Kristin Lavransdatter

Erlend Nikulaussön

Passionate, all-consuming love affair that defies social conventions and family expectations, forming the central romance of the novel.

Simon Andressön

Kristin's childhood friend and rejected suitor, who remains devoted to her despite her love for Erlend, creating a complex bond of unrequited affection and loyalty.

Lady Aashild Gautesdatter

Aashild acts as a wise, unconventional mentor and confidante to Kristin, offering guidance in matters of love and life outside strict societal norms.

Ragnfrid Ivarsdatter

Kristin's mother, who is deeply loving but often anxious and overprotective, struggling with her own past and her daughter's rebellious choices.

Bentein Priestson

A malicious and vengeful priest's son who harbors a grudge against Kristin and her family, causing trouble and spreading slander.

Arne Gyrdsön

A loyal childhood friend and servant at Kristin's home, who harbors a quiet, unspoken love for her and is fiercely protective.

Brother Edvin

A kind, worldly-wise monk who becomes Kristin's spiritual advisor and trusted friend, offering counsel and comfort during her trials.

Ulvhild Lavransdatter

Kristin's younger sister, who is frail and sickly, evoking Kristin's protective love and sorrow.

Eline Ormsdatter

Eline views Kristin as a rival who stole Erlend's affections, leading to bitter jealousy and conflict.

Father Ingjald

A local priest who interacts with Kristin in his official religious capacity, often serving as a moral authority figure.

Ingebjörg Filippusdatter

A close friend and confidante from Kristin's youth, sharing secrets and supporting each other through romantic entanglements.

Sira Eirik

The parish priest who knows Kristin's family well and serves as a spiritual guide, often offering stern but caring advice.

Part I: Jörundgaard

Kristin is a young girl deeply attached to her father, grieving her sister's accident, and beginning to sense the constraints of her future.

The Elf-Maid's Lure

Seven-year-old Kristin goes on her first mountain journey with her father, encounters the elf-maid, and is rescued by Lavrans.

II

Accompanies her father on the journey to Skog; experiences awe and wonder at the cathedral in Hamar.

III

Loves her little sister Ulvhild and enjoys playing with her. During the accident, she is frightened and feels neglected as her parents focus on the injured.

IV

Kristin is captivated by Lady Aashild, listening to her stories and helping with Ulvhild. She feels humbled by Lady Aashild's remarks about her lineage.

V

Now fifteen, betrothed to Simon Andressön, and described as full-grown and very fair.

VI

Meets Arne secretly to say farewell, is assaulted by Bentein, and later threatens him.

Chapter VII

Overwhelmed by grief, fear, and shame after Arne's death and Bentein's attack; feels trapped and desperate.

Part II: The Garland

Kristin is the central character in this chapter, as she travels to Oslo and begins her stay at the convent, where she meets Erlend.

I

Arrives at Nonneseter Convent; feels bashful and awkward, especially after dropping her knife during the meal.

II

Kristin, now a novice at Nonneseter, ventures to town with Ingebjörg, shows courage and resourcefulness when attacked by foreign men.

III

Rides with Erlend, learns of his past, and reaffirms her vow to him.

IV

Visits her uncle at Skog, meets Erlend secretly, and begins a physical relationship with him over six nights.

V

Visits Brother Edvin, confesses her love for Erlend and her pregnancy, and struggles with her secret at Nonneseter.

VI

Feels clarity after Brother Edvin's counsel, resolves to bear her sin and be faithful to Erlend, but is deeply troubled by Simon's advances and Erlend's revelations about Eline.

VII

Confronts Simon about breaking their betrothal, admits her love for Erlend, and continues secret meetings with Erlend at the convent.

Chapter VIII

Sends word to Erlend and meets him secretly; reveals she has spoken with Simon about breaking the betrothal.

Part III: Lavrans Björgulfsön

Lavrans's daughter; her actions and future weigh heavily on him.

I

Returns home in spring, consumed by longing for Erlend and dread of her pregnancy; confronts her mother and struggles with her secret.

II

Pleads with her father to allow her marriage to Erlend, but is refused.

III

Shows defiance and maturity, taking charge of the escape plan and confronting Lady Aashild. Later, she is implicated in Eline's death and expresses guilt.

IV

Wrestles with guilt and longing, feels she has overcome her father's resistance, and broods on her sin and Erlend's absence.

Chapter V

Called to hear her father's decision; she is betrothed to Erlend after two years of opposition from her family.

VI

Sits at Jörundgaard as Erlend's betrothed, preparing her trousseau, but feels a vague fear about her future marriage and the distance from Erlend.

Chapter VII

Wracked by guilt and morning sickness, she prays her child is not marred, seeks Sira Eirik's counsel, and feels trapped by Erlend's will regarding the wedding.

VIII

The bride, overwhelmed by cold and guilt, haunted by the memory of Eline and Sir Björn.