"Pennies for Hitler" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Pennies for Hitler," Georg Heisler is the protagonist, while Hitler and Herr Spindler serve as the antagonists. Other characters, such as Otto, Elsa, Mutti, Vati, Oma, Herr Schultz, and Frau Hirschmann, play significant supporting roles.

Character Descriptions

• Georg Heisler: Georg is a young German boy who is forced to join the Hitler Youth during World War II. He is intelligent, resourceful, and determined to stay true to his beliefs despite the pressures around him.
• Otto: Otto is Georg's best friend and a fellow member of the Hitler Youth. He is loyal to Georg and supports him in his resistance against Hitler's regime.
• Elsa: Elsa is another close friend of Georg's. She is brave and outspoken, often challenging the Nazi propaganda and questioning the actions of Hitler.
• Mutti: Mutti is Georg's mother. She is caring and protective of her son, but also fearful of the consequences they may face if they defy the Nazi regime.
• Vati: Vati is Georg's father, who is absent for most of the story due to his work as a soldier. He is portrayed as a strong believer in Hitler's ideology, which causes tension within the family.
• Oma: Oma is Georg's grandmother, who provides him with valuable advice and wisdom. She is a source of strength and guidance for Georg throughout his struggles.
• Hitler: Adolf Hitler is the historical figure who serves as the primary antagonist in the story. He represents the oppressive Nazi regime and the destructive ideology that Georg resists.
• Herr Spindler: Herr Spindler is a high-ranking Nazi officer and another antagonist in the story. He is relentless in his pursuit of Georg and his friends, determined to ensure their loyalty to Hitler.
• Herr Schultz: Herr Schultz is Georg's teacher, who initially supports Hitler's regime but gradually starts questioning its principles. He becomes an ally to Georg and helps him in his resistance.
• Frau Hirschmann: Frau Hirschmann is Georg's neighbor who shares his opposition to Hitler's regime. She provides a safe space for Georg and his friends to gather and discuss their resistance plans.

Character Traits

• Georg Heisler: Intelligent, resourceful, determined, brave, resilient.
• Otto: Loyal, supportive, courageous.
• Elsa: Brave, outspoken, questioning.
• Mutti: Caring, protective, fearful.
• Vati: Believer in Hitler's ideology, distant.
• Oma: Wise, supportive, guiding.
• Hitler: Manipulative, oppressive, destructive.
• Herr Spindler: Ruthless, relentless, loyal to Hitler.
• Herr Schultz: Initially supportive, questioning, ally.
• Frau Hirschmann: Opposition to Hitler's regime, supportive.

Character Background

Georg Heisler is a young German boy living during World War II. He is forced to join the Hitler Youth, where he witnesses the indoctrination and manipulation of young minds by the Nazi regime. Georg comes from a family with conflicting beliefs, as his father is a strong supporter of Hitler while his mother and grandmother quietly oppose the regime. This creates tension within the family and adds complexity to Georg's struggle to stay true to his values.

Character Arcs

Georg's character arc in "Pennies for Hitler" is one of personal growth and resistance against the oppressive Nazi regime. Initially, Georg is uncertain and fearful, but as he witnesses the atrocities committed by Hitler's followers, he becomes determined to resist and fight back. Throughout the story, Georg's bravery and resourcefulness grow, as he takes risks to protect his friends and challenge the propaganda he is exposed to. His arc culminates in a daring act of defiance that has significant consequences for both him and those around him.

Herr Schultz also undergoes a character arc as he begins to question the principles of Hitler's regime. Initially supportive of the Nazi ideology, he gradually becomes disillusioned and starts helping Georg in his resistance efforts. Herr Schultz's transformation showcases the power of critical thinking and the ability to change one's beliefs when confronted with the truth.

Relationships

Georg forms strong bonds with his friends, Otto and Elsa, as they navigate the challenges of the Hitler Youth together. Their friendship provides them with support and strength to resist the indoctrination and propaganda they are subjected to. Georg's relationship with his mother, Mutti, is complex, as she loves her son but is torn between protecting him and ensuring their survival under the Nazi regime. The strained relationship between Georg and his father, Vati, reflects the generational divide caused by differing beliefs and allegiances.

Georg's grandmother, Oma, serves as a mentor figure, providing him with guidance and wisdom. She shares his resistance to Hitler's regime and becomes a source of emotional support for Georg. The relationship between Georg and his teacher, Herr Schultz, evolves from a traditional student-teacher dynamic to one of mutual trust and partnership in their shared resistance against Hitler.

Conclusion

"Pennies for Hitler" by Jackie French explores the personal struggles and resistance of a young German boy, Georg Heisler, during World War II. The story highlights the power of friendship, the complexity of family dynamics, and the importance of standing up against injustice. Through Georg's character arc and the relationships he forms, the novel demonstrates the resilience and bravery of individuals in the face of oppressive ideologies.