Tadek
Tadek is the narrator of the entire collection of short stories. He was formerly a work prisoner in Auschwitz, a Nazi concentration camp, and consequently uses the book to inform us about his experiences. As he is polish and was thus a 'privileged' prisoner he is able to avoid the inhumanity and cruel treatment of the Nazis but still is transformed and toughened by the unfavorable, harsh living conditions. During his time at Auschwitz, the concentration camp he shows kindness to fellow prisoners as well as the utmost determination to return home to his fiancee whom he loves dearly.
Henri
Henri is one of Tadek's closest friends in the camp and is described as being a 'fat frenchman'.He is a member of the Canada labour gang with his job being to unload prisoners and their possessions from Auschwitz. Despite this he regularly smuggles valuable and helpful items for his friends which demonstrates his general concern for others. He is portrayed as intelligent and highly cynical as he has a clear understanding of the camp, which enables him to bypass the abundance of danger and brutality which is exceedingly prevalent.
Girl
In the novel the narrator Tadek notices a good-looking, poised Jewish girl. She is very calm and inquires to what will be the fate of the prisoners. Although, Tadek does not inform her she states that she knows the truth. Her insight of circumstance at a such a young age is representative of her immense wisdom. Ultimately she deliberately puts herself on a truck headed for the gas chambers instead of allowing herself to be sent to a labour camp.
Andrei
Andrei is a Russian prisoner who works as a member of the labour gang, unloading the jews from the cattle cars. In the novel he brutally attacks a woman who attempts to protect her child from being sent to the gas chambers. Subsequently, he can be perceived as violent and aggressive; he also desires affirmation from the SS officers.
Little Girl
In the story there is a little girl who pushes herself out of the train window. As a result of this experience, she becomes deranged, and walks in a circle until a SS officer knocks her down and shoots her. This occurrence is of great importance, as it enlightens the readers of the absolute severe conditions of the Auschwitz camp.
