Hofrat Behrens

Hans Castorp

Hans's chief physician, whose medical authority and eccentric personality dominate the sanatorium.

Joachim Ziemssen

Behrens is Joachim's treating physician, overseeing his strict and ultimately tragic regimen.

Ludovico Settembrini

They are long-term acquaintances at the sanatorium, with Settembrini as a patient and occasional critic of Behrens's methods.

Clavdia Chauchat

She is a long-term patient under Behrens's care, and he is also infatuated with her, painting her portrait.

Hans Castorp

Hans's chief physician, whose medical authority and eccentric personality dominate the sanatorium.

Hans Castorp

Hans's chief physician, whose medical authority and eccentric personality dominate the sanatorium.

Joachim Ziemssen

Behrens is Joachim's treating physician, overseeing his strict and ultimately tragic regimen.

Ludovico Settembrini

They are long-term acquaintances at the sanatorium, with Settembrini as a patient and occasional critic of Behrens's methods.

Joachim Ziemssen

Behrens is Joachim's treating physician, overseeing his strict and ultimately tragic regimen.

Clavdia Chauchat

She is a long-term patient under Behrens's care, and he is also infatuated with her, painting her portrait.

Clavdia Chauchat

She is a long-term patient under Behrens's care, and he is also infatuated with her, painting her portrait.

Ludovico Settembrini

They are long-term acquaintances at the sanatorium, with Settembrini as a patient and occasional critic of Behrens's methods.

Chapter I

Makes a brief, imposing appearance in the dining hall, establishing his authority as the head of the institution.

Arrival

Mentioned in passing by Joachim as the authority who has extended his estimated cure time, establishing his role as the chief medical figure.

Number 34

Mentioned indirectly as the source of information about the deceased American woman and as someone whose face is perpetually purple from the mountain air.

Chapter II

Makes his morning rounds, examining patients with a brusque, jovial manner.

Chapter III

Conducts Hans's initial medical examination, which includes measuring his temperature and listening to his chest.

Breakfast

Bursts into the scene with Dr. Krokowski; examines Hans Castorp, diagnosing anemia; jokes about the sanatorium's social life and Joachim's restlessness.

Banter. Viaticum. Interrupted Mirth

Discussed indirectly; his blunt, commanding treatment of a dying patient who 'wouldn't die' is recounted by Joachim.

Satana

Mentioned as 'Rhadamanthus,' a devotee of smoking who suffers melancholia and has his tobacco rationed by the Directress.

Chapter IV

Conducts Hans's medical examination, setting the official tone for his stay.

Excursus on the Sense of Time

Mentioned in passing as the authority who diagnosed Hans's anaemic condition, which explains his sensitivity to the cold during the balcony rest.

He Practises His French

Briefly encountered in the corridor; calls Hans a 'disinterested spectator' and jokes about the winter clientele before attending to a dying patient.

Politically Suspect

Mingles in his white smock, making pleasantries and performing a bootlace-tying 'stunt' to entertain the guests.

Doubts and Considerations

His tragic past is revealed: he stayed at the Berghof after his wife's death, both from grief and his own poor health, becoming a 'companion in suffering' to his patients.

The Thermometer

Agrees to examine Hans Castorp, displaying his characteristic jovial and macabre humor, referencing a recent rib resection surgery.

Soup-Everlasting

Grants Hans Castorp leave to get up after being reminded the three weeks of bed rest are over, commenting on how fast time passes.

Sudden Enlightenment

Mentioned as painting Clavdia Chauchat's portrait in his private dwelling, his voice heard giving directions in the X-ray laboratory.

Freedom

Mentioned in relation to the X-ray examination and a recent, impressive operation, which Hans admires.

Humaniora

Shows his amateur paintings with proud embarrassment; discusses the difficulty of painting Clavdia Chauchat, analyzing her 'epicanthus' and 'atavistic vestige'; admits to having painted portraits.

Choler. And Worse

Conducts the monthly examination in a melancholic, resigned mood, discussing a patient sex scandal and cynically linking tuberculosis with concupiscence.

An Attack, and a Repulse

Referenced as the authority who has prescribed another six months for Hans, described by Hans as an interesting, brusque, yet melancholy character.

A Soldier, and Brave

Mentioned in relation to the monthly examinations and the decree that Joachim must remain for his 'after-cure,' his laryngeal mirror is suggested for further throat examination.

Mynheer Peeperkorn

Reveals he was unaware of the joint travel plans; diagnoses Peeperkorn with quartan fever and an inflamed spleen.

Vingt-Et-Un

Makes a brief, sprightly appearance, parodying the 'Pilgrims' Chorus' on the piano to general amusement before withdrawing.

Mynheer Peeperkorn (Conclusion)

Present at Peeperkorn's death, discussing the chronic debility that preceded it. Shows Hans Castorp the ingenious, cobra-like suicide instrument taken from Peeperkorn's hand.

The Great God Dumps

Proposes a new diagnosis (streptococci in the blood) and treatment for Castorp, promising a 'complete cure.' His lively, corps-student cadences are noted, possibly for the last time.

The Thunderbolt

His morning inquiries to Hans are now purely rhetorical and summary; he no longer addresses him with any particularity, leaving him to his established existence.