I vote for the Magister, Joseph K, because he underwent the most changes of all the other novel-characters. He was the most intelligent and he was smart enough to know when it was time for him to move on to something different, even when no one around understood it. And I guess I also like him a lot because he had found his calling, something that he was good at, but then even that was not the end of all ends.

Best,
Duke

In addition he was willing to give up the security of his position as Magister Ludi in the somewhat elitist realm of Castalia to do something in the practical world, even if it was the unassuming task of setting an example for only one student instead of celebrating the recurrent public festivities of the Glass Bead Game. He truly attempted to integrate the "world" with the accomplishments and ideas of Castalia, or bend the two ends of the pole together.
Gunther

I NEVER UNDERSTOOD THAT NOVEL. MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IS HARRY HALLER, I WAS HIM AT SOME TIME, THAT CARRACTER IS SO COMPLEX, SO HUMAN, I ACTUALLY ONCE WROTE A PLAY ABOUT HIM.

My favorite hesse Character is at this time after reading only two of hesse books , siddartha , maybe because it resembles to me sometimes, it might resemble to you as well , thats why hesse works are so acclaimed , but yes it does to me like none of the authors i ' ve read before . i identify with siddartha maybe because he doest reach for anything in particular is like something just waiting for the wind to be taken to nowere, without rushing or slowing down , it goes like something without life though full of it but yes he does have a goal but he knows wherever he goes he may find it there because he knows that the whole is everywere and he knows that none of his friends will find it going after something or after someone or at least thats not what he feels , and that reminds me a lot to me and im thankful to hesse to create this peace of art that one day enlightened me so much.

My favorite character is Knecht for his humistic nature, capacity for rhetoric and, mostly, his candor with respect to his friends - especially Tegularis, whose many talents resemble those of Nietsczhe. I really enjoy the narrator's acct of Tegularis as well.

my favorite hesse character is Demian, coss he look like me but much stronger. I wound the book "accidentaly" or destiny brought me to it coss i was in big depression. i found it because all wanted by me was away. before that i was anaware of Hesse and his style

and thats the beggining my friend , those who start reading hesse by demian are very lucky they identify instantly with the caracther at a point that they want more even a sequel to the great novel and start looking for more works and find that hesse is not only demian it is much and much more perhaps you would like to try now sttepenwolf ? just a suggestion but wherever is your next book dont stop there , readind hesse is more than just a hobbie is state of mind

The novel Narcissus and Goldmund is by far my favorite. It is such a simple, but universal story. Goldmund aspires to be like his teacher and friend Narcissus. Goldmund's spends his life wishing to be like Narcissus. But leads a very different life. Goldmund's struggles hit very close to home for myself. I admire Narcissus. But found myself more like Goldmund. Goldmund didn't find peace with himself until the end of his life. Hopefully, it won't take me that long.

My favorite Hesse character is Demian. Why? The novel 'Demian' (in its second half) tells the story of Hesse's friendship and discipleship to his "guru" Gusto Graeser from Monte Verit¦: model for Demian. For more information read 'Mountain of Truth' (1986) by Martin Green or mail to me: Gustomueller@web.de

Best wishes, Hermann

Hello Gunther and Duke (I miss hearing from you two on the Hesse list, does it still exist?),

I realize this is a dated thread, but I would have to say my favorite character is Leo from Journey to the East. His ability to remain serene (especially his way with animals), while simultaneously acting as servant and guide for the League travellers perfectly illustrated to me the essence of Buddha nature. He also had a quiet simplicity that many of Hesse's other main characters seem to lack.

Kind Regards,
Justin