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Mr. Behrman is an older, pessimistic artist and Sue and Johnsy’s downstairs neighbor. He is an artistic failure, making his living by producing an occasional piece of commercial art and posing as a model for young artists in the community. He yearns to complete his one, true masterpiece before dying, though he has given up that dream. He drinks too much, is foul-mouthed, and may be described as a curmudgeon. Still, he still cares deeply for Sue and Johnsy, considering himself to be their protector. He also speaks with a strong accent, which suggests that he is a European immigrant.
When Sue informs Behrman of Johnsy’s hopelessness, he is disdainful, calling her thoughts of dying foolish. Yet in the young women’s apartment, he, like Sue, stares fearfully at the ivy vine. He resolves to save Johnsy’s life by restoring her hope, which he accomplishes through a heroic act of self-sacrifice. Despite his fragile old age, he secretly goes out into the cold and rain to paint the last leaf. As a result of exposure to the elements, Behrman catches pneumonia and dies. His sacrifice pays off in the end, since the illusion of the last leaf ultimately gives Johnsy the will to live. But from Sue’s perspective, Behrman’s act also pays off in another way. She sees Behrman’s leaf is a moral as well as an artistic triumph. Though he died as a result of painting this leaf, the sacrifice finally enabled him to produce his long-desired masterpiece.
