"The Odessa File" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Peter Miller

Peter Miller is the protagonist of "The Odessa File." He is a young, determined German journalist who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about the Holocaust and the escape of Nazi war criminals.

Eduard Roschmann

Eduard Roschmann is the main antagonist of the story. He is a former SS officer and the commander of the Riga Ghetto during World War II. Roschmann is now hiding in Germany under a false identity, and Peter Miller is determined to bring him to justice.

Simon Wiesenthal

Simon Wiesenthal is a real-life figure and a supporting character in the book. He is a Holocaust survivor and renowned Nazi hunter. Wiesenthal provides valuable information and guidance to Peter Miller in his quest to find Roschmann.

Frau Miller

Frau Miller is Peter Miller's estranged wife. Although she has a limited role in the story, her relationship with Peter adds depth to his character and highlights the personal toll his obsession takes on his personal life.

Gunther Herzog

Gunther Herzog is a fellow journalist and a supporting character in the book. He helps Peter Miller in his investigation and acts as a source of information and support.

David Porath

David Porath is a Holocaust survivor who plays a pivotal role in Peter Miller's investigation. He provides crucial evidence and leads Miller closer to Roschmann.

Character Descriptions

Peter Miller

Peter Miller is a young and ambitious journalist. He is described as intelligent, resourceful, and driven by a strong sense of justice. However, his determination to uncover the truth sometimes leads him to take risks and make impulsive decisions. Miller's physical appearance is not extensively described in the book, allowing readers to focus more on his personality and actions.

Eduard Roschmann

Eduard Roschmann is portrayed as a cold and calculating character. He is described as tall, with a commanding presence and piercing eyes. Roschmann is a master of disguise, living under a false identity and evading capture for years. His Nazi past and the atrocities he committed during the war make him a deeply unsettling character.

Simon Wiesenthal

Simon Wiesenthal is presented as a wise and experienced figure. He is depicted as an older man with a calm demeanor and a deep knowledge of Nazi war criminals. Wiesenthal's own experiences as a Holocaust survivor give him a unique perspective and make him a respected authority in his field.

Frau Miller

Frau Miller is portrayed as a caring and concerned wife. She is shown as a supportive character who worries about Peter's safety and well-being. Frau Miller's limited presence in the story serves to highlight the strain that Peter's obsession with Roschmann puts on their relationship.

Gunther Herzog

Gunther Herzog is a seasoned journalist and a trusted friend of Peter Miller. He is described as a knowledgeable and reliable source of information. Herzog's calm and composed nature provide a contrast to Peter's more impulsive behavior.

David Porath

David Porath is a Holocaust survivor who is haunted by his past. He is portrayed as a fragile and tormented character, deeply affected by the atrocities he witnessed during the war. Porath's desire for justice and closure drives him to help Peter Miller in his mission to expose Roschmann.

Character Traits

Peter Miller

• Determined
• Intelligent
• Resourceful
• Impulsive
• Idealistic

Eduard Roschmann

• Ruthless
• Calculating
• Master of disguise
• Commanding presence
• Unsettling

Simon Wiesenthal

• Wise
• Experienced
• Calm
• Knowledgeable
• Respected

Frau Miller

• Caring
• Supportive
• Worried
• Concerned

Gunther Herzog

• Seasoned
• Knowledgeable
• Reliable
• Calm
• Composed

David Porath

• Fragile
• Tormented
• Haunted
• Driven
• Seeking justice

Character Background

Peter Miller

Peter Miller is a German journalist working for a local newspaper. As a young man, he grew up in post-war Germany and is haunted by the atrocities committed by the Nazis. His personal connection to the Holocaust fuels his determination to uncover the truth about what happened and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Eduard Roschmann

Eduard Roschmann was a high-ranking SS officer during World War II. He was responsible for the Riga Ghetto, where countless Jews were subjected to brutal treatment and mass executions. After the war, Roschmann managed to escape justice by assuming a false identity and hiding in Germany.

Simon Wiesenthal

Simon Wiesenthal was a Holocaust survivor who dedicated his life to tracking down Nazi war criminals. He founded the Jewish Documentation Center in Austria, which helped gather evidence against war criminals. Wiesenthal's personal experiences and determination to seek justice make him a respected figure in the field.

Frau Miller

Frau Miller's background is not extensively explored in the book. She is portrayed as Peter's estranged wife, who worries about his safety and the toll his obsession takes on their relationship.

Gunther Herzog

Gunther Herzog is an experienced journalist who has been working in the industry for many years. He has a deep knowledge of historical events and is a trusted source of information for Peter Miller.

David Porath

David Porath is a Holocaust survivor who lost his entire family during the war. He was traumatized by the atrocities he witnessed and has dedicated his life to seeking justice for the victims. Porath's personal connection to the Holocaust makes him a valuable ally for Peter Miller.

Character Arcs

Peter Miller

Peter Miller's character arc revolves around his journey from a determined journalist seeking justice to a man consumed by his obsession. Initially driven by a strong sense of justice and empathy for the victims, Miller becomes increasingly reckless and willing to take extreme risks to uncover the truth. His arc highlights the personal toll that pursuing justice can have on an individual.

Eduard Roschmann

Eduard Roschmann's character arc is one of evasion and fear. Initially presented as a cunning and elusive figure, Roschmann's past catches up with him as Peter Miller gets closer to exposing his true identity. Roschmann's fear and desperation increase as his facade crumbles, leading to a climactic confrontation between him and Miller.

Simon Wiesenthal

Simon Wiesenthal's character arc is not as pronounced as the other characters. As a supporting character, Wiesenthal's role is primarily to provide guidance and information to Peter Miller. However, his presence in the story helps to emphasize the importance of seeking justice for the victims of the Holocaust.

Frau Miller

Frau Miller's character arc is more subtle but serves as a reflection of the toll that Peter Miller's obsession takes on his personal life. She starts as a concerned and supportive wife, but as Peter becomes increasingly consumed by his investigation, their relationship deteriorates. Her arc highlights the strain that Peter's obsession puts on their marriage.

Gunther Herzog

Gunther Herzog's character arc is primarily one of support and friendship. He remains a loyal ally to Peter Miller throughout the story, providing valuable information and assistance. His arc is one of consistency, serving as a reliable source of support for Miller.

David Porath

David Porath's character arc is driven by his desire for justice and closure. Initially hesitant to aid Peter Miller, Porath's own trauma and determination to seek justice for the victims of the Holocaust push him to assist Miller in his investigation. Porath's arc showcases his personal growth and his willingness to confront his own demons.

Relationships

Peter Miller and Eduard Roschmann

The relationship between Peter Miller and Eduard Roschmann is one of cat and mouse. Miller becomes obsessed with exposing Roschmann's true identity and bringing him to justice, while Roschmann does everything in his power to evade capture. Their relationship is one of intense psychological warfare, leading to a climactic confrontation.

Peter Miller and Simon Wiesenthal

Peter Miller's relationship with Simon Wiesenthal is one of mentorship and guidance. Wiesenthal's wisdom and experience in hunting down Nazi war criminals provide valuable insights for Miller, helping him navigate the complex world of Nazi fugitives.

Peter Miller and Frau Miller

Peter Miller's relationship with his estranged wife, Frau Miller, is strained due to his obsession with uncovering the truth about Roschmann. Frau Miller serves as a reminder of the personal toll Miller's investigation takes on his personal life.

Peter Miller and Gunther Herzog

Peter Miller's relationship with Gunther Herzog is one of friendship and support. Herzog acts as a reliable ally, providing information and assistance to Miller throughout his investigation.

Peter Miller and David Porath

Peter Miller's relationship with David Porath evolves from initial hesitation to a partnership built on a shared desire for justice. Porath's personal connection to the Holocaust and his willingness to assist Miller in his investigation make their relationship crucial to the story's progression.