A land surveyor sent by an unknown person for some unknown purpose to the castle. The castle itself is an unknown place. It is not clear what he is supposed to accomplish there.
The novel follows his repeated attempts to accomplish his work. However, he cannot move beyond the ghostly surroundings of the castle.
He is never allowed to enter the castle. He also cannot return to his home. He is left alone as he faces the dualities of certainty and doubt, hope and fear, in his never-ending struggle as he moves from one maze to another.
