# Commander von Brüning — The Riddle of the Sands character guide

> Commander von Brüning in The Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** von Brüning, Brüning, Commander

**First appearance:** 0018-xvi-commander-von-br-ning

## Who they are

A polished German naval officer whose cordial hospitality toward two wandering English yachtsmen is a shade too attentive to be entirely friendly.

## In the story

### [Bensersiel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/chapters/xv-bensersiel)

Mentioned as the commander of the gunboat Blitz, sighted by Davies and Carruthers.

### [Commander von Brüning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/chapters/xvi-commander-von-br-ning)

Hosts the dinner; cross-examines the pair with urbanity, reveals his investment in the Corinne treasure wreck, and shows interest in their plans.

### [Clearing the Air](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/chapters/xvii-clearing-the-air)

Mentioned in the context of his clever conversation with Carruthers, designed to suit both innocent and suspicious interpretations.

### [Imperial Escort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/chapters/xviii-imperial-escort)

Acts as a genial but patronizing escort, towing the Dulcibella and offering banter; his motives are subtly questioned by Carruthers.

### [XIX: The Rubicon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/chapters/xix-the-rubicon)

Mentioned in conversation as having spoken about gold; not present in the chapter.

### [The Quartet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/chapters/xxii-the-quartet)

Recognized by Carruthers at the meeting, seated on the left of the table.

### [A Change of Tactics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/chapters/xxiii-a-change-of-tactics)

Leads the group that visits the yacht; his banter and actions suggest distrust of Dollmann.

### [Finesse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/chapters/xxiv-finesse)

Engages in banter with Carruthers about Memmert; laughs off Carruthers' deductions but remains a key adversary in the psychological game.

### [XXV: I Double Back](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/chapters/xxv-i-double-back)

Recalled for tricking Carruthers at Bensersiel and for his role in the naval part of the scheme.

### [The Seven Siels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/chapters/xxvi-the-seven-siels)

Referenced as having driven to Bensersiel a week ago.

### [We Achieve Our Double Aim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/chapters/xxviii-we-achieve-our-double-aim)

Mentioned as a source for a false message to gain entry to Dollmann's villa.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/characters/commander_von_bruning
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/characters