Characters
Bruno- Bruno is a 9 year-old German boy who comes from a wealthy family. Bruno is the innocent and naive protagonist of the novel. He is also very adventurous, curious and mischievous, kind-hearted and small for his age. His interests include exploring, art, reading, plays, chocolate and his three best friends: Martin, Karl and Daniel. In the beginning of the story Bruno is lonely, bored and isolated. Towards the end of the novel Bruno is happy with his new home after befriending Shmuel. Bruno is a fictional character created by the author who represents young, naive, German boys during World War 2.
Father (Rolf) - Bruno’s father is described as being between the ages of 30 and 40. He was a soldier in the First World War and is promoted to officer rank at the beginning of the Second. He is the Commandant of Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Bruno’s father is a very stern and serious man. He is very strict on his children and does not speak to them often although he does care for them. He enjoys his work and is willing to do anything that his job requires even if it has an impact on his family. Although he is a part of the Nazi Extremists, he is never described as having hatred towards Jewish people. He is a fictional character created by the author. Mother (Elsa) - Bruno’s mother is in her 30’s and has long red hair and green eyes. She strongly dislikes the idea of moving to “Out-With” (Auschwitz) as she does not believe it's a suitable place to raise her children. In the beginning Bruno’s mother has a strong distaste for Jewish people. When she finds Jewish waiter Pavel bandaging up Bruno’s injured leg, her attitude towards Jews changes completely. Bruno’s mother shows deep love and affection for her children although she is unfaithful to her husband as she has an affair while in “Out-With”. She is a fictional character created to show the naivety of German people towards Jewish people. The Fury and Eva - The fury is the name given to Adolf Hitler when Bruno mishears The Führer. He is 53 years-old in the novel and is accompanied by his partner Eva, based on Eva Braun. The Fury invited himself over to Bruno’s house for dinner and is described as the “rudest guest” Bruno had ever seen. The Fury promotes Bruno’s father to the Commandant of Auschwitz. Bruno describes Eva as a very beautiful and kind Woman. These are the only two characters who are directly based on real people of the time. Shmuel- Shmuel is a nine year-old Jewish boy from Poland who lives in the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. He becomes friends with Bruno mid way through the novel. They have things in common such as their age and birthdate. Shmuel used to live with his parents and brother above the family watch shop before they were taken by Nazi soldiers and sent to Auschwitz. Shmuel is knowledgeable and patient. He is very skinny, has a bald head and has grey coloured skin. The fictional character of Shmuel was created by the Author to represent Jewish children during the Holocaust. |