An unnamed German boy who lives on the second floor of an apartment building with his parents. He serves as an observer of the growing political extremism in his country. Though he occasionally gets swept up in group mentalities, he maintains a close childhood bond with his Jewish neighbor. His perspective offers a view of a typical working-class German youth during the 1920s and 1930s.

A young German-Jewish boy growing up in an increasingly hostile society. He is friendly, loyal, and excitable, often sharing his toys and experiences with his friends. As state-sanctioned persecution escalates, he faces severe discrimination and exclusion from everyday activities. Despite the growing danger, he attempts to remain positive and protective of those he cares about.

A dignified German-Jewish man who initially holds a secure managerial position with the German Post Office. He identifies strongly as a German citizen and follows traditional Jewish religious observances. As laws change, he experiences professional demotions and increasing stress but tries to provide a stable home for his family.

A typical middle-class German-Jewish mother who maintains a clean, comfortable home. She enjoys playing in the snow with her son and observing Friday evening sabbath traditions. As anti-Jewish laws tighten, she becomes increasingly anxious about her family's safety and future.

A working-class German man who spends the early years of his son's life unemployed due to a poor economy. He feels the sting of his father-in-law's judgment and struggles to provide for his family. He eventually joins the Nazi party strictly for economic survival, securing employment while privately attempting to warn his Jewish neighbors of danger.

A hardworking German woman who takes on washing and cleaning jobs to support her family during her husband's unemployment. She holds a sense of shame regarding her financial struggles but maintains a spotless home. She is privately disgusted by the growing political hostility and offers quiet sympathy to the Schneiders.

The cruel and sullen owner of the apartment building where the main characters live. A former bathing suit salesman turned district manager, he enjoys lording his authority over his tenants. He harbors deep-seated prejudices and eagerly leverages the rising political movement to target and evict his Jewish residents.

A sympathetic schoolteacher who instructs both boys before racial laws force them apart. He attempts to provide his class with an objective overview of Jewish history to counter state propaganda. He acts as a quiet ally to his marginalized students, offering gifts and support during important religious milestones.

The narrator's maternal grandfather, a stern railroad employee who helps pay his daughter's rent. He holds strict traditional values, frequently criticizing his unemployed son-in-law. He harbors pre-existing biases that predate the new political regime.

A local cleaning woman who works in the apartment building. She is forced to quit her employment with the Schneiders due to a new law forbidding women under thirty-five from working in Jewish households. She fears political reprisal because her husband used to be a communist.

A Jewish religious leader who seeks refuge from the authorities. He tells allegorical stories to explain the historical roots of persecution and helps the Schneiders fulfill new, degrading legal requirements.

A young German girl who develops a mutual crush on Friedrich. She is willing to date him despite knowing his heritage, showing a willingness to overlook strict social and legal barriers, though their connection places her in severe danger.

A man with a hunchback who serves as a guest speaker at a youth group meeting. He delivers a hateful diatribe against the Jewish population, twisting facts to indoctrinate young boys into a prejudiced ideology.

A severe physical education teacher and former World War I captain. He runs his classes like military drills, forcing students to carry rock-filled satchels on long marches and sing aggressive songs.

A Jewish doctor who attends to medical emergencies within the community. He operates under severe limitations but provides essential care and support to the targeted families in their building.

A porcelain garden gnome owned by Herr Resch. Standing stoically through all weather with a pipe in hand, the gnome serves as a silent fixture of the property and a subject of its owner's obsessive care.