Academic Vocabulary
What is the way an author develops and reveals a character?
Characterization
Why does Annemarie need to bring the packet to Uncle Henrik?
Mr. Rosen accidentally dropped the packet, and Annemarie's mother hurt her ankle.
A character helps someone even when it is difficult. Is this an internal or external trait?
Internal trait
According to Uncle Henrik, do brave people never feel frightened?
No. People can feel frightened and still be brave.
What does Uncle Henrik explain about being brave in Chapter 16?
Being brave means doing what you must do without thinking too much about the danger.
What type of characterization occurs when the author directly tells readers what a character is like?
Direct characterization
What is inside the packet that makes it so important?
A handkerchief treated to keep German soldiers' dogs from smelling the hidden people.
A narrator describes a character as tall with dark hair. Is this direct or indirect characterization?
Direct characterization
What does Uncle Henrik explain about why it can be easier to be brave when you do not know everything?
Not knowing all the dangers can make it easier to do what needs to be done.
What do Annemarie’s actions when German soldiers stop her in the woods reveal about her?
She is clever and courageous because she acts like an ordinary child to avoid suspicion and protect the mission.
What type of characterization occurs when readers learn about a character through actions, words, thoughts, and interactions?
Indirect characterization
Why does Annemarie act like a silly, talkative child when German soldiers stop her?
She wants the soldiers to believe she is an ordinary child and not suspect her mission.
A reader learns that a character is brave because she continues a dangerous task. Is this direct or indirect characterization?
Indirect characterization
How does Annemarie show bravery when German soldiers stop her in the woods?
She stays calm, acts like an ordinary child, and continues her mission.
What does Uncle Henrik’s explanation of bravery help Annemarie understand?
A person can be afraid but still do what needs to be done.
What do we call a character's personality, beliefs, and qualities?
Internal character traits
What does Annemarie do after the soldiers search her basket and throw the handkerchief aside?
She picks up the handkerchief and continues to Uncle Henrik.
Annemarie acts silly when German soldiers question her. What internal character trait does this action suggest?
Quick-thinking, clever, or brave
What does Uncle Henrik's explanation of bravery reveal about his character?
He is wise, thoughtful, and understands that people can be afraid while still doing what is necessary.
How has Annemarie changed from the beginning of the novel to Chapters 12–17?
She has grown from a girl who is afraid of danger into someone who acts courageously and takes responsibility to help protect others.
What do we call a character's physical appearance?
External character traits
What does Annemarie learn about Peter Neilsen in Chapter 16?
He had been helping people escape as a member of the Resistance.
What is the difference between an internal character trait and an external character trait?
An internal trait describes personality or qualities; an external trait describes physical appearance.
Why is understanding the Holocaust important when reading Number the Stars?
It helps readers understand why Jewish people were in danger and why characters risked their lives to help others.
What important event in Chapters 12–17 best demonstrates Annemarie’s growth, and how does it show her bravery?
Answers may vary. For example, Annemarie carries the packet to Uncle Henrik even though German soldiers stop and question her. She stays calm and acts naturally, showing courage and quick thinking.