# Reinhold Schmidt — The Breaking of the Storm character guide > Reinhold Schmidt in The Breaking of the Storm by Friedrich Spielhagen. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Reinhold, Lieutenant Reinhold Schmidt, Herr Reinhold Schmidt **First appearance:** 0001-i ## Snapshot A young lieutenant of the Guards, caught between the drawing rooms of Berlin and the revolutionary conscience of his uncle's ironworks. ## Who they are Reinhold moves between two worlds: the aristocratic circles where a general's visit can interrupt his morning, and the smoky manufactory where his uncle's workers seethe with grievance. He is drawn to Elsa von Werben while a scandalous letter circulates that links their families in mutual accusation, forcing him to weigh love against inherited loyalties. His instinct to take responsibility for others — even a servant's oversight — marks him as a man whose conscience will be tested by the storm gathering around him. ## Relationships ### [Elsa von Werben](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/elsa_von_werben) _romantic_ Elsa and Reinhold share a deep, passionate romantic connection, central to the story's emotional core. ### [Ottomar von Werben](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/ottomar_von_werben) _rivalry_ Ottomar and Reinhold are bitter rivals, competing for Elsa's affection and clashing over honor and class. ### [Count Golm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/count_golm) _rivalry_ Count Golm sees Reinhold as a direct threat to his designs on Elsa, leading to intense antagonism. ### [Cilli](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/cilli) _family_ Cilli is Reinhold's devoted younger sister, offering unconditional familial love and support. ### [Ferdinanda Schmidt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/ferdinanda_schmidt) _family_ Ferdinanda is Reinhold's mother, a strong and protective figure who deeply cares for her son's welfare. ### [Justus Anders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/justus_anders) _friendship_ Justus Anders is Reinhold's loyal and steadfast friend, a fellow officer who stands by him through trials. ### [Uncle Ernst](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/uncle_ernst) _family_ Uncle Ernst is Reinhold's kindly, supportive uncle who provides a safe harbor and paternal advice. ### [The General](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/the_general) _professional_ The General is Reinhold's commanding officer, a figure of authority who respects Reinhold's abilities. ### [President von Sanden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/president_von_sanden) _professional_ President von Sanden is a high-ranking official who interacts with Reinhold in a formal, professional capacity. ### [Herr Philip Schmidt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/herr_philip_schmidt) _family_ Herr Philip Schmidt is Reinhold's father, a stern but loving man who values family honor and hard work. ### [Aunt Rikchen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/aunt_rikchen) _family_ Aunt Rikchen is Reinhold's warm, affectionate aunt who dotes on him and provides familial comfort. ### [Elsa von Werben](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/elsa_von_werben) _romantic_ Elsa and Reinhold share a deep, passionate romantic connection, central to the story's emotional core. ## In the story ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-i) A lieutenant and outsider, whose presence challenges the social order. ### [The 'Indefatigable'](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/i) The young man who warns Elsa and the captain about the sandbank; a sailor with experience on this route. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ii) Advises General von Werben on the ship's situation and shares a moment with Elsa. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iii) Reinhold navigates the boat to shore and leads the party inland, modestly accepting credit for spotting the farmhouse light. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iv) Leaves the farm to check on the steamer, worries about the ship, and contemplates saying farewell to Elsa. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vi) Returns late to the castle, wet from the storm, and is urged by Elsa to join the party. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vii) Rides in the dogcart with the Count; Elsa wonders about his absence and intentions. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/viii) Struggles with his attire, ultimately deciding to appear at supper in seaboots and a tailcoat as a form of penance. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ix) Arrives in seaboots, charms the table with stories and a patriotic speech about German unity, reveals he fought at Gravelotte. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xi) Struggles with his feelings for Elsa and his social position; decides to leave early and accepts President von Sanden's confidential request. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xii) Meets Elsa and Meta at sunrise in the forest; explains the steamer's approach; departs to signal the ship, feeling lighthearted. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-ii) Meets Elsa at the ball, representing the lower nobility's aspirations in Berlin society. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/i) Main character; traveling to Berlin, reunites with his uncle and cousin, meets Ottomar von Werben on the train. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ii) Arrives at his uncle's house, observes the family tension, and reflects on his feelings for Elsa von Werben. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iii) Engages in political debate with Uncle Ernst, defends Bismarck, and reflects on his own military service and duty to Germany. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iv) Reflects on the General's behavior and his own family's lack of aristocratic manners; observes Ferdinanda in the garden; interacts with Justus Anders and is proposed as a model for the monument. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/v) Wakes up, dresses in his best clothes, and talks with Aunt Rikchen about family matters. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vi) Observes Cilli from a distance, then approaches to help her; deeply affected by her innocence and her dreams of the sea. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vii) Reflects on Cilli's purity, searches for his uncle, witnesses the worker confrontation, and is urged to visit Ferdinanda. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/viii) Mentioned as having been answered with scant courtesy by Antonio at the chapter's opening. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ix) Visits Ferdinanda in her studio, describes the factory accident, and admires her sculpture. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/x) Drives with Ferdinanda, meets Philip, and has a lively conversation with Elsa at the Exhibition. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xiii) Reinhold searches for Ferdinanda, talks with Philip, and feels the sting of social distance from Elsa and Count Golm. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-iii) Continues to navigate his relationship with Elsa and his role in the aftermath of the storm. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/i) Captain Schmidt is praised by Elsa for his courage and courtesy; he intervened during a strike at his brother's marble works. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ii) Attempts to mediate between his uncle and the workers, and later between Ernst and Philip. Ernst considers him a potential successor. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iii) Comforts Herr Kreisel and Cilli after Kreisel's confession; accepts Ottomar's invitation; visits Anders' studio and comments on Ferdinanda's statue. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as having been invited to the Werbens' soirée and not dining at home. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vii) Reinhold arrives at the party, is warmly received by the General and Elsa, and engages in a technical discussion about a harbor with two staff officers. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ix) Engaged by Elsa to sit with Emilie von Fischbach, enjoys the evening, and later accepts the General's confidential assignment. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xi) Reinhold muses on the gloomy weather and his love for Ferdinanda, then returns to work. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xii) Mentioned as the son of Uncle Ernst; his relationship with Elsa is the subject of the anonymous letter. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xiii) Reinhold learns of the situation from the General and confronts his uncle, expressing fear that the decision will be the death of Ferdinanda. ### [Book IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-iv) Central figure navigating his duties and personal relationships. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vi) Gloomy and despondent, Reinhold reflects on the family crisis and his failed attempt to persuade Uncle Ernst. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vii) Confides in Cilli about his hopeless love for Elsa and the social barriers imposed by class and family circumstances. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xii) Visits Elsa to take leave, learns of the General's resignation, and expresses deep sympathy and love for Elsa. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xiii) Travels by train to Sundin; listens to the President's critique; consoles Justus; keeps his engagement to Elsa secret from Ottomar. ### [Book V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-v) Continues to navigate his feelings for Elsa and his place in society. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ii) Reinhold is mentioned by Frau Pölitz as having visited the farm recently, deepening Elsa's emotional connection to him. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iii) Found leaning against the signal-post on Wissow Head, watching the sea; reunites with Elsa, confesses his love, and warns of the coming storm. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iv) Reinhold is mentioned as Elsa's fiancé and is risking his life in the storm to save others, inspiring Elsa's resolve. ### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-vi) Remains a central figure in Elsa's thoughts, representing a path outside aristocratic conventions. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ix) Reinhold leads a successful rescue of eight sailors from a stranded schooner, returns exhausted but triumphant, and is reunited with Elsa. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xii) Reinhold is recalled in Ferdinanda's memory as the brother officer who warned her not to flee with Ottomar, speaking of honor and the consequences of her actions. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xv) Steers the boat, recalls rescuing Count Golm and Carla, and reflects on the tragedy. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/reinhold_schmidt - 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