Courage in Action
Symbolism and Theme
Character Traits
NTS: Chapters 9–11
Academic Vocabulary
100

Which character risks being questioned by German soldiers when she is asked about the funeral?

Annemarie


100

What is symbolism in a story?

an object, event, or action represents a bigger idea

100

What is an external character trait?

a trait you can observe about a character's appearance or outward features

100

Who is the uncle helping protect the Jewish refugees?

Uncle Henrik

100

Which word means knotted or twisted?

gnarled

200

Which character helps protect the Jewish refugees by planning a fake funeral at his home?

Uncle Henrik

200

The fake funeral seems to represent death, but it helps people escape. What is its real purpose?

protecting people and helping them escape danger

200

What is an internal character trait?

a quality inside a character, such as courage, kindness, or honesty

200

What is the real purpose of the fake funeral?

to help protect the refugees by giving the adults a reason to gather without revealing their true purpose

200

If you reluctantly do a chore, how do you feel about doing it?

unwilling or hesitant

300

Annemarie carefully responds to the German soldiers even though she is frightened. What internal character trait does she demonstrate?

bravery or courage

300

What is a theme?

a message or lesson about life that a story develops

300

Annemarie protects others even though she feels frightened. Name one internal trait she demonstrates.

courage or bravery

300

Why does Peter give the baby something before the group leaves?

to help the baby sleep so its crying will not attract attention

300

Which word means acting in a rebellious manner?

defiantly

400

Peter helps the refugees prepare to leave safely. How do his actions demonstrate courage?

he risks his own safety to help protect others

400

Which theme is developed in Chapters 9–11: bravery means never feeling afraid, or bravery means protecting others despite uncertainty?

bravery means taking risks to protect others, even when the outcome is uncertain

400

A character stays calm and answers carefully when questioned by soldiers. What might this reveal about the character?

the character is cautious, brave, or thoughtful

400

does Annemarie's response to the German soldiers reveal about her

she is willing to protect others even when she is frightened

400

If a funhouse mirror makes your face look strange, what has it done to your reflection?

distorted it 

500

Choose one character from Chapters 9–11. Explain how that character demonstrates courage and how their actions develop the theme of bravery.

Answers will vary. Students should name a character, identify an internal trait, describe an example from the story, and connect the action to the theme of bravery.

500

How does the fake funeral connect to a larger idea in Number the Stars?

people use courage, teamwork, and clever plans to protect others from danger

500

What is the difference between an internal trait and an external trait?

an internal trait describing a character's personality, while an external trait describes outward appearance

500

What does Uncle Henrik mean when he says it can be easier to be brave when you do not know everything?

people may feel less afraid when they do not fully understand the danger they face

500

If you are dismayed by a disappointing result, how do you feel?

strongly disappointed

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