Heinrich Mann’s Der Untertan is a masterclass in character-driven satire. It follows the life of Diederich Hessling from his school days to his establishment as a pillar of his small German town.

The Story

Diederich is a weak, fearful boy who learns one lesson early: the strong rule, and survival means submitting to them completely. As an adult, he inherits a paper factory and uses his newfound power not to lead, but to mimic the authoritarian structures he adores. He bullies his workers, engages in petty political schemes, and becomes a rabid nationalist, all while constantly seeking the approval of those above him. The plot is a series of episodes where Diederich betrays friends, ruins rivals, and sabotages genuine progress—all in the name of loyalty to the Kaiser and the established order. His personal life is a hollow shell, mirroring his public hypocrisy.

Why You Should Read It

This book floored me. Diederich is one of the most perfectly awful characters I’ve ever read. He’s not a cartoon villain; he’s terrifyingly believable. Mann shows how his cowardice and need for approval twist into a toxic form of power. Reading it, you don’t just see a historical figure—you see the guy who brown-noses the boss, the politician selling fear, the neighbor who values order over justice. The satire is sharp and often laugh-out-loud funny, but it leaves a bitter aftertaste. It’s a psychological blueprint for how authoritarianism takes root in everyday people.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read if you’re fascinated by history, politics, or human psychology. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys character studies of deeply flawed people, or novels that explain society through one person’s journey. While set in pre-WWI Germany, its insights feel ripped from today’s headlines. Be warned: it’s not a feel-good read. It’s a challenging, provocative, and brilliantly written mirror that might make you look at the world—and the people in it—a little differently.