Anne Frank's Characterization in The Diary

Study Notes

Anne Frank's diary focuses on the people in her life due to her isolation from the outside world while hiding from the Nazis.
Anne's vivid characterizations draw readers into the claustrophobic setting of the Secret Annex.

The residents of the Secret Annex can be divided into two groups: the modest (Otto Frank, Margot, and Peter) and the straightforward (Edith Frank, Anne, and Mr. van Daan).
The Frank family, consisting of Otto, Edith, Anne, and Margot, hides in the Secret Annex to avoid capture by the Nazis.

Anne Frank addresses her diary entries to Kitty and describes life in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War II.
Otto Frank is a studious man who spends his free time learning languages and reading Charles Dickens' works.
Anne is close to her father and has straightforward conversations with him about love, sex, and life.
Edith Frank is closer to Margot, and Anne wishes for a warmer relationship with her mother.
Edith treats the other residents of the Annex better than they treat her and reads a lot to pass the time.

The van Daan Family occupies part of the Secret Annex, consisting of Peter, Mr. van Daan, and Mrs. van Daan.
Peter van Daan is a 15-year-old boy who Anne initially thinks is painfully shy and awkward, but eventually falls in love with due to his quiet manner.
Mrs. van Daan is depicted as a comic figure, argumentative, and stingy, often hiding extra food for her family.
Mr. van Daan is demanding and critical, needing cigarettes to keep him civil and manageable.

Mr. Dussel, a dentist, is allowed to move into the annex and is characterized as quietly tyrannical and dismissive of Anne.
Otto Frank's co-workers, including Miep Gies and her husband Jan, assist the residents of the Secret Annex by bringing groceries, books, and other items.