Lay Down Your Arms · Character

Conrad Althaus

A young nobleman aflame for battle and newly betrothed to Lilly, he marches off with the army just two days after the marriage licence arrives.

supporting

Also known as Conrad, Althaus, V Conrad Althaus, This Althaus

First appearance: ii

As a supporting figure in Lay Down Your Arms, Conrad Althaus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Martha's father; discusses the defeat at Solferino and the importance of the state.

In the storyFirst Years of Widowhood—Solitude, Study, Enlarged Views—I Return Into Society—Renewed Enjoyment of Life—Thoughts of Second Marriage—I Chaperon My Younger Sisters—I Am Introduced to Baron Tilling—He Brings Me an Account of the Manner of Arno's DeathOpen this moment free

See Conrad Althaus in First Years of Widowhood—Solitude, Study, Enlarged Views—I Return Into Society—Renewed Enjoyment of Life—Thoughts of Second Marriage—I Chaperon My Younger Sisters—I Am Introduced to Baron Tilling—He Brings Me an Account of the Manner of Arno's Death Book page

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Conrad moves between the family's social world and the front, a cousin whose eagerness for the Prussian campaign is matched only by the pain of leaving Lilly at the threshold of their marriage. His parting—'why did you delay so long to accept me?'—exposes the cruelty of a love consummated only on the eve of departure. He matters because his ardour and his abrupt removal show how war flatters young men even as it strips them of the futures they had just begun to plan.

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See Conrad Althaus in ii

Character Web

21 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Friendship

Character groups

Domestic and Military Circle
Protagonist

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the protagonist's emotional and psychological peak in…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Lilly
romantic · ambivalent
Conrad and Lilly are in a romantic relationship, marked by passion and conflict. How this plays out →
Martha Tilling
friendship · positive
Frederick Tilling
friendship · positive
Aunt Mary
friendship · positive
Father Radetzky
friendship · positive
Lilly
romantic · ambivalent
Conrad and Lilly are in a romantic relationship, marked by passion and conflict. How this plays out →
Martha Tilling
friendship · positive
Lilly
romantic · ambivalent
Conrad and Lilly are in a romantic relationship, marked by passion and conflict. How this plays out →
Frederick Tilling
friendship · positive
Father Radetzky
friendship · positive
Frederick Tilling
friendship · positive
Aunt Mary
friendship · positive

Lilly
Conrad and Lilly are in a romantic relationship, marked by passion and conflict.
Martha Tilling
Conrad and Martha are close friends, often sharing confidences and support.
Frederick Tilling
Conrad and Frederick are close friends and allies, often working together.
Aunt Mary
Aunt Mary and Conrad are friendly acquaintances, sharing a cordial bond.
Father Radetzky
Conrad and Father Radetzky share a respectful friendship, with the priest offering counsel.
Lilly
Conrad and Lilly are in a romantic relationship, marked by passion and conflict.
Martha Tilling
Conrad and Martha are close friends, often sharing confidences and support.
Lilly
Conrad and Lilly are in a romantic relationship, marked by passion and conflict.
Frederick Tilling
Conrad and Frederick are close friends and allies, often working together.
Father Radetzky
Conrad and Father Radetzky share a respectful friendship, with the priest offering counsel.
Frederick Tilling
Conrad and Frederick are close friends and allies, often working together.
Aunt Mary
Aunt Mary and Conrad are friendly acquaintances, sharing a cordial bond.

Relationship notes

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

See Conrad Althaus in ii

In the story

Conrad Althaus appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

First Years of Widowhood—Solitude, Study, Enlarged Views—I Return Into Society—Renewed Enjoyment of Life—Thoughts of Second Marriage—I Chaperon My Younger Sisters—I Am Introduced to Baron Tilling—He Brings Me an Account of the Manner of Arno's Death
Martha's father; discusses the defeat at Solferino and the importance of the state.
V
Interrupts Martha's ride in the Prater; teases her about Frederick.
VIII
Cousin; visits Grumitz often; courts Lilly patiently; discusses his strategy of siege-like courtship with Martha.
Chapter IX
Martha's cousin; becomes engaged to Lilly at the New Year's party, kissing her at midnight.
Chapter XIII
Returns from war with a scar, glorifies his experience, speaks of martial fire and joy of battle.
XIV
Captain-lieutenant who commits suicide on his sweetheart's grave after her death from cholera.
Chapter XVI
Mentioned as a relative or acquaintance; not directly active in this chapter but part of the broader social circle.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Conrad Althaus in ii