Number the Stars

by

Lois Lowry

Annemarie Johansen

The protagonist of the novel, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen is an outgoing and ambitious young girl who maintains a cheerful outlook even as her Nazi-occupied hometown of Copenhagen becomes a dangerous place for her and her… read analysis of Annemarie Johansen

Ellen Rosen

Ellen is Annemarie’s best friend and neighbor. The two girls live in the same apartment building and attend the same school, and though Ellen is Jewish and Annemarie is not, neither of them ever… read analysis of Ellen Rosen

Kirsti Johansen

Kirsti is Annemarie’s five-year-old sister. A sassy, petulant, and fanciful child, Kirsti has never known life outside wartime—yet she dreams of the comforts of peace and plenty, fantasizing daily about decadent cupcakes and fancy… read analysis of Kirsti Johansen

Mrs. Johansen/Mama

Annemarie’s mother is a kind, gentle, and yet fiercely brave woman committed to resisting the fascist regime which has occupied her city and threatened her closest friends. Mama is a nurturer to her core… read analysis of Mrs. Johansen/Mama

Uncle Henrik

Mama’s brother and Annemarie’s uncle, Henrik is a fisherman who lives in the countryside. Unmarried and slightly roguish, Henrik lives alone in his childhood home—and has, since the start of the war, used… read analysis of Uncle Henrik
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Peter Neilsen

The stoic, rebellious, and generous Peter Neilsen is a dedicated member of the Resistance—a group of Danish people determined to undermine the Nazi occupation of their country no matter the cost. Peter was betrothed to… read analysis of Peter Neilsen

Lise Johansen

Though Lise is not physically present as a character in the novel, her emotional presence lingers on every page. Her loss in a seemingly random hit-and-run accident has dealt a severe blow to her family’s… read analysis of Lise Johansen

King Christian

The King of Denmark. Christian is a leader beloved by all his people, and rather than shutting himself away in his palace in trying times, he shows that he is as devoted to his subjects… read analysis of King Christian
Minor Characters
Mr. Johansen/Papa
Annemarie’s father. A warm and kind man devoted to his family, to his community, and to doing what’s right no matter the risk.
Mrs. Rosen
Ellen’s mother and Mrs. Johansen’s closest friend in Copenhagen. A kind, generous woman.
Mr. Rosen
Ellen’s father.