Reading 1001 discussion

Describe the main characters—personality traits, motivations, and inner qualities.
• Why do characters do what they do?
• Are their actions justified?
• Describe the dynamics between characters (in a
marriage, family, or friendship).
• How has the past shaped their lives?
• Do you admire or disapprove of them?
• Do they remind you of people you know?

Are the main characters dynamic—changing or maturing by the end of the book? Do they learn about themselves, how the world works and their role in it?

Karl was the main character: a 16 year old emigrating to America. He is naive, tending to believe the working man instead of the authority figure, and sometimes getting taken in by shysters. He doesn't grow much, but the story isn't finished.
Jakob, the uncle, is wealthy and powerful, and doesn't like to be opposed. At all. He kicked 16 year old Karl out of his house because of a misunderstanding, without regrets.
The two "working" men, Robinson and Delacoure, are shady and untrustworthy, almost like Fagin and the Artful Dodger, but not as likable. Karl's encounters with these two end up well for them, not him.
The female characters are discussed in another question. I will add that Brunelde and Klara were some of the most perplexing characters I've ever seen, and I think they could have been amazing if the book had been finished.
I wish this had been finished, because the development of characters could have been so wonderful: Their backgrounds, pasts, and dynamic changes- it could have been an absolute masterpiece.

I agree with what Tracy has said above :)

I actually really liked Karl as a character and would have liked to see how his story panned out in the end.

Tracy covers this well. I liked the characters that Franz K created.