The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Character

Ulrich Herzbruder

A soldier of stubborn honesty whose loyalty to Simplicissimus survives debt, capture, and the general collapse of decency around them.

supporting

Also known as old Herzbruder, young Herzbruder, the honest Herzbruder, good old Herzbruder, So poor Ulrich

First appearance: XXIII: How Ulrich Herzbruder Sold Himself for a Hundred Ducats

As a supporting figure in The Adventurous Simplicissimus, Ulrich Herzbruder is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A fellow soldier and friend who is sold for a hundred ducats, marking a key event in the chapter.

In the storyBook IIOpen this moment free

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Herzbruder moves through the war as a man of faith and conscience in a profession that rewards neither, bound to Simplicissimus by a friendship that outlasts their changing fortunes. His defining tension is between the honest life he wants and the miserable straits his goodness keeps landing him in—released from a musket here, stripped of everything there. He matters because he gives Simplicissimus something the war never does: a fixed point of moral reference against which the hero's own sliding scale can be measured.

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See Ulrich Herzbruder in XXIII: How Ulrich Herzbruder Sold Himself for a Hundred Ducats

Character Web

15 connections

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Other

Character groups

Authority and Morality Figures
Protagonist
Noble and Legendary Soldiers
Mythological and Historical Figures

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This moment is the story's dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak of Simpl…

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In the story

Ulrich Herzbruder appears across 29 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book II
A fellow soldier and friend who is sold for a hundred ducats, marking a key event in the chapter.
XXI: Is Somewhat Shorter and More Entertaining Than the Last
The muster-clerk, son of old Herzbruder; becomes Simplicissimus's sworn brother; favored by the colonel for the post of regimental secretary.
XXII: A Rascally Trick to Step Into Another Man’s Shoes
Young Herzbruder is falsely accused of stealing the colonel's cup and is banished from the camp, despite his innocence.
XXIII: How Ulrich Herzbruder Sold Himself for a Hundred Ducats
Young Herzbruder is disgraced, stripped of his office, and wishes for death; he is freed with Simplicissimus's money and enlists in the Swedish army.
How Two Prophecies Were Fulfilled at Once
Feigns illness, prophesies the future, and is murdered by a drunken lieutenant.
XXV: How Simplicissimus Was Transformed from a Boy Into a Girl and Fell Into Divers Adventures of Love
Mentioned as having prophesied misfortunes that Simplicissimus cannot avoid; his death is referenced as a turning point.
XXVI: How He Was Imprisoned for a Traitor and Enchanter
Mentioned as dead; Simplicissimus recalls his prophecy about the fool's coat.
XXVII: How the Provost Fared in the Battle of Wittstock
Young Herzbruder kills the provost with the help of a musketeer and rescues Simplicissimus.
XXVIII: Of a Great Battle Wherein the Conqueror Is Captured in the Hour of Triumph
Mentioned as missing after the battle; his captain inherits Simplicissimus.
Book III
A loyal friend to Simplicissimus, who is sold for a hundred ducats, highlighting the commodification of human life during war.
Book IV
A loyal friend and companion to Simplicissimus, offering guidance and support.
X: How Simplicissimus Was All Unexpectedly Quit of His Musket
Simplicissimus's faithful friend, now of high rank, who uses his influence to secure Simplicissimus's release and provides him with new clothes and a horse.
Discourses of the Order of the Marauder Brothers
Agrees to help Simplicissimus by providing a horse and servant, but holds back after the first two horses are lost.
XIII: How Oliver Conceived That He Could Excuse His Brigand’s Tricks
Mentioned in Oliver's recollection of a prophecy that Simplicissimus would avenge his death.
XIV: How Oliver Explained Herzbruder’s Prophecy to His Own Profit, and So Came to Love His Worst Enemy
Herzbruder's prophecy about Simplicissimus avenging Oliver's death is cited by Oliver as the reason for his newfound affection.
Of the Homecoming and Departure of This Worshipful Student, and How He Sought to Obtain Advancement in the Wars
Young Herzbruder is favored by the colonel and is the target of Oliver's plot, leading to his dismissal.
How Simplicissimus Fulfilled Herzbruder’s Prophecy to Oliver Before Yet Either Knew the Other
Referenced through the prophecy that Simplicissimus fulfills against Oliver.
XX: How It Doth Fare with a Man on Whom Evil Fortune Doth Rain Cats and Dogs
Mentioned for his dark prophecies that Simplicissimus now interprets.
How Simplicissimus Became a Rich Man and Herzbruder Fell Into Great Misery
Found in a pitiful state at the inn, with a bound head, sling, and lice-ridden clothes, begging for food and drink.
XXIV: Of the Manner in Which Herzbruder Fell Into Such Evil Plight
Found wounded and impoverished; recounts his capture, wounds, and survival after the Battle of Wittenweier and the failed relief of Breisach.
Book V
A loyal companion and friend to Simplicissimus.
How Simplicissimus Turned Palmer and Went on a Pilgrimage with Herzbruder
Healed and determined to fulfill his pilgrimage vow; refuses Simplicissimus's money and company due to scruples, but eventually relents; rebukes Simplicissimus for boiling the peas.
II: How Simplicissimus, Being Terrified of the Devil, Was Converted
Accompanies Simplicissimus to Einsiedeln, defends him against the devil's claims, and rejoices at his friend's conversion.
III: How the Two Friends Spent the Winter
Counsels frugality, becomes steward of the shared money, tells his life story, and contacts General Count Götz to restore his fortunes.
IV: In What Manner Simplicissimus and Herzbruder Went to the Wars Again and Returned Thence
Promotes Simplicissimus at a banquet, is wounded in battle losing his testicles, develops paralysis, is advised to take the waters at Griesbach, and makes Simplicissimus his heir.
How Simplicissimus Rode Courier and in the Likeness of Mercury Learned from Jove What His Design Was as Regards War and Peace
Recovering from poisoning at the spa; gives Simplicissimus trinkets for his wife.
VI: A Story of a Trick That Simplicissimus Played at the Spa
Lies ill and near death, comforted by Simplicissimus's presence.
How Herzbruder Died and How Simplicissimus Again Fell to Wanton Courses
Dies of poison, leaving Simplicissimus as his heir.
XI: Of the Marvellous Thanksgiving of a Patient, and of the Holy Thoughts Thereby Awakened in Simplicissimus
Mentioned as a friend fate had robbed him of.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Ulrich Herzbruder unlock in the free preview.

See Ulrich Herzbruder in XXIII: How Ulrich Herzbruder Sold Himself for a Hundred Ducats

See Ulrich Herzbruder in Book II