Pelle the Conqueror

Ellen

Ellen is Pelle's wife, their relationship is central to his personal life and emotional support.

Father Lasse

Lasse is Pelle's devoted father, who sacrifices and struggles alongside him throughout their journey.

Little Boy Comfort

Little Boy Comfort is Pelle's son, representing the next generation and Pelle's hopes for the future.

Morten

Morten is Pelle's close friend and fellow worker, sharing in his struggles and aspirations.

Hanne

Hanne is a kind and supportive friend to Pelle, often offering comfort and companionship.

Maria

Maria is a maternal figure and friend to Pelle, providing warmth and care in his early life.

Jeppe Kofod

Jeppe Kofod is a harsh and antagonistic foreman who oppresses Pelle and other workers.

Manna

Manna is a fellow worker and friend who shares Pelle's labor and camaraderie.

Madam Stolpe

Madam Stolpe is Pelle's employer at the farm, representing the authority of the landowning class.

Peter Dreyer

Peter Dreyer is a factory owner and Pelle's employer, embodying the capitalist system Pelle confronts.

Tommelilla

Tommelilla is a small, wise friend of Pelle, often offering guidance and companionship.

Anna

Anna is a childhood friend and later a supportive acquaintance in Pelle's life.

Pelle the Conqueror

Arrives at Stone Farm with his father, begins work and school, experiencing the challenges of poverty and class division.

Book I: Boyhood

Arrives at Stone Farm with his father, begins work as a laborer, and starts school. Experiences the harsh realities of poverty and the social order.

Arrival at Stone Farm

A young boy who is frightened by a wooden figure at the harbor, but later feels shame when his father laughs at his fear. He dreams of a better life in Denmark, imagining picking up money from the streets.

II

Pelle is sent on errands by the mistress and witnesses the conflict between Kongstrup and his wife, observing the farm's wealth and inequality.

III

Pelle experiences fear and humiliation when the farm pupil frightens him, but also finds moments of childish play and imagination.

IV

Pelle struggles with herding cattle, learns to assert himself, and feels a deep longing for his father.

V

Pelle confronts a fisherman who confesses to infanticide, sings a ballad about a similar story, and later reflects on the encounter with his father.

VI

Pelle herds cattle, faces teasing for being Swedish, learns to fight recklessly, and fears the dark but gains confidence.

VII

Pelle shows ambition to own a farm, is tricked into fetching a non-existent 'handle-turner', and grapples with ideas of truth and social class.

The Threshing Machine and the Fifty-Öre Piece

Endures the monotony of driving the threshing machine, falls into a torpor, then revives with spring. Earns his first fifty-öre piece through cleverness and dreams of using it to buy everything. Discusses future plans with Lasse, including going to America or town.

IX

Pelle is growing up, learning to protect himself and navigate social dynamics. He shows a mix of childish imagination and emerging cunning, as seen in his bargaining with Rud.

Pelle's First Days at School and the Changing Seasons at Stone Farm

Starts school with a slate and pencil, initially awed but soon disillusioned by the harsh teacher and joins in mischief.

XI

Pelle measures himself against other boys, jumps into icy water to prove his bravery, and earns the nickname 'Blue-bag' before gaining respect.

XII

Pelle shows maturity and skill in managing the cattle, using clever methods and restraint. He saves Father Lasse from the bull, feeling both pride and a sense of growing power.

XIII

Returns with cattle, eats supper with the men, and secretly watches the wrestling match.

XIV

Pelle helps with pumping water and cleaning herring, becomes agitated during the fight, and later falls into a delirious state.

XV

Acts as a messenger between Lasse and Madam Olsen, listens to gossip in the stable.

XVI

Plays with Hans Peter behind the cow-stable after the elopement; Lasse thinks of him as a reason to stay clean.

The Storm and the Sacrifice

Struggles against the cold and wind on the way to school; feels small and cowardly compared to the other boys' bravado about the sea; has a fit upon seeing the dead body's wound.

XVIII

Celebrates his birthday and enjoys the Midsummer Eve outing with his father.

XIX

Lasse's son, who is awakened by the mistress's cries during the night and follows his father to the stable.

Chapter XX

Obstinate about his father's relationship with Madam Olsen, ashamed of schoolmates' taunts. Studies for confirmation, showing academic prowess, and grows physically strong, wearing out clothes quickly.

Grandmother's Farewell

Accompanies Lasse to grandmother's bedside and says a solemn farewell.

XXII

Pelle is torn between wanting to leave and feeling burdened by his father; he drags Lasse home after the failed escape, later physically forces his drunken father to bed, and reluctantly agrees to return to school.

XXIII

Pelle is confirmed, receives new clothes and a two-krone piece, and visits Kalle's family to say goodbye.

XXIV

Pelle is determined to leave the farm and seek greatness in the town or Copenhagen, despite his father's reluctance.

Book II: Apprenticeship

Begins his apprenticeship as a shoemaker under Sort, experiencing the rigors of the trade and the broader social struggles of the working class.

I

The protagonist, a young boy leaving home for the town, full of hope and uncertainty.

II

Pelle is consumed by remorse for abandoning Lasse and tries to flee back to the farm, but returns defeated.

III

Pelle searches for his father Lasse in town, feels out of place, and is mocked by town boys for his country appearance. He resolves to adapt and conquer.

IV

Pelle runs errands for Master Andres, explores the town, and is rescued by Nilen after a beating. He feels torn between his old self and the new demands of city life.

V

Visits his father's farm, helps with stone clearing, but rejects the farmer's life and insists on returning to town.

VI

Pelle mends shoes for poor women, reflects on his lost fairy-tale dreams, and feels forsaken yet defiant in the town.

VII

Struggles with poverty, loneliness, and moral guilt; falls ill after being ostracized.

Chapter VIII

After his illness, Pelle becomes more deliberate and grave; he tries to return stolen money to Master Andres to clear his disgrace, and feels a growing sense of solidarity with Jens and Morten.

IX

Visits Due and Anna; defends little Marie; reflects on strength and class injustice.

The Lamp and the Journeyman

Defends Father Lasse's honor by attacking the journeyman Little Nikas; learns to manage the new lamp and gains respect in the workshop.

XI

Attends the theater regularly, dreams of becoming an actor, and shows growing awareness of the world beyond his trade.

XII

Pelle is captivated by Garibaldi's arrival and stories, eagerly participates in the spring festivities, and dances with Morten.

XIII

Reflects on poverty, fights the postmaster's son, feels trapped and desperate after the rumor of his kick.

XIV

Endures a humiliating punishment and feels branded as an outcast, yet remains devoted to Master Andres and deepens his bond with Jens and Morten.

Chapter XV

Pelle learns to swim, nearly drowns, and is accepted back by the boys. He also suffers from Manna's rejection.

Chapter XVI

Pelle helps carry Karen's stretcher home.

Chapter XVII

Pelle undergoes a physical and emotional transformation, grappling with death and sexual awakening, and shares an intimate encounter with Sjermanna.

XVIII

Pelle takes on increasing responsibility in the workshop, borrowing money, pacifying customers, and managing the master's decline. He also reflects on the allure of the sea and the dreams of escape.

XIX

Pelle carves a button for Morten, listens to conversations, and helps Bjerregrav home.

The Great Power Unleashed

Pelle runs out to investigate the commotion and joins the crowd at the harbor.

XXI

Takes over workshop duties, visits Jens in poverty, supports Master Andres during his illness, and leads digging efforts during the snowstorm.

Chapter XXII

Regrets his apprenticeship, leaves Jeppe's shop, and sinks into apathy and isolation.

Chapter XXIII

Pelle is in deep despair, hungry and ashamed, wandering aimlessly after his dreams are shattered. He attends a mission service and later meets the Sow, feeling indifferent to his fate.

Chapter XXIV

Works as a laborer at the harbor, loading stone; lives with other men in a barn; refuses Sort's offer to travel; awakens with renewed purpose and sets out.

XXV

Travels with Sort, discusses his past and future plans, visits his father Lasse, and expresses desire to cross the sea.

XXVI

Pelle retrieves Lasse's belongings, prepares to leave for Copenhagen, visits a woman to say goodbye, attends Alfred's wedding, and departs by steamer.

The Great Struggle

Central figure in the workers' struggle, organizing and leading protests.

II

Pelle joins the trade union, feels a sense of community, and reunites with Morten, absorbing his socialist ideas.

III

Attends the Social-Democratic meeting and feels a profound connection to the crowd, describing his union subscription as a 'baptism'.

IV

Arrives in Copenhagen, robbed, taken in by orphans, begins working for Pipman, and becomes active in the labor movement.

V

Pelle works at home and at Beck's workshop, enjoys Marie's company, and tries to brighten her life with his high spirits.

VI

Pelle experiences a moral awakening, rescues a neglected child, and begins organizing workers in his trade.

VII

Feels destined for greatness, organizes workers, and reflects on his feelings for Hanne.

VIII

Pelle actively recruits cobblers for the workers' organization, showing patience and determination. He visits Morten and discusses the value of writing about the poor.

IX

Gives his first public speech at the entertainment, then visits the Stolpe family to discuss the labor movement.

Pelle's Stand Against the Court Shoemaker

Fired for union agitation, organizes embargo against Court shoemaker, deepens relationship with Ellen.

XI

Pelle deals with the failure of the embargo, resolves to continue organizing, and manages Marie's emotional outburst.

XII

Reflects on the Christmas spirit among the poor, buys a tree and treats, and shares a meal with his household.

XIII

Pelle is reunited with his father Lasse, feels shame about his modest lodgings, and is deeply troubled by Due's tragic fate.

XIV

Pelle is busy with labor movement meetings and his relationship with Marie, appearing serious and responsible.

XV

Pelle is now a man, planning his wedding and moving to a new home, while reflecting on his past and the labor movement.

Chapter XVI

Devoted to Ellen and their newborn son; withdraws from labor organizing to focus on family; feels torn between Morten's revolutionary fervor and domestic happiness.

Chapter XVII

Torn between family life and the workers' movement; hears an inner call to lead.

XVIII

Deeply concerned for the orphans; takes action after Peter's accident, collects funds, and decides to lead the Shoemakers' Union.

XIX

Leads the organization, confronts Meyer, is dismissed from Beck's, and secretly poaches Meyer's workers.

XX

Leads the union with indefatigable energy, defeats Meyer, and proposes a new tariff.

XXI

Pelle emerges as a charismatic organizer and speaker, leading workers' meetings and proposing a global solidarity plan to the Central Committee.

XXII

Arranges Karl's apprenticeship, visits the 'Ark' and Widow Johnsen, reflects on breaking up the children's home.

XXIII

Pelle grows increasingly resentful of the suffering around him and begins to understand Morten's view of humanity's sacredness. He moves to a two-room apartment on Kapelvej and fights to keep his family fed and warm.

Chapter XXIV

Pelle secures work among the unemployed, leads the strike against the contractor's exploitation, and delivers a passionate speech calling for worker solidarity and political change.

Chapter XXV

In a feverish state, Pelle is drawn to Hanne and accompanies her to a dance hall, feeling the weight of the terrible winter and unemployment.

XXVI

Obtains work at the machine works, is offered a drafting position, and grapples with leaving the labor movement.

Chapter XXVII

Works in an office job, wears good clothes, feels exalted but conflicted as the strike begins.

XXVIII

Refuses to become a strikebreaker, sacrificing his job and future at the factory.

XXIX

Returns to the workers' movement, leading the lockout campaign with strategic planning and inspiring speeches.

The Lockout and the Leader's Burden

Leads the lockout campaign with impulsive, energetic tactics; known as 'Lightning Pelle'; faces tension at home with Ellen.

XXXI

Torn between his public role as a workers' leader and his private struggle with Ellen; finds solace in engraving a ten-kroner note.

XXXII

Leads the workers' movement, devises a trap to expose strikebreakers, and visits his father Lasse.

XXXIII

Gives a passionate speech to the locked-in workers, rallying them to solidarity and leading them out of the factory. At home, he struggles with Ellen's coldness but finds temporary relief after her lottery win.

XXXIV

Hero of the day after the victory, but burdened by the lockout; discovers Ellen's betrayal, confronts her, and later proposes a radical strike plan.

Chapter XXXV

Searches for his father, cares for him in his final hours, and reflects on their relationship.

XXXVI

Roams the city after the strike victory, then leads rescue efforts during the Ark fire, saving Madam Johnsen and a child.

XXXVII

Leads the workers' procession, raises the International banner, and learns of his impending arrest.

Book IV: Daybreak

Pelle arrives in Copenhagen, begins his apprenticeship with Sort, and starts to develop his political consciousness.

I

Returns to Copenhagen after imprisonment, feeling forgotten and disconnected from the movement he once led. He wanders the city, observes the election, and searches for Ellen and his children.

II

Returns home from prison, learns of Marie's death, and reconnects with his family. He advises his son on strike tactics.

III

Returns to Copenhagen, searches for work, reflects on the labor movement and his relationship with Ellen.

IV

Returns home after imprisonment, struggles with his identity as an outlaw and his role as a father and husband.

V

Starts a shoemaking business in his basement, reads voraciously, and feels a new inner strength from his prison experience.

VI

Awakens early, works diligently, reads Marx and Henry George, reflects on his family and the workers' movement, comforts Ellen.

VII

Debates class morality with Brun, struggles with family debt, and accepts a job that requires evicting tenants, causing conflict with Ellen.

Chapter VIII

Stops reading, works at home, minds children, becomes embittered by debt and poverty, nearly attacks bailiffs.

IX

Pelle reflects on the labor movement's shortcomings, revisits his dream of a cooperative workshop, and struggles with doubt and indecision.

Daybreak

Pelle plans a cooperative business with Brun, explores the countryside with his family, and considers moving to a house called 'Daybreak'.

Chapter XI

Pelle manages the workshop, reduces working hours, and defends his principles against worker demands and Peter Dreyer's criticisms.

Chapter XII

Visits Morten, offers to host Johanna, and discusses social change with Morten and Peter.

XIII

Works late at the workshop, cycles home eagerly to Ellen and the children, and finds deep satisfaction in their love and country life.

XIV

Pelle takes charge of the household, hiring Queen Theresa to help, and tries to console Morten after Johanna's death.

XV

Works steadily on the cooperative, opens a leather shop, and begins lecturing on cooperation to win over the workers.

XVI

Pelle observes the new radicalism among workers, lectures on cooperation, and tries to steer Peter Dreyer toward calmer, long-term strategies.

XVII

Returns from a cooperative meeting, reflects on the city and his mission, and tends to his ill daughter Anna.

XVIII

Pelle negotiates the land purchase with Brun, expresses reluctance about property speculation, and supports the cooperative vision.

XIX

Engages in philosophical discussions with Ellen, teaches the children, and reflects on the nature of intelligence and labor.

Chapter XX

Engages in strategic discussions with Brun about the cooperative movement, advocating for prioritizing the workers' needs over immediate road-making.

XXI

Pelle is leading the cooperative housing project, reconciles with his father-in-law Stolpe, and becomes a father again.

XXII

Pelle experiences prison dreams, reflects on his mission, and interacts with Karl Anker and Peter Dreyer.

Chapter XXIII

Reflects on his past hardships and triumphs; receives Brun's letter and plans to travel to bring him home.