Count Wladislaw Sergius Karamzin (played by Erich von Stroheim) is a protagonist in Foolish Wives.
A con artist who adopts a fake aristocratic title to seduce wealthy women and extort money in Monte Carlo. He manipulates Helen Hughes, exploits vulnerable women like Maruschka and Marietta, and ultimately reveals himself as selfish and cowardly when trapped in a fire. His actions lead to his public disgrace and eventual murder by Marietta's father. Helen Hughes (played by Miss DuPont) appears in Foolish Wives.
The naive wife of an American envoy who falls under the spell of Karamzin's fabricated aristocratic charm. She becomes a target for his financial scam and is trapped in a fire before being rescued by her devoted husband. Maruschka (played by Dale Fuller) appears in Foolish Wives.
A hotel maid targeted by Karamzin as sexual prey. After being seduced and abandoned by him, she descends into madness and sets a building on fire, which traps both Karamzin and Helen Hughes.
Foolish Wives (1922) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Count Wladislaw Sergius Karamzin
(played by Erich von Stroheim) — protagonist
A con artist who adopts a fake aristocratic title to seduce wealthy women and extort money in Monte Carlo. He manipulates Helen Hughes, exploits vulnerable women like Maruschka and Marietta, and ultim...
Helen Hughes
(played by Miss DuPont) — supporting
The naive wife of an American envoy who falls under the spell of Karamzin's fabricated aristocratic charm. She becomes a target for his financial scam and is trapped in a fire before being rescued by...
Maruschka
(played by Dale Fuller) — supporting
A hotel maid targeted by Karamzin as sexual prey. After being seduced and abandoned by him, she descends into madness and sets a building on fire, which traps both Karamzin and Helen Hughes.
Key Relationships
Maruschka → Maruschka
(Narrative Avenger)
Helen Hughes → Helen Hughes
(Narrative Victim)
Helen Hughes → Maruschka
(Social Host)
Count Wladislaw Sergius Karamzin → Maruschka
(Romantic Predator)
Count Wladislaw Sergius Karamzin → Helen Hughes
(Romantic Seducer)
Story Analysis
A con artist's fraudulent schemes unravel through betrayal, fire, and fatal retribution.
