Main Characters:
Nora Elise Caplan:
a 19 year old girl, the 2nd oldest of 4 sisters, a seamstress growing up in
Holland, in 1944. She is the most sensible and practical of the sisters, and is very protective of her younger sisters, and very loyal and giving
Hendrick Irvin Bruan "Henry" : A 24 year old S.S. Guard who saves Nora and Annaliese's life.
Franz- an S.S. guard who is very cruel to Nora, Annaliese, and most of the prisoners in general. He is 22, but because of his harsh, strict demeanor often looks way older.
Annaliese: Nora's 16 year old sister, the youngest of her sisters. She is bright, cheery, and energetic
Katrien Anne Caplan: Nora's younger 18 year old sister, who has just graduated high school. She has ambitions to become an actress. Kate is usually very quiet and reserved, but has a sweet, compassionate temperament.
Tessa Elizabeth Caplan: Nora's older 23 year old sister, a nurse engaged to marry Benjamin Van Pallen. She is a very muture, reliable woman, who Nora often asks for advice.
Lottie Van Palen- Nora's mother's close friend and Tessa's mother-in-law. She tries to look out for Nora at Auschwitz, and be a motherly figure to her and Annaliese when they're separated from their family.
Adela Bruan- Henry's mother, a loving, tender older woman who quickly grows fond of Nora. She resents her country, once the holocaust begins and she is sympathetic towards Jewish people, trying to do whatever she can to help them, even if it means risking her own life in the process.
Tessa Anne- Nora's granddaughter who finds her World War II diary and jewish necklace in the attic of her grandmother's home
Lana- Tessa's mother and Nora's oldest daughter
Edward- Tessa's younger brother
Kate- Nora's younger daughter, an actress and singer on broadway
Emilia- kate's baby daughter
Noah- Kate's husband of 4 years, also a Broadway actor
Henry Jr.- Nora's oldest child and son, a salesman
Amalie- Henry's wife
Marco and Elias- their sons, 17, and 14
