Journey to the Center of the Earth · Character

Martha

The Liedenbrock household servant who worries about the Professor and Axel during their absence.

minor

Also known as poor Martha

Martha's tie to Hans Bjelke is one of the pressures that moves Journey to the Center of the Earth—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

The cook who is alarmed by the Professor's early return and hides to avoid his temper.

Martha first appears in 0000 i the professor and his family.

With Hans Bjelke (social): Hans and Martha have only a brief, incidental encounter in the story.

In The Professor and His Family: The cook who is alarmed by the Professor's early return and hides to avoid his temper.

Later, in A Mystery to Be Solved at Any Price: The housekeeper who announces dinner and is alarmed when the Professor does not appear to eat.

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Character Web

4 connections

A slice of how Martha sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Character groups

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Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the protagonist’s emotional nadir—utter despair, isolation, and n…

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Hans Bjelke
social · positive
Hans and Martha have only a brief, incidental encounter in the story. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

Martha appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Professor and His Family
The cook who is alarmed by the Professor's early return and hides to avoid his temper.
A Mystery to Be Solved at Any Price
The housekeeper who announces dinner and is alarmed when the Professor does not appear to eat.
The Enemy to Be Starved Into Submission
Martha is distressed by the Professor's decree of no food, lamenting the prospect of starvation.
Famine, Then Victory, Followed by Dismay
Martha is distressed by the locked door and the lack of food, and is unable to get the Professor's attention for supper.
Exciting Discussions About an Unparalleled Enterprise
Martha is briefly mentioned as being set at liberty to prepare dinner after the Professor's initial rage over the empty table.
VII: A Woman’s Courage
Martha is bewildered by the Professor's frenzy, asking if he is mad and where they are going. Axel silently confirms her fears.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Martha unlock in the free preview.