A struggling seamstress and widow who rejects her mutilated veteran husband to pursue a relationship with her boss. After a failed abortion, she becomes a wet nurse at Dagmar's sweet shop, discovers Dagmar's secret of killing unwanted babies, and accidentally causes a baby's death during a struggle. She later escapes, reconciles with Peter, overcomes ether addiction, and adopts Erena.
Their marriage is strained by Peter's wartime absence and mutilation.
Peter is Karoline's husband, but his failure to return from deployment prevents her from claiming widow's compensation.
Their relationship offers Karoline hope of escaping poverty.
Karoline begins a romantic relationship with her boss Jørgen and becomes pregnant.
Her opposition destroys Karoline's expected future with Jørgen.
Jørgen's mother forbids Jørgen and Karoline from marrying.
Frida is Karoline's established friend and coworker.
Karoline works with her friend Frida at a local factory.
Dagmar initially appears to save Karoline from immediate physical danger.
Dagmar stops Karoline's botched abortion, treats her wounds, and tells her where to bring the baby.
The two develop an affectionate but unstable bond.
Karoline befriends Erena at the sweets shop and occasionally breastfeeds her.
Karoline's motherhood motivates her involvement with Dagmar.
Karoline gives birth to a daughter and takes the child to Dagmar's sweets shop.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of The Girl with the Needle