(1813-1898) The youngest daughter of the Collin family. Andersen wrote her letters often in the early 1830s and courted her for a while, but she married a lawyer named Lind. Her daughters came to call Andersen "Uncle Hans" and they remained close throughout their lives. Many of their letters also dropped hints that she should pass his love or hellos on to Edvard, making for a sort of triangle relationship between brother, sister, and author. Embodied by Rain Cloud.

(1808-1886) A very close friend of Andersen for over 50 years who helped Andersen with his education and became his editor on his autobiography and some of his novels. He also served at the Royal Danish Theatre and helped to get some of Andersen's plays staged. In their hundreds of letters, Andersen strove to foster the Romantic ideal of a sentimental friendship, but Edvard resisted- for decades he would not even use the informal "du" (you in English) even in their private letters. 

He married Henriette Thyberg in the summer of 1836- without telling Andersen when or where the wedding would be, leaving Andersen out of the festivities entirely. Through their many ups and downs, Andersen and Edvard remained fairly close until Andersen's death and he is considered to be the inspiration for The Little Mermaid as Andersen began writing it the same summer Edvard announced his marriage.

Embodied by Edvard.

(1813-1894) Henriette Thyberg appeared in Andersen’s life in 1832 when Edvard became engaged to her. Andersen lamented how many of his friends were becoming engaged, but continued writing to Edvard and assured him that their letters could continue to be a place to be close friends and confidants. As the wedding approached, Andersen wrote letters of advice to Jette on how she could best handle Edvard. He also tried to build a triangle relationship with the couple by telling Jette to tell Edvard ‘hello’ in one letter and instructing Edvard to have Jette tell him “I love you” (while also making a jab that surely she could use the informal ‘you’ that Andersen was not allowed to use). Jette may have been the driving force behind Andersen not being told about the date and location of their wedding, but she and Andersen remained amiable throughout his life as he continued to be a guest at the Collins’ house and a part of their lives.

Embodied by Ina.

(1806-1883) Riborg was the sister of a school friend of Andersen’s and the daughter of a wealthy merchant. She is both considered to be Andersen’s first infatuation and a prime example of his tendency to fall in love with unreachable women and an echo of Andersen’s habit of forming a triangle relationship with brothers and sisters (mirrored in Louise and Edvard). His infatuation took place in the summer of 1830, before he had begun to gain respect for his writings, so he had neither the money nor social status to truly vie for Riborg’s hand- and she was already engaged. In letters to friends at the time, Andersen lamented that his happiness had been swept away, but also acknowledged that the event was “necessary to become a great poet”, a sentiment that is echoed later in the story “Aunt Toothache”.

Embodied by Midi.

(1818- 1901) In full, his title is: Grand Duke of Weimar Karl Alexander August Johann. Karl encountered Andersen during one of Andersen’s many trips to continental Europe. During his reign, Karl strove to bring more arts and academics to Weimar (now incorporated into Germany) by befriending and patronizing the big names of the time that came to visit- including Andersen when he visited in 1844. When Andersen was able to stay with Karl, he enjoyed everything that palace life had to offer and was a proud part of “Karl Alexander’s cult of friendship and love”. Their correspondence and visits were cut off in 1849 when Germany and Denmark went to war, but they were eventually able to reconnect and Andersen began visiting and writing again after the war ended.

Embodied by Bessie.

(1836-1912) Harald was a ballet dancer with the Royal Danish Theatre that became friends with Andersen. He attracted Andersen’s attention before they met in 1857 by dancing in several ballets inspired by Andersen’s stories. Tragically, his dancing career would be cut short during a rehearsal for another Andersen ballet called A Fairy Tale in Pictures where he was cast to play the Steadfast Tin Soldier, but fell and chipped his kneecap in 1871. The interest in Harald began at a point in Andersen’s life where he was particularly seeking out younger friends and traveling partners as he felt that every one his own age (50-60) made him feel old, while spending time with younger people like Harald kept him young.

Embodied by Ralmond.