# Uncle Ernst — The Breaking of the Storm character guide > Uncle Ernst in The Breaking of the Storm by Friedrich Spielhagen. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Ernst, little Ernst, Uncle Ernst bareheaded **First appearance:** 0001-i ## Snapshot A granite-willed factory owner who rules his works like a kingdom, Uncle Ernst commands two hundred men with thunderous fairness and a pride that cracks only for the helpless. ## Who they are Uncle Ernst runs his marble works and his family with the same iron rule, summoning his entire workforce to publicly confront three men accused of union organizing. His authority is absolute but not cruel — he gives time for repentance, and his voice shakes when he speaks to the blind Cilli. That contradiction between unbending principle and hidden tenderness makes him the moral fulcrum of the early story, especially as his pride begins to bleed from a wound he cannot name. ## Relationships ### [Reinhold Schmidt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/reinhold_schmidt) _family_ Uncle Ernst is Reinhold's kindly, supportive uncle who provides a safe harbor and paternal advice. ### [Reinhold Schmidt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/reinhold_schmidt) _family_ Uncle Ernst is Reinhold's kindly, supportive uncle who provides a safe harbor and paternal advice. ### [Reinhold Schmidt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/reinhold_schmidt) _family_ Uncle Ernst is Reinhold's kindly, supportive uncle who provides a safe harbor and paternal advice. ## In the story ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-i) A pragmatic figure involved in the family's estate management and local politics. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xi) Mentioned in Reinhold's thoughts as a stubborn old radical who would clash with the General. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/book-ii) Confronts workers about union membership, reflecting class and labor tensions. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/i) Reinhold's uncle; a stately old gentleman with marble-works, warmly welcomes Reinhold at the station. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ii) Greets Reinhold gruffly, expresses displeasure about Philip, and shows a harsh, stern demeanor. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iii) Expresses bitter opposition to Bismarck, recounts his own revolutionary past, and shows signs of agitation and drinking during the argument. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iv) Grumbles about the nobility and shows hostility when General von Werben is mentioned; reluctantly participates in the conversation about the monument. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/v) Discussed by Aunt Rikchen as a tyrant who hoards knowledge and overworks himself, though Reinhold suspects he has a soft heart. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vii) Confronts and dismisses workers who joined the union, criticizes Bismarck, and thanks Reinhold for his support. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/ii) Stubbornly refuses to yield to workers' demands, feels alienated from the world, and reveals his emotional isolation to Reinhold. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iv) Referenced by Aunt Rikchen as preferring to eat alone rather than with her, and as being abused by workers in the street. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xii) Receives the General's visit; recounts his humble origins, his hatred of aristocracy, and his role in the 1848 revolution where he aimed at an officer but did not shoot. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/vi) Stubborn and unyielding, he refuses to reconsider his decision, even as Ferdinanda lies ill, and later smiles a Medusa-like smile upon her recovery. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xiii) Mentioned by Justus; has recovered and been elected city delegate, planning to run for the Chamber of Deputies and Imperial Diet. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iii) Struggles with pride and anger after receiving Ferdinanda's letter; deeply moved by Cilli's plea. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/iv) Arrives at the studio, stands in silent grief, thanks Aunt Rikchen, and reflects on missing a sign of Cilli's death. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/v) Pleads for mercy and a fresh start for Elsa and Ottomar, arguing that love and effort can overcome past sins. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/characters/uncle_ernst - 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