Coppelius's Fate

Traces the elusive and menacing presence of Coppelius/Coppola throughout the story.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Childhood visits

The Sandman Incarnate The Repulsive Visitor Coppelius visited Nathaniel's father at night. He was a hideous figure with green eyes, hairy fists, and a crafty laugh. He hated children. The Alchemical Experiments He and Nathaniel's father conducted mysterious experiments in a hidden laboratory. Nathaniel spied on them and was threatened. The Father's Death Coppelius caused an explosion that killed Nathaniel's father. He fled the town, leaving a trail of trauma.

Return as Coppola

The Disguised Peddler The Barometer Salesman Coppelius returned as Giuseppe Coppola, a Piedmontese mechanic. Nathaniel recognized him and was shocked. The Lens Grinder He later sold eyeglasses and telescopes, including the fateful looking-glass. He claimed to be a simple craftsman. The Laughing Menace Coppola's laughter haunted Nathaniel. He was a constant reminder of the traumatic past.

Co-creator of Olympia

The Maker of Eyes The Collaboration Coppelius had supplied the eyes for Spalanzani's automaton. He claimed ownership of the eyes. The Fight He fought Spalanzani over the automaton, tore it apart, and fled with the body. The Disappearance He vanished from town, but later reappeared at the market square.

Final appearance and disappearance

The Dark Figure The Crowd Coppelius stood in the crowd below the tower. He laughed and predicted Nathaniel's fall. The Suicide Nathaniel saw him and jumped. Coppelius disappeared into the crowd. The Open End Coppelius's fate remains unknown. He is the embodiment of the evil principle that Nathaniel could never escape.

Nathaniel's childhood

Nathaniel's university years

The revelation scene

The tower incident