The Main Characters in the book thief
Death is the narrator of The Book Thief. He meets Liesel for the first time on the train when her brother dies. Death takes an interest in Liesel, and believes that her story is one of the best stories that he has. He provides the novel with dark thoughts, humor, and information.
Liesel is the main character in the novel, and her life story is narrated by Death. At the beginning of the novel Liesel can't read, but as the novel progresses Liesel learns how to read. She also learns about the power of words and how they can do good and bad things. Towards the middle of the novel Liesel writes her own story, hoping to harness the power of her words.
Hans Hubermann is Liesel's foster father, or her Papa. Death says that he's the one that Liesel loves him the most due to his soft and kind personality. Hans doesn't agree with the Nazi Party, but goes along loosely to protect Rosa and Liesel. Many people like him, except for the ones who believes he supports Jews. He has been able to avoid Death multiple time. Hans is a talented accordion player, and Liesel associates his music with safety. With Liesel's mother gone, Hans is her source of security. Hans is the one who teaches Liesel to read, even though he isn't that good at it himself, and fosters Liesel's love of books.
Rosa Hubermann is Lisel's foster mother, or her Mama. She does the washing and ironing for many of Molching's wealthy people. Rosa often insults Hans and Liesel, but loves the both deeply. She comes across and harsh and tough, but inside she has a big heart. She cares for Max while he's ill and prayers for everyone's safe return when they go to war. However only Liesel knows this, and the rest of her neighbors view her as a mean person.
Rudy Steiner is Liesel's best friends and is portrayed as her love interest. He is constantly trying to get Liesek to kiss him, but only receives his kiss after it's too late.He is a talented athlete and a good student and friend. He always stands up for Liesel in any form or fashion. Together he and Liesel steal book and food.
Max Vandenburg is the Jew that the Hubermman's hide and Liesel befriends. Max and Liesel become friends through their similarities such as both having nightmares, and loving words. He writes and illustrates books and gives them to Liesel as presents. Some think that Max can been seen as an older brother figure to Liesel.
*Just a little side note, did anyone get my river reference from the header at the top of the page. It was by reference of the Amper River in The Book Thief*