommends the mountain cure.

## In the story

### [The Master of the House Hears of Strange Doings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/ix-the-master-of-the-house-hears-of-strange-doings)

Encountered by Heidi at the fountain; sends regards to Mr. Sesemann.

### [The Sesemann House Is Haunted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xii-the-sesemann-house-is-haunted)

Called to investigate the ghost; he calmly discovers Heidi sleepwalking, diagnoses her homesickness, and insists she must return to the Alps.

### [Preparations for a Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xv-preparations-for-a-journey)

Grieving the loss of his daughter, he advises against Clara's trip but agrees to visit Heidi in her place.

### [A Guest on the Alp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xvi-a-guest-on-the-alp)

The doctor visits the Alp alone, bringing gifts from Frankfurt. He is warmly welcomed by Heidi and her grandfather, and plans to stay in the village to enjoy the mountains.

### [Retaliation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xvii-retaliation)

The doctor finds peace and healing on the Alp, bonding with Heidi and the grandfather. He is deeply moved by Heidi's faith and verses, and reluctantly leaves for Frankfurt.

### [Parting to Meet Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xxiii-parting-to-meet-again)

Dr. Classen completes his business in Frankfurt and moves to the village, buying the old ruins to build a home for himself, Heidi, and her grandfather.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/the_doctor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters