Gregor Samsa

Gregor Samsa is dutiful, self-sacrificing, and deeply anxious. Initially, he is hardworking, responsible, and devoted to his ungrateful family, yet he is also passive, submissive, and overburdened by his role as the sole provider. After his transformation into an insect, he becomes increasingly alienated, melancholic, and vulnerable, struggling with feelings of shame, helplessness, and insignificance. His once-diligent nature deteriorates into a state of despair, loneliness, and resignation as he realizes his family's cold, pragmatic cruelty. Despite his tragic fate, Gregor remains sensitive and yearning for connection, making him a deeply tragic and pitiable figure. Used to be a hard-working traveling salesman providing for his sister and parents, now Gregor is nothing but a gigantic cockroach, despised, feared or frowned upon by his family members and former boss. After his metamorphosis, Gregor takes on the grotesque form of a massive insect. Gregor has a hard, segmented exoskeleton, numerous spindly legs that twitch uncontrollably, and a rounded, dome-like back. Gregor's tiny, feeble legs struggle to support his body, and Gregor's voice reduces to incomprehensible squeaks. He develops a preference for dark spaces and clings to walls and ceilings with sticky, clawed feet. His transformation renders him both repulsive and pitiable.