Eliezer’s father, a respected member of the Jewish community in Sighet. He is deported with Eliezer and stays with him through their time in the camps, trying to support and protect each other.

A custodian of a Hasidic synagogue in Sighet, Moché becomes Eliezer's spiritual mentor, introducing him to Jewish mysticism. He is deported early and returns to warn the community about the Nazis.

A fellow Jewish deportee who shares a cattle car with Eliezer's family. She experiences terrifying visions of fire, which foreshadow the horrors of the concentration camp.

The husband of Eliezer's cousin, Reizel. He meets Eliezer and his father at the camp, desperate for news about his family in Antwerp.

The Polish foreman of Eliezer’s work detail at Buna, who demands Eliezer's gold crown and punishes him and his father when he initially resists.

A Polish violinist imprisoned at Buna, sharing the work block with Eliezer.

The SS doctor at Auschwitz known for his cruel selections of prisoners, deciding who will be sent to the gas chambers.

Czech Jewish brothers Eliezer befriends in the musicians' block at Buna. They plan to emigrate to Palestine after the war.

A fellow prisoner and devout Hasidic Jew who loses his faith in God and eventually his will to survive in the camps.

The unpredictable and violent Kapo of the electrical supplies warehouse at Buna, where Eliezer and his father work.

A kind, gentle rabbi who is searching for his son during a forced march; helps comfort fellow prisoners.

A friend of Eliezer’s father from Sighet who helps save Eliezer from being strangled during transport to Buchenwald.