# Dr. Bresser — Lay Down Your Arms character guide

> Dr. Bresser in Lay Down Your Arms by Bertha von Suttner.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Meet Dr. Bresser, Bresser, No Dr. Bresser, Even Bresser

**First appearance:** 0005-iii

## Snapshot

The Tilling family's trusted physician, whose single letter summons Martha from Grumitz and sets her on the road toward the war she has only imagined.

## Who they are

Dr. Bresser belongs to the small circle of professionals the Tilling household relies on, and his name carries enough weight that Martha can use errands for him as cover for a journey no one at home would permit. His letter, arriving with news of Frederick's wound, becomes the hinge on which her secret departure turns. He matters because he is the quiet, credible channel through which the war reaches into the family's drawing room before Martha ever sees a battlefield.

## In the story

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lay_down_your_arms_se/chapters/iv)

Plays piquet with Martha's father; present during the evening at Martha's father's house.

### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lay_down_your_arms_se/chapters/ix)

Mentioned in Martha's father's New Year's toast, wishing him many patients.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lay_down_your_arms_se/chapters/x)

Family doctor who voluntarily joined the army medical department and left for the theatre of war.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lay_down_your_arms_se/chapters/xii)

Accompanies Martha, revives her after she faints, and brings her back to Vienna.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lay_down_your_arms_se/chapters/xiv)

Physician who attends to the dying and diagnoses Martha's father's cause of death.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lay_down_your_arms_se/chapters/xix)

Engages in a debate about war and cowardice with the Minister and Colonel.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lay_down_your_arms_se/characters/dr_bresser
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lay_down_your_arms_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lay_down_your_arms_se/characters