Main Characters

 

Annemarie Johansen

 

Annemarie, a ten-year-old girl, is the main character in “Number the Stars.” Growing up in Copenhagen, Denmark, during the Nazi regime, she is aware of the changes that the war is having on her life. She is beginning to understand what is happening to her and she wants to be brave just like the adults around her.

 

 

Ellen Rosen

 

Ellen is Annemarie’s best friend.  However because Ellen is Jewish she views the Nazi occupation more fearfully than Annemarie.  She depends on Annemarie’s friendship and support. Ellen becomes the catalyst for Annemarie’s bravery.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Johansen

 

Mr. and Mrs. Johansen are Annemarie’s parents.  They show extreme courage resisting the Nazi’s especially after losing a daughter to them.  They shelter and help their neighbors and friends escape Denmark. They are both great storytellers and use their skills to help the girls understand what is happening.

 

 

 

Mr. and Mrs. Rosen

 

Mr. and Mrs. Rosen are Ellen’s parents.  They must flee Denmark because the Nazis are about to capture them.  The Rosens must leave Ellen behind with Johansens.  Mrs. Johansen and Mrs. Rosen have been good friends before the novel begins.

 

Lise Johansen

 

Lise is Annemarie’s oldest sister; she died several years before the beginning of the novel.  It is believed she died in an accident but it is later learned that the Nazi’s killed her because she was involved with the Denmark Resistance.

 

Peter Neilson

 

Peter was Lise’s fiancé.  He is also a member of the Denmark Resistance.  When he visits the Johansens he brings news about the war.  On one such visit he informs them that the Nazi’s were to begin rounding up the Jews.  This leads to the Rosen’s fleeing Denmark.

 

Henrik

 

Henrik is Annemarie’s uncle, a fisherman.  He helps the Jews escape by hiding them in a secret compartment in his fishing boat.  He helps Annemarie understand what is happening and encourages her to be brave throughout the story