Characters of 'Number the Stars'

Study Notes

Characters

Annemarie Johansen: 10-year-old Danish girl, main character in Copenhagen; known for her bravery and maturity.
Kirsti Johansen: Annemarie's 5-year-old sister, characterized as argumentative and immature; upset about not getting fish shoes.
Mrs. Johansen (Mama): Annemarie and Kirsti's mother; friend of Mrs. Rosen, takes the girls to Uncle Henrik's house; calm, witty, and a good housekeeper.
Mr. Johansen: Annemarie and Kirsti's father; assists the Jewish Rosen family and cleverly maintains normalcy to avoid Nazi suspicion.
Lise Johansen: The girls' deceased older sister, had a tragic accident shortly before her wedding to Peter Nielsen.
Peter Nielsen: Lise's fiancé and member of the Danish Resistance, involved in efforts against the Nazis.
Ellen Rosen: 10-year-old Jewish girl, Annemarie's best friend, features dark hair and faces dangers due to her heritage.
Mrs. Rosen: Ellen's mother; good friend of Mrs. Johansen, had to go into hiding due to her Jewish identity.
Mr. Rosen: Jewish schoolteacher and Ellen’s father, provides a contrast to the everyday struggles faced by his family.

Plot and Setting

Protagonist & Perspective: The story follows Annemarie Johansen as the protagonist.
Setting: Takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark during World War II, exploring the impacts of Nazi occupation.
Main Conflict: The Nazi relocation of Jews poses a direct threat to Ellen Rosen’s life; Annemarie’s family aims to protect her from danger.
Resistance: A covert group of Danes working to thwart Nazi efforts and safeguard Jewish lives amid oppression.
Mrs. Hirsch’s Shop: Represents the economic impact of Nazi policies; it was forcibly shut down.
Nazi Visit: Nazi soldiers threaten the Johansen household, highlighting the dangers surrounding the Jewish community.

War Context

Scarcity: Common items like sugar, butter, fuel, coffee, beer, and cigarettes become difficult to find during the war.
Free Country: Sweden is depicted as a symbolic "free" country within the narrative.
Safety Plan: Mama and the girls plan a trip to Uncle Henrik’s home to ensure Ellen's safety.
Uncle Henrik: Mrs. Johansen's brother, who plays a crucial role in the effort to hide and protect Ellen during the Nazi threat.

Description

Explore the key characters of Lois Lowry's novel 'Number the Stars'. This quiz will test your knowledge of Annemarie Johansen, her family, and the courageous actions of those resisting Nazi oppression. Prepare to delve into their lives and relationships amidst a tumultuous historical backdrop.