Characters from The Book Thief

 Death

The narrator of the story. Death is initially sardonic, with a darkly wry sense of humor, but as
the novel progresses and World War II accelerates, Death expresses weariness and remorse
about having to collect so many souls.

 Liesel Meminger

The protagonist of the story. Liesel changes from an angry, distrusting character to one who
deeply loves her family and friends. By the end of the book she has a strong personal moral
code, and is not afraid to endanger herself to enforce it.

 Hans Hubermann

Liesel’s stepfather. Hans is patient and gentle with Liesel, and is the first adult able to win her
trust. He is constantly motivated to help others, and his strong sense of right and wrong
causes him to act against his own best interests.

 Rosa Hubermann

Liesel’s stepmother. Unlike her husband, Rosa first comes across as cold and impatient. The
story reveals through her treatment of Liesel and willingness to take in Max, however, that
beneath her tough exterior she is in fact kind and caring.

 Max Vandenburg

The Hubermann’s secret lodger. When Max comes to hide in the Hubermanns’, he is cautious
and withdrawn. As he grows stronger, he reveals his tremendous rage towards Hitler, which
motivates him to stay alive no matter what. Of all the characters, he most understands
Liesel’s experience, and the two become not just friends but soul mates.

 Rudy Steiner

Liesel’s best friend. With his blond hair, blue eyes, and athletic and intellectual talents, Rudy
is the physical embodiment of the perfect Aryan specimen, but he has surprising sensitivity
and compassion. He is in love with Liesel and is always there for her.

 Alex Steiner
 Rudy’s father. Alex’s inability to sacrifice his son to the Nazi training camp results in his
being drafter into the army. At the end of the book, he is filled remorse for having survived
the war while his family died.

 Ilsa Hermann

The mayor’s wife. At the start of the book Ilsa is so shattered by the death of her son she can
barely function as a person, but once she begins interacting with Liesel, she opens up and
show sensitivity and concern.

 Frau Holtzapfel

The Hubermanns’ neighbor. She initially comes across as mean and uncharitable, as she has
an ongoing feud with Rosa Hubermann and is rude to Liesel, but she turns out to be
extremely vulnerable after the death of her son.

 Michael Holtzapfel

Frau Holtzapfel’s son, who survives the war. Michael is destroyed by guilt over having
survived, and wanting to continue living.

 Robert Holtzapfel

Michael’s brother. Michael dies in Russia.

 Frau Diller

Owner of the candy store. One of the most patriotic figures in the book, she is a rule-follower
and a mean, ungenerous character. She embodies the Hitler ideal of the “good” German who
blindly follows orders.

 Hans Hubermann, Junior

Rosa’s and Hans’s son. Like Frau Diller, he is deeply patriotic, and unquestioning in his faith
in Hitler and the regime. He and his father do not get along.

 Trudy Hubermann

Rosa and Hans’s daughter. She is not present in the novel, but it’s clear that she and her
parents are not close.
 Tommy Müller

Liesel and Rudy’s classmate. Physically weak because of his bad ears, he is often pathetic
and pitiable.

 Arthur Berg

The first leader of the apple-stealing gang. Tough but fair, he shares the loot equally with the
other kids.

 Walter Kugler

The man who helps Max escape. Walter is brave like Max.

 Franz Deutscher

The leader of Rudy’s Hitler Youth group. A sadist who represents the Nazi ideal, he takes
special pleasure in tormenting and humiliating Rudy.

 Viktor Chemmel

The second leader of the apple-stealing gang. Like Franz, he is a sadist who exploits his own
power.

 Reinhold Zucker

The man who trades seats with Hans on the bus, saving his life. Zucker is young, impetuous,
and a bad loser. His temper gets him killed.