Roles
• link between artists and the regime - the nature of his observation of Dreyman means he is immersed in their alternative culture, which makes him aware of his own shortcomings and become disillusioned with communism

• has a metamorphosis which shows how art can have a positive effect on anyone - how it can change characters and beliefs for the better
• lurking, observing, menacing presence symbolises the action of the Stasi - a shadow behind everyone's life
Portrayal
• always wears Stasi uniform - shows how dedicated he is, how he clings to the communist ideal, even when the regime has rejected him (after his betrayal) and finally collapsed
• monotonal colours show the social isolation in which he lives, e.g. he lives in a typical, empty Stasi flat - shows contrast between homely artistic atmosphere and cold communist existence
• lack of dialogue - unwilling (or forbidden) to express emotion, he is reserved and tight-lipped, reflecting the repression of the regime
Key Quotes
• "Bei Verhören arbeiten Sie mit den Feinden des Sozialismus. Vergessen Sie das nie." - When teaching in the Stasi-Schule, this quote shows what a convinced socialist he is at the start, before he has changed due to Dreyman's artistic influence
• "Ein Wort zu irgendwem, und ihre Marscha verliert morgen ihren Medizin-Studienplatz. Verstehen Sie?" - After bugging Dreyman's flat, this quote shows how ruthless the Stasi were and how commited he was to his cause
• "Irgendwo muss der Sozialismus doch beginnen" - In the cantine with Grübitz, this quote shows what a loyal socialist he is, and therefore how commited he is to the regime. However, this quote also shows that he, as a 'true' socialist, is aware that the 'communist' regime is rotten to the core - literally - as communism has no place within the heart of the regime itself
• "Zeit für bittere Wahrheiten!" - When making