In order to investigate the influence of softening and interactions between the chemical components of paper, the temperature dependence of the modulus of elasticity for various dry papers was studied up to 250 degree C. It is suggested that cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin act as separate components in the composite material of paper with glass transition temperatures of 230 degree C for cellulose, 205 degree C for lignin and 165 degree C to 175 degree C for the hemicelluloses. The cellulose component is interpreted to be the main stress-transferring element in paper.