The characters in The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton are richly layered and complex, reflecting the deeply nuanced world of 17th-century Amsterdam. Through their behaviors, secrets, and relationships, these characters drive the emotional and thematic depth of the novel. Understanding each character’s role and personality offers readers insight into the conflicts, societal expectations, and underlying mysteries of the story. From the protagonist’s evolving self-awareness to the mysterious presence of the Miniaturist, each figure contributes to the novel’s tense and symbolic atmosphere.
Nella Oortman The Young Protagonist
Innocent but Observant
Nella begins the story as an eighteen-year-old bride, arriving in Amsterdam to live with her new husband, Johannes Brandt. At first, she is portrayed as naà ve, unfamiliar with the rigid customs of her new home and intimidated by the austerity of the city and its people. However, beneath her innocence lies a sharp intelligence and a quietly growing sense of independence.
Transforming Through Adversity
As the story progresses, Nella grows stronger and more self-assured. Her character development is central to the novel, as she transitions from a passive observer to a proactive figure trying to navigate secrets, scandals, and survival in a judgmental society. Her transformation is symbolic of a young woman breaking free from social constraints to forge her own path.
Johannes Brandt The Enigmatic Husband
Gentle and Kind
Johannes is a wealthy merchant with a cultured and gentle nature. He is not the dominant patriarch Nella might have expected. Instead, he is sensitive, intellectual, and emotionally distant. His kindness toward Nella is sincere, though he keeps significant aspects of his life hidden from her.
A Man With a Secret
Johannes’ character embodies the dangers of societal intolerance. His secret life and the consequences that follow highlight the brutal restrictions of the time and the peril of living outside the accepted norms. He serves as a tragic figure whose downfall underscores the novel’s critique of hypocrisy and repression.
Marin Brandt The Cold Sister-in-Law
Stern and Controlling
Marin is Johannes’ sister, and she dominates the household with her rigid morals and sharp tongue. At first, she seems harsh and unsympathetic, enforcing rules and boundaries that make Nella feel unwelcome. She appears to be the epitome of discipline and religious virtue.
Complex and Hidden Layers
As the novel progresses, Marin’s layers are gradually revealed. She is not merely cold or cruel; she is also protective, conflicted, and bound by her own secrets. Her character reflects the struggle between personal desire and societal duty, a theme running throughout The Miniaturist.
The Miniaturist The Mysterious Artisan
A Shadowy Observer
The titular character never takes center stage but remains a haunting presence throughout the story. The Miniaturist crafts tiny objects that mirror or predict the events unfolding in Nella’s life. This surreal ability adds a layer of mystery and symbolism to the novel.
Symbol of Fate and Truth
The Miniaturist could be seen as a symbolic representation of fate, or even divine insight. The character challenges the limits of perception and control, forcing Nella and others to confront uncomfortable truths. Though little is known about the Miniaturist, their influence is deeply felt by every major character.
Cornelia The Loyal Servant
Witty and Warm
Cornelia is the maid in the Brandt household. Unlike Marin, she welcomes Nella with a warmer demeanor. She is sharp, loyal, and not afraid to voice her opinions. Her loyalty to the family is tested throughout the novel, especially as the house falls under scandal and scrutiny.
Bridge Between Worlds
As someone who observes both the upper class and the servants’ lives, Cornelia provides a unique perspective on the events of the novel. Her character adds a human touch to the narrative, grounding some of the more intense drama in daily acts of kindness and courage.
Otto The Outsider
Foreign and Dignified
Otto is a black man and former slave who now works for Johannes as a manservant. In the racially homogeneous and intolerant society of Amsterdam, Otto is a clear outsider. However, he is respected within the Brandt household for his intelligence, calm nature, and loyalty.
Victim of Prejudice
Otto’s character brings to light issues of racism and xenophobia, which are often ignored in historical narratives. He becomes a target of discrimination and injustice, illustrating the broader theme of how society marginalizes those who are different. His role also reveals the fragility of tolerance when tested by fear and ignorance.
Supporting Characters and Community Influence
Pellicorne and the Burgomasters
These figures represent the institutional power of the city religious, legal, and economic. They enforce the moral codes of the time and are instrumental in punishing Johannes for his perceived transgressions. They serve as embodiments of the rigid authority that leaves little room for compassion or complexity.
Agneta and Other Women
Other minor female characters, such as Agneta, illustrate the contrast between women who conform to societal expectations and those who rebel. Their interactions with Nella help highlight her transformation and give a broader context to the limited choices available to women during that era.
The Interplay of Characters and Themes
Power and Oppression
Each character in The Miniaturist grapples with issues of power whether it’s gender-based, class-based, or moral authority. Nella’s journey is about reclaiming some of that power in a world that wants her to stay silent. Marin’s choices are shaped by fear of scandal, while Johannes suffers from the consequences of nonconformity. The Miniaturist observes but never intervenes, leaving the characters to face their own truths.
Secrets and Revelation
Secrets play a central role in shaping each character’s destiny. What begins as unspoken tension slowly unravels into dramatic reveals that change how characters perceive each other and themselves. The way each person handles these truths reveals their deepest values and fears.
Identity and Individuality
In a society that values conformity, many characters struggle to maintain their individuality. Whether it’s Johannes’ sexuality, Marin’s hidden life, or Nella’s growth, the fight to be oneself against societal pressure is a powerful theme that binds these characters together in their struggle for freedom and meaning.
A Portrait of Human Complexity
The characters in The Miniaturist are far from simple archetypes. They represent a wide spectrum of human behavior, emotion, and conflict. Their interconnected stories reflect the fragility of identity in a world bound by rules and appearances. Through them, Jessie Burton paints a vivid portrait of 17th-century life, but more importantly, she explores timeless human dilemmas that still resonate today. From innocence to experience, secrets to revelations, these characters embody the emotional and psychological complexity that gives The Miniaturist its enduring power.