The 5 pillars of characterisationThe Book Thief

Names and Labels

Compare and contrast

Actions Dialogue Thoughts

-Skinny, malnourished girl-She has “German blonde hair” but “dangerous eyes”(p.31)-Called ‘The Book Thief’ by Rudy; she steals books instead of food.-She starts out as illiterate (p.82)Max refers to her as a ‘Stand Over Man’- he describes her as protective. (p.255)-’The Word Shaker’-Liesel is calming and stands up for her values-”Saummensch”-Ludwig Schmeikl calls her ‘dumkopf’ and picks on her for being unable to read-Risk taker

Liesel/Max:Similarities:-Like books/reading-Lost loved ones-Have nightmares-Have broken pasts-Both hate Hitler-Both recognize the importance/impact of words-Are victims of the brutality of humanity –but don’t act like it-Survivors-Bring out the best in those around them (e.g. Hans/Rosa)Differences:-He’s a Jew, she’s a German/ daughter of a communist-He has to hide-He has to fight for his life every day-He almost dies-He’s more aware of the hatred; she becomes aware when he turns up

-Steals books-Strives to learn to read/write-Saves the accordion as a memento/respect for Hans-Looks after Max; doesn’t care that he’s a ‘Jew’-Calms people in the bomb shelter (p.-Has hope- steals money from Rosa to send a letter to her mother-Kisses Rudy when it’s too late –in desperation-Beats Ludwig, but then helps him when he’s hurt-Continues to steal books from Ilsa-Yells at Ilsa-Gives bread to the Jews-Wrote the book in the basement-Steals ‘The Shoulder Shrug’ from the book burning-13 presents she gives to Max

-Describes the weather to Max (p.269)-’It’s my heart that’s tired. A 13 year old shouldn’t feel like this.’(p.455)-’Jesus, Mary and Joseph!’ (potty-mouth)-Her descriptions of Max-Refusing to kiss Rudy all the time-”I hate Hitler.”

-Dreams about her brother’s death-Dreams about Hitler speaking to her-Finds the definitions to words in the dictionary are wrong

TASK: Complete the table for your chosen main character

Names and Labels

Compare and contrast

Actions Dialogue Thoughts

-Skinny, malnourished girl-She has “German blonde hair” but “dangerous eyes”(p.31)-Called ‘The Book Thief’ by Rudy; she steals books instead of food.-She starts out as illiterate (p.82)Max refers to her as a ‘Stand Over Man’- he describes her as protective. (p.255)-’The Word Shaker’-Liesel is calming and stands up for her values-”Saummensch”-Ludwig Schmeikl calls her ‘dumkopf’ and picks on her for being unable to read

Liesel/Hitler:Similarities:-Recognise the power of words-Able to use words to impact those around them (e.g. Liesel: Ilsa, Frau Holtzapfel, Max. Hitler: Germany and Max, Liesel –’kommunist’ ‘Jew’)--Differences:-Hitler has a cool mo-One uses words as a weapon, the other uses words to heal-Hitler is old/Liesel is young; he’s childish and she’s not so much-He’s a leader, she’s a follower at the start