Pelle the Conqueror
Brings Pelle to Stone Farm to work, embodying the struggles of a poor father seeking a better life for his son.
Book I: Boyhood
Brings Pelle to Stone Farm, works as a laborer, and struggles to provide for his son while navigating the farm's hierarchy.
Arrival at Stone Farm
An old, stooping man who tries to comfort his son with boastful talk. He secures work at Stone Farm for both of them, but upon arrival feels helpless and despairing, mourning his old home.
II
Lasse works in the stable, feels overburdened, and is wary of the farm's hierarchy; he disapproves of the mistress's behavior but defers to his betters.
III
Lasse is submissive to the farm pupil's authority, but shows deep love and sacrifice for Pelle. He also attempts to reconnect with Johanna, giving her Bengta's hymnbook.
IV
Lasse works alongside Pelle in the morning, predicts the weather, and comforts Pelle at the end of the day.
V
Lasse listens to Pelle's account of the fisherman and offers wisdom about conscience and sorrow.
VI
Lasse protests Pelle's night work but is overruled; he comforts Pelle and discusses the twins' disrespect for their parents.
VII
Lasse walks with Pelle, discusses family hopes and the dangers of women, and carries a bottle of blackcurrant rum for the visit.
The Threshing Machine and the Fifty-Öre Piece
Misses Pelle's lively questions during his torpor. Is the only one who knows about Pelle's wealth. Discusses plans for a better future with Pelle, feeling too old to change but carried away by Pelle's schemes.
IX
Lasse feels his age and declining importance, especially with the girls. He clings to his role as Pelle's protector but is increasingly aware of his own fading authority.
Pelle's First Days at School and the Changing Seasons at Stone Farm
Nervously sends Pelle off to school with advice, dreams of remarrying and improving their lot, but remains at Stone Farm.
XI
Lasse scolds Pelle for his reckless jump into the sea, but cares for him afterward, rubbing him with straw and checking for fever.
XII
Lasse is injured by the bull but saved by Pelle. He praises Pelle and reflects on the incident with a mix of gratitude and humor.
XIII
Gone to fetch spirits; later advises Pelle to avoid conflict and stay out of trouble.
XIV
Lasse works alongside Pelle, tries to calm him during his fit, and carries him to their room in distress.
XV
Visits Madam Olsen to court her, uses Pelle as a messenger, and discusses marriage prospects.
XVI
Resists temptation to pursue the women who show him favor, choosing to remain upright for Pelle's sake.
XVIII
Arranges for both to attend the outing by threatening to leave the farm; secretly plans to meet Madam Olsen.
XIX
A worker at Stone Farm who observes and comments on the events, showing concern and confusion about the mistress's behavior.
Chapter XX
Despondent about his situation at Stone Farm, longing for independence and to move in with Madam Olsen, but frustrated by Pelle's resistance. Shows interest in Pelle's confirmation studies, trying to learn Bible prophets.
Grandmother's Farewell
Visits grandmother with Pelle, is teased about seeking a new wife, and shares a tender goodbye.
XXII
Lasse loses hope during the attempted departure, suggests returning, borrows money from Madam Olsen for Pelle's confirmation, gets drunk in shame, and ultimately pours out the gin and promises to reform.
XXIII
Lasse accompanies Pelle to confirmation, is proud of him, and resolves to pursue Karna.
XXIV
Lasse is torn between wanting to keep Pelle close and accepting his son's need to leave; he helps pack Pelle's belongings and bids him a sorrowful farewell.
Book II: Apprenticeship
Pelle's father, who remains in the background but whose influence and hopes for Pelle are felt as Pelle embarks on his apprenticeship.
I
Pelle's father, who sends letters with money and steamer tickets, eventually arriving safely.
II
Lasse is absent from the chapter; Pelle worries about him and learns he has left Stone Farm.
III
Pelle asks about Lasse but no one knows where he is; Lasse is not in the town.
V
Proudly works the land with Karna, uses dynamite to break soil, and tries to persuade Pelle to stay.
VI
Lasse's teachings about moderation and his prophetic sayings echo in Pelle's memory, influencing his behavior.
Chapter VIII
Mentioned as having lamented about the same subject of a time of happiness for the poor, linking to Pelle's reflections on Anker's talk.
The Lamp and the Journeyman
Mentioned in a mocking newspaper notice; Pelle's fierce defense shows his deep loyalty.
XI
Visits Pelle, brings potatoes as a gift, expresses skepticism about the theater but eventually attends a play with his son.
XIII
Quoted by Pelle: 'Some are born to command and some to obey.'
Chapter XXIII
Lasse is mentioned by the Sow, who recalls his kindness and asks Pelle to give him her respects.
XXV
Pelle's father, broken by the loss of his farm and wife Karna, refuses to leave and resigns himself to death.
XXVI
Lasse is dejected, frail, and bitter about losing Heath Farm; he moves in with Sort and attends Alfred's wedding with Pelle.
The Great Struggle
Pelle's father, who supports him from the background.
VI
Lasse is remembered by Pelle for teaching him to be kind to Howling Peter, saying he was 'in God's keeping.'
XIII
Lasse arrives from Bornholm, brings news of Due's crime, and struggles to find work in Copenhagen, refusing to be a burden.
XIV
Lasse searches for work in Copenhagen, feels old and out of place, and confides in the children about his struggles.
XV
Lasse is in a solemn mood on Pelle's wedding day, treating everything as an omen.
XX
Little Lasse, Pelle's son, who also sees little of his father during the struggle.
XXII
Has gone out with a handcart for a secondhand dealer; Pelle plans for him to move in.
XXIII
Lasse remains at the 'Ark' and does occasional work, but Ellen worries he may be in want and asks Pelle to bring him to their home.
XXVI
Living in a small room in the 'Ark'; Pelle plans to move him into their new home.
Chapter XXVII
Looks after the children, wears Pelle's second-best suit, is happy and gaining weight.
XXVIII
Sitting with Young Lasse, telling stories; reacts with shock and trembling to Pelle's news.
The Lockout and the Leader's Burden
Feels superfluous and unhappy; goes out seeking casual labor but finds none; respects Pelle unconditionally.
XXXI
Mentioned as Young Lasse, Pelle's son, who recognizes the drawing of a ten-kroner note and plays with Pelle.
XXXII
Living contentedly with a new partner in a shack, furnished from refuse heaps; shows pride in his home.
XXXIII
Mentioned as Young Lasse, Pelle's son, who cries in terror when Pelle approaches him after shaving off his moustache.
XXXIV
Mentioned as Young Lasse, Pelle's son, who is present during the confrontation with Ellen.
Chapter XXXV
Found dying in a cellar, brought to the 'Ark', and dies peacefully after a tender farewell with Pelle.
Book IV: Daybreak
Lasse remains in the countryside, but his influence and Pelle's memories of him shape Pelle's journey.
I
Appears in Pelle's dream as Lasse Frederik, peeping out in alarm from behind the false Pelle.
III
Mentioned as Lasse Frederik, helps guard belongings after eviction.
IV
Mentioned as Lasse Frederik, Pelle's son, who initially doubts Pelle but later admires him.
V
Referred to as Lasse Frederik; helps his father with shoemaking, talks sensibly, and dreams of going to sea.
VI
Mentioned in Pelle's memory of childhood mornings.
VI
Rushes down the stairs, greeting his father as he goes to work.
XIII
Left in charge of the house while Pelle and Ellen go out; has taken up painting instead of wanting to be a sailor.
XXI
Lasse Frederik is mentioned as the one who cycled to fetch Ellen's mother.
XXII
Mentioned in Pelle's memory as the elderly, work-bowed father who saw Pelle as a miracle.
Chapter XXIII
Mentioned by Pelle as having said he was born with a caul.
Chapter XXIII
Shows Pelle a painting of a boy who fell asleep and tumbled from a milk-cart.