Joseph K.
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Joseph K. (or Josef K. in the original German) is the protagonist of Franz Kafka's The Trial (Der Prozeß). Throughout the book, his last name is never given in full, although it has been speculated that it is "Kafka", like the book's author. Usually addressed as just "K.," Joseph is a victim of the totalitarian Law that is dominant throughout The Trial, which tells of his arrest, his struggle against the Court, and his eventual death. K. is a suspicious character, always questioning the mysterious ways of the Law but never able to obtain a final acquittal. To his chilling death scene, K. never knows the exact nature of his crime.
Film portrayals
In the 1962 Orson Wells movie adaptation of The Trial, Joseph K. is played by Anthony Perkins. Kyle MacLachlan portrays him in the, 1993, David Hugh Jones directed version.
For the musical group, see Josef K (band).