# Elsa von Werben — The Breaking of the Storm character guide > Elsa von Werben in The Breaking of the Storm by Friedrich Spielhagen. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Elsa, Fräulein von Werben, Fräulein Elsa von Werben **First appearance:** 0001-i ## Snapshot The spirited daughter of the von Werben household, whose beauty and warmth make her the still center of a family being pulled apart. ## Who they are Elsa belongs to the proud but strained von Werben family, adored by her brother Ottomar and watched over by a father whose sternness masks deeper troubles. She is the object of Reinhold's growing attachment, yet the feud between their families — stoked by anonymous letters and old grudges — makes every meeting charged with risk. Her loyalty to her brother and her openness to Reinhold place her at the hinge of the novel's central conflict between love and inherited enmity. ## Relationships ### [Reinhold Schmidt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/reinhold_schmidt) _romantic_ Elsa and Reinhold share a deep, passionate romantic connection, central to the story's emotional core. ### [Meta von Strummin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/meta_von_strummin) _friendship_ Meta is Elsa's close confidante and supportive friend, often providing counsel and companionship. ### [Count Golm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/count_golm) _psychological_ Count Golm is obsessively fixated on Elsa, viewing her as an object of possession and manipulation. ### [Ottomar von Werben](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/ottomar_von_werben) _family_ Elsa and Ottomar are siblings, bound by family duty but strained by Ottomar's jealousy and possessiveness. ### [Baroness Valerie Warnow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/baroness_valerie_warnow) _friendship_ Baroness Warnow is a wise, older friend and mentor to Elsa, offering guidance and emotional support. ### [Reinhold Schmidt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/reinhold_schmidt) _romantic_ Elsa and Reinhold share a deep, passionate romantic connection, central to the story's emotional core. ### [Meta von Strummin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/meta_von_strummin) _friendship_ Meta is Elsa's close confidante and supportive friend, often providing counsel and companionship. ### [Ottomar von Werben](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/ottomar_von_werben) _family_ Elsa and Ottomar are siblings, bound by family duty but strained by Ottomar's jealousy and possessiveness. ### [Count Golm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/count_golm) _psychological_ Count Golm is obsessively fixated on Elsa, viewing her as an object of possession and manipulation. ### [Reinhold Schmidt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/reinhold_schmidt) _romantic_ Elsa and Reinhold share a deep, passionate romantic connection, central to the story's emotional core. ### [Meta von Strummin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/meta_von_strummin) _friendship_ Meta is Elsa's close confidante and supportive friend, often providing counsel and companionship. ### [Count Golm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/count_golm) _psychological_ Count Golm is obsessively fixated on Elsa, viewing her as an object of possession and manipulation. ## In the story ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-i) Introduced as a central figure, navigating her family's expectations and her own desires. ### [The 'Indefatigable'](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/i) Observes and sketches the young man; remains calm when warned of the danger. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ii) Observes the President's discomfort, convinces Reinhold to help, and shares a glance with him. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iii) Elsa embraces the adventure, feeling secure under Reinhold's guidance and experiencing a strange thrill when the light appears. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iv) Takes charge of the situation at the farm, insists on moving to Golmberg, and reflects on her feelings for Reinhold while examining the compass. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/v) Feels uneasy and restless, questioning whether she has offended the Captain with her joking manner. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vi) Anxiously waits for Reinhold Schmidt, defends him to Count Golm, and arranges for the doctor for Frau Pölitz's children. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vii) Rides in the first carriage; reflects on her request to the Count and her feelings about Reinhold. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/viii) Arrives at Golmberg Castle, is welcomed by the von Strummins, and engages in conversation with Meta about the Count and family finances. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ix) Defends Reinhold's appearance, engages with the President, and shows joyful surprise at his military service. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/x) Listens to Meta's confessions about love and her own insecurities; is described as having beautiful chestnut-brown hair and hazel eyes. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xii) Experiences troubled dreams and a restless night; watches the sunrise with Meta; has a tense but meaningful farewell with Reinhold. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-ii) Attends a ball in Berlin and meets Reinhold Schmidt, beginning a significant relationship. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as Ottomar's sister; Reinhold had traveled with her and the General on a steamer. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ix) Mentioned in Ottomar's letter as someone he will persuade to go to the Exhibition. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/x) Meets Reinhold at the Exhibition, chats animatedly about Berlin society, her brother Ottomar, and Reinhold's potential post at Wissow. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xii) Mentioned as having told the Princess about her adventure at Golmberg; not present in the scene. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xiii) Elsa walks with the Princess and Count Golm, nodding cordially to Reinhold as he passes. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xiv) Proposed as a potential bride for Count Golm to secure the Warnow estate and overcome the General's opposition. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-iii) Struggles with her emotions and societal expectations, torn between duty and her feelings for Reinhold. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/i) Elsa argues with Ottomar about his marriage to Carla, defends Captain Schmidt, and learns of the strike at the Schmidt works. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vi) Elsa is anxious and distracted while preparing for the party, troubled by thoughts of love, money, and her brother Ottomar's extravagance. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vii) Elsa feigns ignorance of Count Golm's arrival, then warmly welcomes Reinhold Schmidt, arranging a dance and asking him to befriend her brother. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/viii) Disturbed by her brother's behavior, she tries to smooth over the conflict and feels sympathy for Carla. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ix) Orchestrates seating at supper, reflects on her feelings for Reinhold and Schönau, and regrets her words to Ottomar. ### [The Reckoning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/x) Retires to her room after the ball, cherishing memories of Reinhold and the compass he gave her. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xii) Mentioned as the daughter of the General; her relationship with Reinhold is exposed in the anonymous letter. ### [Book IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-iv) Struggles with her feelings and societal pressures. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/i) Writes a warm letter to Valerie, inviting her to visit and expressing a desire to meet her. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ii) Elsa orchestrates the visit to Aunt Valerie, comforts her, and tries to manage Aunt Sidonie's conversation. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as having hastened on ahead, suggesting her involvement in the family visit. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iv) Visits the Baroness; determined and shuts the door on François; her presence causes tension. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/v) Observed by Valerie; appears innocent and unaware of the tensions around her. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vii) The object of Reinhold's love; her inheritance and family's social standing are central to the obstacles Reinhold perceives. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/viii) Elsa is deeply depressed over Ottomar's engagement and her own secret feelings, guarded by modest pride. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ix) Elsa receives Meta's letters, learns of the estate sale, and weeps after reading about Meta's engagement. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xi) Mentioned as absent from a visit; her love for Reinhold is revealed in Meta's letter, making her a key figure in Giraldi and Carla's schemes. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xii) Reveals her father's humiliation over being passed over for promotion, speaks of her brother Ottomar's struggles, and shows forced self-command. ### [Book V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-v) Grapples with her emotions and the expectations placed upon her by her family and class. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/i) Defends Captain Schmidt against Count Golm's remarks, then leaves the room to check on her aunt. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ii) Elsa is the focal point of the chapter, grappling with her distress over Carla and Count Golm's betrayal, and seeking solace in nature and the memory of Reinhold. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iii) Walks alone across the moor to Wissow Head, driven by longing for Reinhold; experiences fear and loneliness, then joy upon finding him. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iv) Elsa writes to her father announcing her engagement to Reinhold, reflecting on the social implications and her determination to protect her name. ### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-vi) Continues to grapple with her emotions and societal pressures, torn between love and duty. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/v) Her telegram from Prora urgently calls the General to Warnow, revealing her fear and desperation. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vi) Travels with her aunt to Wissow, tormented by fear for Reinhold's safety and reflecting on her lost innocence and the harsh reality of love. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vii) Mentioned as having sent a telegram to her father from Prora, and as being united with the Baroness against Giraldi's schemes. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ix) Elsa insists on leaving with Valerie, visits the villagers, and anxiously awaits Reinhold's return from the rescue. She is overjoyed when he returns safely. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/x) Mentioned as having left the castle early with her aunt; Ottomar fears for her safety as she attempts to cross a flooded causeway. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xi) Tends to her wounded aunt on the balcony during the flood, binding her injuries and praying for rescue. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/elsa_von_werben - 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