# Halfvorson — Short Fiction character guide

> Halfvorson in Short Fiction by Selma Lagerlöf.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** deaf old Halfvorson, Edith Halfvorson, Edith

**First appearance:** 0040-old-agnete

## Snapshot

A deaf, dying woman whose long-held love for a wandering man pulls him home across the sea before she slips away.

## Who they are

Edith Halfvorson has kept a flame for Petter Nord for years, and now, withering like the rootless birches around her, she has sent for him. Her father, deaf and isolated, paces the boat and mutters his grief in a voice he cannot control, unable to win anyone's love and so treating all as enemies. Edith's transparent hands and despairing smile force Petter to see not a vision but a spirit about to spread its wings—and to feel, at last, a sympathy that undoes his old madness.

## Relationships

### [Petter Nord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters/petter_nord)

_friendship_

Halfvorson and Petter Nord are close companions, sharing adventures and mutual support.

### [Petter Nord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters/petter_nord)

_friendship_

Halfvorson and Petter Nord are close companions, sharing adventures and mutual support.

### [Petter Nord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters/petter_nord)

_friendship_

Halfvorson and Petter Nord are close companions, sharing adventures and mutual support.

## In the story

### [The Spirit of Fasting and Petter Nord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/the-spirit-of-fasting-and-petter-nord)

The deaf old man who seeks out Petter Nord and shows him kindness.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/i)

Stone-deaf shopkeeper who tells Petter stories of wealth, discovers the note, and accuses Petter of theft.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/i)

Halfvorson's niece who witnesses the accusation and shows sympathy for Petter.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/ii)

The shopkeeper who allegedly framed Petter Nord; hides in his garden to avoid confrontation.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/iii)

Accuses Petter Nord of causing Edith's death through his pranks, expressing despair and grief.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/iii)

Dying girl who summoned Petter Nord to confront him about his revenge, but hesitates to reveal the full truth.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/iv)

Edith Halfvorson, the recovering girl who goes to the graveyard to save Petter Nord.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters/halfvorson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters