Thomas's mother whose prolonged fasting leads to a bedridden state. Villagers misinterpret her depression as divine signs, eventually having the church officiate her as a saint, which profoundly frustrates her husband Jacob.
Married couple whose domestic life is disrupted by Martha's religious delusion and Jacob's mounting frustration.
Mother-son bond marked by emotional distance as Martha retreats into fasting and Thomas seeks forest escapism.
Shared experience of marital neglect and societal pressure within the housing development.
Opposing responses to town decay: Martha's withdrawal versus Anton's outward violence.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of The Northerners