Character Analysis
Anton is a printer in Dorning who took the orphaned Theo in and taught the boy his trade. He cares about his little devil, even though the printing business is bad, thanks to Cabbarus. The printer is a strictly moral fellow who instilled in his ward the values of honesty and good faith.
Anton doesn't tolerate the idea of injustice in his shop, even going so far as to berate Theo for speaking against Cabbarus—a.k.a. the dude who's ruining is livelihood by restricting freedom of the press. Check out his speech below:
"Enough," said Anton. "I don't want to hear that sort of talk. I taught you better than that. Oh, I'll stand up for what's right. And heaven help whoever lays a finger on my press, for he'll have me to deal with. But neither you, nor I, nor anyone can judge whether a man's fit to live or die." (1.43)
This is super generous, right? Unfortunately for Anton, Cabbarus doesn't just mess up his livelihood—he also contributes to his death. Oops. When the soldiers raid Anton's press and the printer flees and is killed, Theo's distraught—Anton's been like family up to this point—but Anton's teachings help guide Theo as he goes forward on his journey, just like any good father figure's should.