Der Richter Und Sein Henker Charakterisierung

Friedrich Dürrenmatt's crime novel "Der Richter und sein Henker" (The Judge and His Hangman) presents a compelling interplay of characters, each deeply flawed and driven by unique motivations. Understanding these characters is crucial to grasping the novel's complex themes of justice, fate, and the corrupting influence of power. This article offers a detailed character analysis, providing insights into the key figures and their roles in the unfolding drama.

Kommissar Bärlach

Kommissar Hans Bärlach is the aging, experienced, and terminally ill detective at the heart of the story. He embodies a cynical, yet deeply moral, perspective on justice. Bärlach is not a traditional hero; he is world-weary, aware of his limitations, and operates as much through intuition and manipulation as through strict adherence to the law.

Key Characteristics:

Cynical Idealist: Bärlach's experience has led him to distrust the system and humanity in general. He knows that justice is often imperfect and that appearances can be deceiving. However, beneath his cynicism lies a strong sense of right and wrong. He is determined to achieve justice, even if it means bending the rules.
Strategic Thinker: Bärlach is a master strategist, playing a long game. He doesn't rush to conclusions and carefully observes the behavior of others. He manipulates Tschanz into revealing the truth, knowing that Tschanz's guilt and ambition will eventually betray him.
Acceptance of Death: Bärlach's terminal illness casts a shadow over his actions. He is aware that his time is limited, which gives him a sense of urgency and allows him to take risks that a younger officer might avoid. He faces death with a stoic acceptance, focusing on completing his mission before his time runs out.
Mentorship Role: While seemingly detached, Bärlach acts as a mentor to Tschanz, albeit in a twisted way. He forces Tschanz to confront his own moral failings, ultimately leading to Tschanz's downfall. However, the mentorship is less about genuine guidance and more about Bärlach using Tschanz as a pawn in his game against Gastmann.
Flawed Morality: Bärlach is not without his own flaws. He admits to having made mistakes in the past and is willing to compromise his own principles to achieve his goals. His methods are often questionable, blurring the line between justice and revenge.

"Das Gesetz ist eine Hure." - This quote, though not explicitly uttered by Bärlach, reflects his underlying belief in the fallibility and manipulability of the legal system. He sees the law as a tool that can be used for good or evil, and he is willing to use it to his own advantage.

Gastmann

Richard Gastmann is Bärlach's long-time adversary, a wealthy and powerful businessman suspected of numerous crimes but never convicted. He represents the corrupting influence of power and the impunity enjoyed by the elite. Gastmann is Bärlach's ultimate target, a symbol of the injustice that Bärlach has fought against for decades.

Key Characteristics:

Ruthless and Amoral: Gastmann operates without a moral compass. He is driven by greed and a desire for power, willing to manipulate and even kill to achieve his goals. He believes himself to be above the law and enjoys demonstrating his ability to evade justice.
Intellectual and Cunning: Gastmann is highly intelligent and strategically adept. He carefully plans his actions and is always one step ahead of the authorities. He uses his wealth and influence to control those around him and to cover up his crimes.
Master of Manipulation: Gastmann is a skilled manipulator, able to exploit the weaknesses of others to his advantage. He understands human psychology and knows how to play on people's fears and desires. He uses this ability to control Tschanz and to orchestrate the murder of Schmied.
Symbol of Corruption: Gastmann embodies the societal corruption that Dürrenmatt critiques in the novel. He represents the power of money and influence to distort justice and to protect the guilty. His untouchability highlights the flaws in the legal system and the difficulty of bringing powerful criminals to justice.
Static Character: Gastmann's character remains largely unchanged throughout the novel. He is consistently portrayed as a villainous figure, driven by the same motivations and employing the same tactics. His lack of development reinforces his role as a symbol of entrenched corruption.

Gastmann and Bärlach have a long and complicated history, stemming from a wager made many years prior. This wager, in which Gastmann claimed he could commit any crime and evade punishment, sets the stage for their ongoing conflict and highlights the core themes of the novel.

Inspektor Tschanz

Inspektor Ulrich Tschanz is Bärlach's younger colleague, initially presented as a competent and ambitious detective. However, as the story unfolds, Tschanz's inner turmoil and guilt are revealed, ultimately leading to his downfall. He represents the corrosive effects of ambition and the moral compromises that individuals make in pursuit of success.

Key Characteristics:

Ambitious and Insecure: Tschanz is driven by a strong desire to succeed and to prove himself to Bärlach. He is insecure about his abilities and constantly seeks validation from his superior. This ambition makes him vulnerable to manipulation.
Impatient and Impulsive: Tschanz is less patient and more impulsive than Bärlach. He jumps to conclusions and is eager to solve the case quickly, which makes him susceptible to making mistakes. He lacks Bärlach's strategic thinking and his ability to see the bigger picture.
Guilty and Paralyzed: Tschanz is burdened by the guilt of murdering Schmied. This guilt consumes him and prevents him from acting rationally. He becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated, fearing that his crime will be discovered.
Tragic Figure: Tschanz is ultimately a tragic figure. He is a victim of his own ambition and his inability to resist the temptation to take a shortcut to success. His guilt and paranoia lead to his self-destruction.
Symbol of Compromised Morality: Tschanz represents the moral compromises that individuals make in pursuit of success. He is willing to cross the line and to betray his own principles to achieve his goals. His downfall serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Tschanz's relationship with Bärlach is complex. He admires Bärlach's experience and intelligence, but he also resents Bärlach's cynicism and his tendency to use others as pawns. He is caught in a web of Bärlach's design, eventually taking his own life to escape the inevitable consequences of his actions.

Dr. Samuel Hungertobel

Dr. Hungertobel is a forensic scientist who provides technical expertise to Bärlach. He represents a more objective and scientific approach to crime solving, in contrast to Bärlach's intuitive methods. However, even Hungertobel is not immune to the complexities of the case and the influence of powerful figures.

Key Characteristics:

Objective and Scientific: Hungertobel relies on scientific evidence and forensic analysis to solve crimes. He is meticulous and detail-oriented, providing Bärlach with the technical information he needs to piece together the puzzle.
Naive and Trusting: Hungertobel is relatively naive and trusting, especially compared to Bärlach's cynicism. He initially believes in the objectivity of the legal system and is shocked by the corruption he encounters.
Foil to Bärlach: Hungertobel serves as a foil to Bärlach, representing a different approach to crime solving. Their contrasting personalities and methods highlight the complexities of the case and the limitations of each approach.
Represents the Limits of Science: While Hungertobel's scientific expertise is valuable, it is ultimately insufficient to solve the case on its own. The human element, including motivation, deception, and guilt, plays a crucial role in uncovering the truth.

Schmied

Schmied is the police lieutenant whose murder initiates the investigation. While he has a limited role in the plot, Schmied's death serves as a catalyst, setting the stage for the confrontation between Bärlach, Gastmann, and Tschanz. He is portrayed as a competent and dedicated officer, making his murder all the more shocking.

Key Characteristics:

Dedicated Officer: Schmied is presented as a diligent and committed police officer, dedicated to upholding the law.
Victim of Circumstance: He becomes a victim of Gastmann's plot and Tschanz's ambition. His death is a direct consequence of the power struggle between Bärlach and Gastmann.
Catalyst for Action: Schmied's murder serves as a catalyst, prompting Bärlach to investigate and ultimately leading to the exposure of Tschanz's guilt and Gastmann's schemes.

In conclusion, "Der Richter und sein Henker" is populated by complex and morally ambiguous characters, each contributing to the novel's exploration of justice, fate, and corruption. By understanding the motivations and flaws of these characters, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of Dürrenmatt's masterpiece.