Ludvik Jahn

The main character of the novel, Jahn's life is significantly altered after sending a sarcastic postcard to his then-girlfriend about the Socialist Party. The chain of events that follow the outrage the postcard causes change Jahn and his personality forever, as well as adversely affecting the individuals he comes in contact with throughout his life. However, the flaws and negative aspects of Jahn's life are as much his own fault as the fault of the people he blames his problems on. His bitterness and inability to forgive compound his problems. He loses the ability (if he ever had it) to listen to other people and relate to them. For this reason, he uses for his own personal use and alienates people rather than try to establish beneficial relationships with them. His relationships with others are perfectly typified in his relationship with Helena. He uses her for his...