When the book begins, Eliezer is essentially a child—very innocent. He’s also a deeply observant Jew, studying Talmud by day and Kabbalah by night, and dedicated to becoming closer to his merci...

At the beginning of the book, Eliezer’s father is a respected Jewish community leader in Sighet. Despite his elevated position in his community, he makes the same mistakes as the other Jews: he d...

Mrs. Schächter, like Moishe, is another prophet-like character. She is a middle-aged woman who goes crazy after she’s separated from her husband and packed into a cattle car headed to Auschwitz....

Stein, Eliezer’s cousin by marriage, wants nothing more than news of his family. Eliezer lies to Stein, telling him that his wife (Reizel) and children are fine. Eliezer’s lie allows Stein to f...

Idek is in charge of Eliezer’s work unit at Buna. He has the reputation of occasionally going crazy, but the unit he’s in charge of is considered a good one to work in because the labor is ligh...

Franek is Eliezer’s foreman at Buna, a selfish man who wants Eliezer’s gold crown and does what it takes to get it. He is typical of the people in charge at Auschwitz, from the higher ups to th...