Wim Knaup  

Wim Knaup is a young boy who lives in Ruhenheim with his father. His neighbors often bully him because of his father's reputation as a drunkard. Despite this, Wim works as a pageboy at Hotel Versteck and runs errands for Mr. Klaus Poppe. When he receives payment from running errands, he brings it home to help maintain his family's living situation. However, much of the money goes towards his father's drinking habits. This makes him a target for bullying by some kids in the neighborhood who steal his wages. Wim is sensitive about insults directed at his father, even if they are true. One day, after being bullied, he meets a mysterious man on the road who asks him if he hates his neighbors enough to kill them.