# Carla von Wallbach — The Breaking of the Storm character guide > Carla von Wallbach in The Breaking of the Storm by Friedrich Spielhagen. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Carla, Fräulein von Wallbach, Fräulein Carla, Wallbach **First appearance:** 0001-i ## Snapshot A restless young noblewoman who treats courtship as a game of strategy, Carla von Wallbach trades gossip and flirtation with equal skill, always calculating who benefits from the latest scandal. ## Who they are Carla moves through the social world of the novel with practiced charm, collecting information from Count Golm and Signor Giraldi and deploying it where it serves her best. She is caught between her interest in Ottomar von Werben and the practical advantages of marrying Count Golm, while her sister-in-law Louisa pushes her toward a decision. Her willingness to manipulate Elsa's secret love for Reinhold shows a woman whose ambitions and affections are dangerously entangled. ## Relationships ### [Count Golm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/count_golm) _romantic_ Carla is Count Golm's lover, entangled in a passionate but manipulative and ultimately destructive affair. ### [Ottomar von Werben](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/ottomar_von_werben) _romantic_ Carla and Ottomar share a secret, illicit romantic relationship, driven by passion and mutual manipulation. ### [Count Golm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/count_golm) _romantic_ Carla is Count Golm's lover, entangled in a passionate but manipulative and ultimately destructive affair. ### [Count Golm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/count_golm) _romantic_ Carla is Count Golm's lover, entangled in a passionate but manipulative and ultimately destructive affair. ### [Ottomar von Werben](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/ottomar_von_werben) _romantic_ Carla and Ottomar share a secret, illicit romantic relationship, driven by passion and mutual manipulation. ### [Ottomar von Werben](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/ottomar_von_werben) _romantic_ Carla and Ottomar share a secret, illicit romantic relationship, driven by passion and mutual manipulation. ## In the story ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xii) Flirts with Count Golm, discusses philosophy and society, and ignores Ottomar's presence. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/i) Carla is the woman Ottomar is pressured to marry; Elsa criticizes their incompatibility. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vii) Carla is seen in a group with Ottomar, Count Golm, and Elsa, engaged in a lively dispute likely about Wagner. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/viii) Appears indifferent to Ottomar's insult, laughing with Count Golm to provoke Ottomar; she is a passionate defender of Wagner. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ix) Sits opposite Ottomar and Golm at supper, observes Ottomar's brilliance, and praises him publicly. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as Ottomar's betrothed, described as timid and reticent. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/v) Eager to meet Giraldi, flirts openly and seeks admiration. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/viii) Carla is engaged to Ottomar; Meta dislikes her and thinks the couple is ill-matched. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xi) Plays the piano and engages in a flirtatious, manipulative conversation with Count Golm, then conspires with Giraldi to manage the Count's affections and the plan for Warnow. ### [Book V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-v) Her actions and decisions reflect the themes of love and sacrifice. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/i) Persuades Louisa to stay, then rides with the Count after a brief exchange. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ii) Carla is seen in a compromising scene with Count Golm, which Elsa witnesses and which shatters Elsa's trust in her. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iv) Carla is mentioned as having received a visit from Count Golm, who likely spread news of Elsa's engagement. ### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-vi) Her fate intertwines with Count Golm, highlighting themes of love and sacrifice. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vi) Present during the farewell scene, but remains silent and unable to participate in the emotional exchange. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/viii) Accompanies the Count under pretext of viewing the storm; her silence and growing awareness of his selfishness mark a turning point in her perception of him. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/x) Recalled in Ottomar's memory as the woman he loves; she has written to her father to secure money and plans to support him with her art. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xv) Rescued from the dune, terrified and clinging to Reinhold. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/carla_von_wallbach - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters