# The Governor — The Adventurous Simplicissimus character guide > The Governor in The Adventurous Simplicissimus by Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** the Governor, The governor **First appearance:** 0023-xix-how-simplicissimus-was-captured-by-hanau-and-hanau-by-simplicissimus ## Snapshot The Hanau commandant who takes the ragged young Simplicissimus into service and turns a stray into a soldier of the garrison. ## Who they are The Governor stands at the hinge between Simplicissimus's vagabond years and his life as a paid, uniformed servant of a Protestant war machine. He represents the institutional war—bureaucratic, watchful, and always awake to its own affairs—and his decision to employ the boy gives the hero his first stable footing and his first taste of rank and favor. His importance lies in that sponsorship: without the Governor's household, Simplicissimus's later rise through plunder, disguise, and fortune would have no base to fall from. ## In the story ### [XIX: How Simplicissimus Was Captured by Hanau and Hanau by Simplicissimus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xix-how-simplicissimus-was-captured-by-hanau-and-hanau-by-simplicissimus) The Governor of Hanau, to whom Simplicissimus is led after being searched; his portrait of Simplicissimus is mentioned. ### [XX: In What Wise He Was Saved from Prison and Torture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xx-in-what-wise-he-was-saved-from-prison-and-torture) Interrogates Simplicissimus, suspects him of being a spy or traitor, orders him searched and imprisoned. ### [How Treacherous Dame Fortune Cast on Simplicissimus a Friendly Glance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxi-how-treacherous-dame-fortune-cast-on-simplicissimus-a-friendly-glance) The Governor orders Simplicissimus to be brought to him and arranges for his clothing, grooming, and portrait, showing a benevolent interest in the boy. ### [XXII: Who the Hermit Was by Whom Simplicissimus Was Cherished](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxii-who-the-hermit-was-by-whom-simplicissimus-was-cherished) Discovers the hermit's identity through the signet ring and letter, and offers to care for Simplicissimus. ### [How Simplicissimus Became a Page: And Likewise, How the Hermit’s Wife Was Lost](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxiii-how-simplicissimus-became-a-page-and-likewise-how-the-hermit-s-wife-was-lost) Governor of Hanau, moved to tears by the hermit's story, vows to care for Simplicissimus. ### [XXVI: A New and Strange Way for Men to Wish One Another Luck and to Welcome One Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxvi-a-new-and-strange-way-for-men-to-wish-one-another-luck-and-to-welcome-one-another) Mentioned as the one Simplicissimus waits upon; allows him to visit the pastor and see the town. ### [XXVII: How Simplicissimus Discoursed with the Secretary, and How He Found a False Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxvii-how-simplicissimus-discoursed-with-the-secretary-and-how-he-found-a-false-friend) Shows increasing favor toward Simplicissimus, who resembles his sister and the hermit. ### [How Simplicissimus Got Two Eyes Out of One Calf’s-Head](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxviii-how-simplicissimus-got-two-eyes-out-of-one-calf-s-head) Hosts the banquet and initially appears threatening when the missing eye is discovered, but ultimately praises Simplicissimus's bold act. ### [How the Lord Governor Shot a Very Foul Fox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxxi-how-the-lord-governor-shot-a-very-foul-fox) Suffers from overeating or anger, vomits violently, and orders Simplicissimus to dispose of the mess. ### [How Simplicissimus Spoiled the Dance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxxii-how-simplicissimus-spoiled-the-dance) Simplicissimus's lord, present at the dance; orders Simplicissimus whipped and locked up. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/book-ii) The Governor of Hanau who interrogates and later employs Simplicissimus as a fool. ### [III: How the Other Page Received Payment for His Teaching, and How Simplicissimus Was Chosen to Be a Fool](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/iii-how-the-other-page-received-payment-for-his-teaching-and-how-simplicissimus-was-chosen-to-be-a-fool) The Governor interrogates Simplicissimus, arranges for the other page's punishment, and decides to keep Simplicissimus as a jester. ### [Concerning the Man That Pays the Money, and of the Military Service That Simplicissimus Did for the Crown of Sweden: Through Which Service He Got the Name of Simplicissimus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/iv-concerning-the-man-that-pays-the-money-and-of-the-military-service-that-simplicissimus-did-for-the-crown-of-sweden-through-which-service-he-got-the-name-of-simplicissimus) Receives the Swedish commissary with feigned courtesy, arranges Simplicissimus's disguise, and bestows the surname 'Simplicissimus'. ### [VII: How Simplicissimus Accommodated Himself to the State of a Brute Beast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/vii-how-simplicissimus-accommodated-himself-to-the-state-of-a-brute-beast) The Governor rewards the soldiers for bringing Simplicissimus and enjoys his antics, promising him a post. ### [IX: Crooked Praise of a Proper Lady](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/ix-crooked-praise-of-a-proper-lady) The lord who commands Simplicissimus to praise the lady and mocks his foolishness. ### [XI: Of the Toilsome and Dangerous Office of a Governor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xi-of-the-toilsome-and-dangerous-office-of-a-governor) Jests with Simplicissimus about ambition and honor, then listens to his sharp rebuke of the burdens of command. ### [XIII: Of Various Matters Which Whoever Will Know Must Either Read Them or Have Them Read to Him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xiii-of-various-matters-which-whoever-will-know-must-either-read-them-or-have-them-read-to-him) Hosts the dinner; judges Simplicissimus a fool for telling truth; shows concern and repentance; seeks the pastor's advice. ### [How Simplicissimus Led the Life of a Nobleman, and How the Croats Robbed Him of This When They Stole Himself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xiv-how-simplicissimus-led-the-life-of-a-nobleman-and-how-the-croats-robbed-him-of-this-when-they-stole-himself) Plans to give Simplicissimus as a gift to Cardinal Richelieu or Duke Bernhard of Weimar, but agrees to the pastor's scheme to restore him. ### [Of Simplicissimus’ Life with the Troopers, and What He Saw and Learned Among the Croats](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xv-of-simplicissimus-life-with-the-troopers-and-what-he-saw-and-learned-among-the-croats) Mentioned as the authority in Hanau who raised an alarm and sallied forth against the Croats. ### [How Simplicissimus Became a Fool Again as He Had Been a Fool Before](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xix-how-simplicissimus-became-a-fool-again-as-he-had-been-a-fool-before) Mentioned as the commandant of Hanau who was vexed at losing Simplicissimus. ### [XX: Is Pretty Long, and Treats of Playing with Dice and What Hangs Thereby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xx-is-pretty-long-and-treats-of-playing-with-dice-and-what-hangs-thereby) Discovers Simplicissimus's secret, uses palmistry to foresee his fate, and delivers a moral lecture against gambling. ### [XXI: Is Somewhat Shorter and More Entertaining Than the Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxi-is-somewhat-shorter-and-more-entertaining-than-the-last) Grows more kindly disposed to Simplicissimus; keeps their friendship secret; introduces Simplicissimus to his son, young Herzbruder. ### [How Two Prophecies Were Fulfilled at Once](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxiv-how-two-prophecies-were-fulfilled-at-once) Not directly present; the colonel's wife is mentioned as showing kindness to Herzbruder. ### [XXVI: How He Was Imprisoned for a Traitor and Enchanter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxvi-how-he-was-imprisoned-for-a-traitor-and-enchanter) Mentioned as a former master of Simplicissimus. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/book-iii) The Governor of Hanau, who interrogates Simplicissimus and plays a role in his early adventures. ### [How Simplicissimus Became a Nobleman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xvi-how-simplicissimus-became-a-nobleman) The commandant (Governor) sets Simplicissimus free, praises his servant's faithfulness, and later receives a horse as a gift from Simplicissimus. ### [How the Huntsman Disposed Himself to Pass His Six Months: And Also Somewhat of the Prophetess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xvii-how-the-huntsman-disposed-himself-to-pass-his-six-months-and-also-somewhat-of-the-prophetess) The colonel (Governor) dines with the Huntsman, attempts to discern his intentions, and grants him privileges to hunt and fish. ### [How Simplicissimus Held His Wedding-Feast and How He Purposed to Begin His New Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxii-how-simplicissimus-held-his-wedding-feast-and-how-he-purposed-to-begin-his-new-life) The commandant who is invited to the wedding feast, provides a cask of wine and a buck, and promises Simplicissimus a company if he takes up the soldier's trade. ### [How Simplicissimus Further Fared in Moscow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxi-how-simplicissimus-further-fared-in-moscow) Not present; mentioned only indirectly as part of Simplicissimus's past. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/characters/governor_of_hanau - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/characters