Introduction
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry tells the harrowing yet hopeful story of a Jewish family hiding in occupied Denmark during World War II. The novel follows a young Danish boy, Annemarie Johansen, whose courageous actions become the thread that ties together a cast of unforgettable characters. Understanding who these main characters are—and what drives them—helps readers grasp the novel’s powerful themes of bravery, friendship, and the moral choices forced upon ordinary people in extraordinary times.
The Protagonist: Annannarie Johansen
- Age: 10 years old
- Role: Narrator and central figure whose perspective guides the reader through the events in Copenhagen and the countryside.
- Personality: Curious, compassionate, and stubbornly determined. Annemarie’s willingness to act—whether it’s standing up to a bully or venturing into dangerous territory—forms the emotional core of the story.
Annemarie’s growth from a carefree child to a courageous participant in the rescue of Danish Jews illustrates the novel’s central message: ordinary people can become heroes when they choose to act with empathy and bravery. Her internal monologue provides insight into the fear and confusion that many children felt during the war, making her a relatable conduit for young readers No workaround needed..
Kirsti Johansen – The Little Sister
- Age: 8 years old
- Relationship: Annemarie’s younger sister, who idolizes her older sibling.
- Significance: Kirsti’s innocence and unwavering trust in Annemarie highlight the familial bonds that motivate the Johansens to risk everything. Her willingness to follow Annemarie into the unknown underscores the theme that courage can be contagious, especially within families.
Peter Johansen – The Older Brother
- Age: 13 years old
- Role: Protective older sibling who initially shields Annannarie from the harsh realities of the war.
- Development: As the story progresses, Peter’s protective instincts evolve into active participation in the resistance, illustrating how the war forces adolescents to mature rapidly.
Ellen Rosen – The Secret Guest
- Age: 9 years old (in the novel)
- Background: A Jewish girl hidden in the Johansen household after her family is forced to flee Copenhagen.
- Impact: Ellen’s presence transforms the Johansens’ home from a safe haven to a site of high risk. Her quiet resilience and the fear she carries in her eyes provide a human face to the abstract statistics of the Holocaust. Ellen’s friendship with Annemarie also shows how shared hardship can forge deep, lasting bonds.
Mr. and Mrs. Johansen – The Parents
- Mr. Johansen: A Danish doctor who uses his professional status to aid the resistance, smuggling Jews out of the country under the guise of medical visits.
- Mrs. Johansen: A steadfast mother who maintains the household’s calm while secretly coordinating with the underground network.
Both parents embody the quiet heroism of many Danish citizens who risked their lives to protect their Jewish neighbors. Their actions demonstrate that courage is not always loud; it can be expressed through everyday tasks performed with conviction Simple, but easy to overlook..
Uncle Henrik – The Resistance Leader
- Relation: Brother of Mr. Johansen, a key figure in the Danish underground.
- Function: Provides logistical support, safe houses, and the crucial “number the stars” code that guides the children’s secret missions.
- Character Traits: Resourceful, pragmatic, and deeply committed to the cause, yet he remains grounded, reminding readers that effective resistance requires both daring and careful planning.
Mr. Rosen – The Father in Hiding
- Background: A Jewish refugee who escaped to Sweden after his family was captured.
- Role: Represents the painful reality that many Danish Jews faced—separation from loved ones and the constant threat of capture.
- Emotional Weight: His brief reunion with Ellen in the story’s climax underscores the tragic cost of war and the bittersweet relief of survival.
The Antagonist: Nazi Occupiers
While no single individual stands out as the novel’s “villain,” the collective presence of German soldiers and collaborators creates an atmosphere of fear and oppression. Their arbitrary enforcement of anti‑Jewish decrees forces the main characters to make impossible choices, highlighting the novel’s exploration of moral ambiguity and the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion.
Supporting Characters and Their Contributions
The Little Girl in the Red Scarf
- Identity: A symbolic figure who appears in Annemarie’s imagination, representing hope and the invisible guidance of those who have perished.
- Purpose: Serves as a narrative device reminding readers that the memory of the lost fuels the courage of the living.
The Swedish Sailors
- Role: Provide the crucial escape route for Danish Jews fleeing to neutral Sweden.
- Significance: Their willingness to risk their own safety for strangers illustrates the universal compassion that transcends national borders.
The Librarian (Mrs. Lise Østergaard)
- Function: Supplies Annemarie with the “Rosy” star necklace and the knowledge of the “handkerchief code,” subtly aiding the resistance through everyday interactions.
- Message: Shows that small acts of kindness can become powerful tools of resistance.
Scientific Explanation of the “Number the Stars” Code
Lowry’s title references a biblical passage (Jeremiah 31:13) that speaks of children counting stars as a sign of hope. In the novel, the “number the stars” code is a mnemonic used by the resistance to remember safe routes and hidden locations. While not a scientific system per se, the concept mirrors cryptographic techniques:
- Simple Substitution: Each “star” corresponds to a specific safe house.
- Redundancy: Multiple stars (locations) confirm that if one is compromised, others remain viable.
- Obfuscation: The code is disguised as a child’s game, making it less likely to attract suspicion from occupying forces.
This blend of innocence and strategic planning underscores how children’s perspectives can be weaponized for covert operations, a theme that resonates throughout the novel Turns out it matters..
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Number the Stars based on real events?
A: Yes. The novel is a fictionalized account of the true Danish rescue of over 7,200 Jews in 1943, when Danish citizens organized a massive effort to ferry Jews to safety in Sweden.
Q2: Why does the story focus on a child’s viewpoint?
A: Lowry uses Annemarie’s perspective to make the horrors of war accessible to young readers, showing that courage is not limited by age.
Q3: How historically accurate are the characters?
A: While the characters are fictional, they are composites of real Danish families who participated in the rescue. Their actions reflect documented strategies used by the Danish resistance.
Q4: What is the significance of the handkerchief code?
A: The handkerchief code is a discreet signal used by the resistance to identify safe houses. It exemplifies how simple everyday objects become powerful symbols in covert operations And it works..
Q5: Does the novel address the aftermath of the rescue?
A: The focus remains on the immediate danger and the rescue itself, but the epilogue hints at the lasting impact on the survivors, emphasizing themes of memory and gratitude.
Conclusion
The main characters in Number the Stars—Annemarie, Kirsti, Peter, Ellen, the Johansen parents, Uncle Henrik, and the supporting cast—collectively illustrate how ordinary individuals can rise to extraordinary heights when faced with moral crises. In practice, by examining each character’s motivations and actions, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the real‑life Danish resistance and the timeless lesson that every person, regardless of age or circumstance, has the power to make a difference. Their interwoven stories demonstrate that courage, compassion, and cleverness can triumph over oppression, even in the darkest of times. This enduring message continues to resonate, making Number the Stars a vital educational tool for teaching history, ethics, and the strength of the human spirit.
