# Meta von Strummin — The Breaking of the Storm character guide

> Meta von Strummin in The Breaking of the Storm by Friedrich Spielhagen.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Meta, IX The, Meta von Strummin, dear Meta

**First appearance:** 0001-i

## Snapshot

Engaged to the sculptor Justus Anders, Meta von Strummin is a warm, impulsive young woman whose laughter and tears come equally fast and whose loyalty to her friends is absolute.

## Who they are

Meta has just won her father's consent to marry Justus after the dramatic breakup of the Wissow company, and she moves through the aftermath with a mixture of giddy happiness and genuine grief for others. She insists that she and Justus must care for the blind Cilli, and her confession that she loves Justus only 'a little' — before dissolving into tears — reveals a heart too full to be contained. Her letters and confidences become a channel through which the novel's separated lovers learn the truth about each other.

## Relationships

### [Elsa von Werben](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/elsa_von_werben)

_friendship_

Meta is Elsa's close confidante and supportive friend, often providing counsel and companionship.

### [Elsa von Werben](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/elsa_von_werben)

_friendship_

Meta is Elsa's close confidante and supportive friend, often providing counsel and companionship.

### [Elsa von Werben](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/elsa_von_werben)

_friendship_

Meta is Elsa's close confidante and supportive friend, often providing counsel and companionship.

## In the story

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/viii)

The lively daughter of Herr von Strummin, who eagerly befriends Elsa and discusses the Count, the railroad project, and Reinhold's social standing.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ix)

Initially laughs at Reinhold's boots, then becomes his eager conversational partner, flirting to provoke the Count.

### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/x)

Professes to be tired but is actually eager to talk; declares her love for the Captain, recounts past infatuations, and expresses fear of becoming an old maid.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xii)

Wakes Elsa from her dream, leads her to see the sunrise, and impulsively kisses Elsa after Reinhold leaves.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/x)

Mentioned by Elsa as planning to visit Berlin and writing letters about Reinhold.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/viii)

Meta visits to comfort Elsa, discovers the compass, and secretly confirms Reinhold's love for Elsa.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ix)

Meta reports on her studio sittings, befriends Aunt Rikchen, and becomes engaged to Justus Anders after his proposal.

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

Accompanies Justus, expresses concern for Cilli, reacts with shock and grief upon finding Cilli dead.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/meta_von_strummin
- 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