Erika Kohut is a fictional character from the novel "The Piano Teacher" by Austrian author Elfriede Jelinek. She is a middle-aged piano teacher living in Vienna, known for her strict and repressive personality. Erika struggles with her own desires and societal expectations, leading to a complex and often disturbing inner life. The story explores themes of power, sexuality, and emotional conflict through Erika's relationships, particularly with her student, Walter Klemmer. Her character serves as a critique of societal norms and the impact of repression on individual identity and relationships.