Berta is the Tesmans' middle-aged, maid. She is a loyal family retainer, formerly employed by George Tesman's maiden aunts but now in the service of George and Hedda at their newly purchased villa. Her closeness to Juliana Tesman makes her a minor threat to Hedda, who intensely dislikes George's aunt. Early on, Hedda threatens to discharge Berta, partly to discomfort George, but also because she clearly identifies Berta with George's family and its deeply affectionate binds that Hedda loathes. Although Berta appears often, she has no significant part in the play's action. She is very protective of George Tesman and his privacy.
Judge Brack hides his desire for an intimate relationship with Hedda with an outward friendship for George Tesman and a cloak of respectability. He is, in truth, quite sinister.....
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