Siddhartha
(Hermann Hesse)

Siddhartha

The son of a Brahmin caste scholar, Siddhartha is a bright, handsome man full of potential and devoutly religious. Siddhartha then spends life as a rich man, a merchant, a ferryman, and a father learning something about the nature of humanity and existence along the way each time on his path to nirvana. Having reached it, he eventually helps his friend Govinda reach the same realizations he has.

Govinda

Govinda is Siddhartha’s childhood friend. He gladly follows Siddhartha along on his quest for nirvana, which leads them to spend three years as samanas. Govinda eventually joins Gotama, though Siddhartha does not. He serendipitously runs into Siddhartha throughout their lives, eventually learning the essence of nirvana because of it.

Gotama

Gotama comes into the story briefly though he has a pivotal role in the lives of Siddhartha and Govinda. His rumored enlightenment is what makes the boys leave the samanas, and his teachings make Govinda want to follow him, though Siddhartha is done with teachings. Meeting in a forest, Siddhartha discusses the nature of learning and existence with Gotama, which helps the latter onto his new path.

Kamala

Kamala is Siddhartha’s lover and the mother of his son- Siddhartha Jr. She is a courtesan who inspires Siddhartha to learn about love and live life as one of the “childlike people.” She eventually becomes a follower of Gotama and ends up in an accident near to the place Siddhartha works as a ferryman, leaving her son with him.

Vasudeva

Vasudeva is the generous ferryman who trains Siddhartha to work a raft and listen to the river. His patience and ability to listen inspire Siddhartha and help him learn about the oneness of existence. After helping him do so, Vasudeva walks off into the forest.

Kamaswami

Kamaswami is Siddhartha’s merchant boss. He helps the young man learn how to work markets and trade. They often clash over their differences in how business should be handled and what attitudes should be taken in which situations.