The Professor is described as a “tall, spare man, with an iron constitution, and a juvenile fairness of complexion, which took off a full ten years of his fifty” (3). He is determined, impatient, and irascible. He tends to become tongue-tied when trying to pronounce complex terms while lecturing, which causes him to curse.

Although Otto is the main protagonist and the mastermind behind the adventure, very little personal information is known about him. He is unmarried and, presumably, had at least one sibling, one of Axel’s parents. He is often referred to as a “savant,” which implies intellectual genius, but also a degree of social maladjustment that is, nevertheless, acceptable in scholarly men who engage in scientific pursuits (2). Consequently, Axel believes him to be unable to understand emotions, such as romantic love, or the finer nuances of social interactions. This seems an accurate assessment as the only time Otto displays tenderness for Axel is when there is immediate physical danger. In fact, the Professor often becomes so absorbed by his scientific pursuits that he is willing to sacrifice not only his but also his household’s physical comforts, whether through neglect or on purpose. The novel opens with Martha, the housekeeper, and Axel actively trying to avoid him, afraid of his temper—not the typical behavior of a loving, well-adjusted family.