Rosa
Rosa is a Jewish woman. She is kept in a concentration camp and has two daughters—Stella, fourteen, and Magda, less than two years old. It is implied that Magda's father is one of the Nazi soldiers. Rosa manages to stay alive for her daughters, especially Magda, whom she conceals in a shawl as long as she can. She is quiet, serious, and practical.
Magda
Magda is the fifteen-month-old daughter of Rosa. She is always silent, but one day her shawl is taken away from her and she goes howling into the courtyard for it. There she is captured by Nazi soldier and killed.
Stella
Stella is fourteen years old and Rosa's niece. She is hungry and full of despair and jealousy over her baby sister. Rosa thinks Stella would gladly eat Magda if she could. Stella takes Magda's shawl one day to sleep under, perhaps on purpose knowing that Magda will be extremely upset without it. This leads to Magda's death.
