"The First Seven Years"

Feld: protagonist, dynamic and round

• father, shoemaker
• meddlesome: tries to set Miriam up with Max in hopes of marriage
• has a heart condition, both physical and symbolic
  • this could be his motivation, but he doesn't consider Miriam's views
• loves his family: works hard in shop so that they will be provided for
  • wants good husband for Miriam
• stubborn: at first, he knows his views of Max are correct
  • Miriam cannot judge Max correctly because of her "inexperienced eye"

Changes

• Feld changes when Miriam refuses to see Max
• Although he was "wrathful" at the idea of going back to Sobel, he does
• When he finds out Sobel loves Miriam, he becomes angrier still, but realizes it is not so bad
• He accepts Sobel's intentions finally, and resolves himself to the idea of his daughter marrying a shoemaker

Miriam: antagonist, flat and static

• strong-willed: her indifference to Max exists because she didn't set the date herself
• she often "harps of independence" and shows it again when she tells Feld she refuses to go out with Max anymore

Sobel: antagonist, flat and dynamic

• assistant to Feld; a "landsman" (Feld trusts him)
• Sobel is content inthe beginning, but becomes angry when Miriam is set up with Max
• He storms out of the shop, and refuses to work anymore
• He shouts in anger at Feld, but drops his anger and is contented to wait along with Feld's proposal