Sophie is a young, independent German student who initially participates in the Hitler Youth before growing disillusioned with the regime's cruelty. She possesses a strong moral compass and values natural beauty, art, and intellectual freedom. Cutting her hair short as a symbol of nonconformity, she refuses to remain passive while witnessing the persecution of Jewish citizens and the horrors of war.

Hans is Sophie's older brother and a driving force behind the resistance efforts at the University of Munich. Initially drawn to the regime's promises of a stronger Germany, his mandatory service in the National Labor Service and deployment to France open his eyes to the government's brutality. He values philosophy and knowledge, using literature and music to counter the state's oppressive propaganda.

Robert Mohr is a Gestapo interrogator tasked with extracting confessions from students involved in producing anti-government leaflets. He represents the systemic power of the state, though he occasionally displays slight hesitation regarding the harshness of the regime's punishments for young people. He focuses methodically on breaking the suspects' stories.

Alex is a university student who collaborates with Hans to challenge the apathy of the German public. He shares the group's moral outrage regarding the war and the treatment of Jewish citizens. His dedication highlights the importance of collective action, as he helps draft and distribute materials urging citizens to reject the current government.

Christoph is a steady, analytical peer in the Scholls' social circle who helps the group navigate their dangerous political climate. As a husband and father, his involvement in the group's anti-government discussions carries immense personal risk, emphasizing the heavy cost of maintaining a conscience during wartime.

Fritz is an officer in the German army and Sophie's fiancé. While he offers Sophie moments of joy and an escape from the heavy atmosphere in Ulm, his unquestioning participation in the military deeply troubles her. He supports Sophie personally, even sending her money, but struggles to reconcile his duties as a soldier with her growing political radicalism.

Vati is the patriarch of the Scholl family in Ulm. He possesses a clear understanding of the regime's cruelty long before his children do, often arguing with Hans about the realities of the government and revealing the truth behind the concentration camps. His outspoken nature makes him a target for local authorities.

Mutti is the loving mother of the Scholl children. She provides emotional stability and warmth for her family during their peaceful years in Ulm, functioning as the center of their tightly unified household before political forces begin tearing them apart.

Inge is one of Sophie and Hans's sisters. She lives with the family in Ulm and experiences the increasing hostility of the local authorities firsthand when their building, owned by a Jewish man, is targeted by the police.

Werner is one of Sophie and Hans's siblings. His early run-in with the authorities serves as a stark warning to the family about the regime's growing intrusion into the lives of ordinary citizens.

Traute is a university student and Hans's girlfriend. She welcomes Sophie into their intellectual circle, participating in the group's discussions regarding banned literature, music, and the shifting political landscape.

Mr. Huber is a philosophy and psychology professor at the University of Munich. He shares his students' deep moral outrage and offers his academic perspective to their cause, though his suggestions for their written materials occasionally clash with the younger generation's uncompromising views.

Jakob Schmidt is a custodian at the University of Munich. Operating as a vigilant citizen loyal to the regime, he actively monitors the campus and quickly reports any suspicious or anti-government behavior to the authorities.

Judge Freisler is a deeply unsympathetic and enraged courtroom authority figure. He views any dissent as treason against the country and conducts his trials with a callous disregard for the defendants' motivations or personal circumstances.