Characters & Roles
The non-Jewish Dutch woman who brings the families supplies and is pregnant in the play’s opening scene.
Who is Miep Gies?
The city and country where the Secret Annex is located.
What is Amsterdam, the Netherlands/Holland?
The number of hours a day the residents of the Annex must maintain complete quiet.
What is ten (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM) or nine hours (8:30 AM to 5:30 PM)?
The first object Mr. Frank finds when he returns to the Annex in Scene 1, causing him to break down crying.
What is a woman's white glove?
Easily seen or noticed; this is how the Yellow Star of David made the Jewish people feel when they were forced to wear it.
What is conspicuous?
The kind and dependable Dutch businessman who works downstairs and helps coordinate the Annex.
Who is Mr. Kraler?
The first year and season in which the play opens, showing the Annex empty and dusty.
What is November 1945?
How the residents must move during the quiet hours to avoid making noise downstairs.
What is in stockinged feet?
Mr. Frank's business before he went into hiding.
What is importing spice and herbs?
Not embarrassed or ashamed; Anne is described as having this quality when she is talking back to her mother or dancing in the room.
What is unabashed?
This shy, awkward boy is sixteen and carries a black case for his cat.
Who is Peter Van Daan?
The time period of the play’s main action when the families are in hiding.
What is July 1942–August 1944?
This common household fixture is forbidden to use during the day because "The pipes go down through the workrooms" .
What is running water/using the W.C. (toilet)?
The term Mr. Kraler uses for the system of illegally helping those in hiding, distinguishing it from the black market.
What is the white market?
Extremely careful and precise; a trait Mr. Frank demonstrated when he arranged and planned the hidden Annex down to the smallest detail.
What is meticulous?
This character is initially shocked when she learns the ration books were obtained illegally.
Who is Mrs. Frank?
The object that conceals the door to the Secret Annex on the outer side.
What is a bookcase?
To prevent their discovery, all trash, including potato parings, must be disposed of this way .
What is burned in the stove at night?
Mr. Frank states that he cannot stay in Amsterdam because it has too many of these for him.
What are memories?
So annoying, unpleasant, or painful that it is unbearable; Mrs. Van Daan often finds Anne's energy and constant chatter to be this.
What is insufferable?
The last person to join the Annex, a dentist who has to share Anne’s room.
Who is Mr. Dussel?
The name of the church tower whose carillon provides an occasional sound of the outside world.
What is the Westertoren?
The mandatory identifying item all the Jewish residents wear on their clothing upon arrival.
What are Yellow Stars of David/Yellow Stars?
The two members of the Frank family who share the first line of Anne's diary: "My father started a business...".
Who are Mr. Frank and Anne?
To roll about in or to give oneself entirely to something; Mr. Van Daan accuses Peter of doing this in his shyness and self-pity by constantly staying alone in his room.
What is wallow?