A young Jewish boy and the main protagonist who experiences increasing antisemitism and remains resilient and courageous throughout the story.

Friedrich’s father, who works in a managerial position at the Post office and identifies strongly as a German citizen.

Friedrich’s mother, a cheerful and dedicated homemaker who becomes increasingly fearful as Nazi antisemitism escalates.

Initially unemployed, he joins the Nazi party for economic reasons and represents the working-class Germans who benefit from the Nazis’ rise.

A woman from a middle-class German family who cleans for others to support her family, and who secretly helps the Schneiders despite her fear.

The narrator and Friedrich's neighbor, whose passive-aggressive antisemitism grows bolder as the Nazi regime gains power.