Gregor Samsa is a young man who has worked dutifully to support his family for the past five years as a travelling salesman, a job he hates. One morning, Gregor awakens to discover he's been transformed into a "monstrous vermin" (3). Rather than express alarm at his physical condition, Gregor worries about what this will mean for his job and his ability to provide for his family. Although he's characterized as a dutiful son and a "calm, reasonable person" (10), Gregor expresses that if it weren't for having to support his family, he would "have quit ages ago" (4). As the novella progresses, Gregor's sense of duty devolves into a sense of guilt. 

In addition to feeling obligated to his parents, Gregor feels a strong connection to his younger sister, Grete. Gregor hopes to send her to conservatory for violin next year and wants to reveal this plan to her at Christmastime. However, as Gregor's unemployment takes its financial toll on the Samsas, Gregor suffers neglect and begins to feel "sheer anger" (36) over his treatment. Despite his condition, Gregor tries to maintain his humanity and only succumbs to his condition as "vermin" (3) towards the novella's end.