Characters
Who is the teenage girl whose diary provides the main perspective of the play?
Anne Frank
What event (or item) triggers Mr. Frank’s memories at the start of the play?
Mr. Frank’s flashback is triggered by finding Anne’s diary or when he returns after the war and remembers (scene begins with him finding the diary / visiting the annex)
What year is it when the play begins?
1945
How does Anne feel about being in hiding?
She feels frustrated, trapped, lonely but also hopeful; she uses her diary to cope
Who brings his cat Mouschi into the hiding place?
Peter
What present does Anne receive from her father?
A diary
Where does Scene 1 start?
The annex
How does Anne feel that her mother treats her?
She feels her mother is distant and treats her like a "baby"; Anne feels misunderstood
Which woman is often critical of Anne and quarrels with others in the annex?
Mrs. Van Daan / Van Daan family
What is the rule about running water or going to the bathroom in the annex?
They must conserve water and not run faucets; bathroom use is limited and scheduled
In which country are the families hiding?
The Netherlands (Amsterdam)
What causes tension between Mrs. Van Daan and others about her coat?
Mrs. Van Daan’s fur coat is damaged causing distress and argument
Who helped hide the Franks and later brought news and supplies?
Miep (or Mr. Kraler as helper)
What happens downstairs during the Hanukkah celebration that frightens everyone in the annex?
A thief
Where exactly (which building or part of a building) are the Franks hiding?
he secret annex (an upstairs annex behind Otto Frank’s office building / a hidden space in the warehouse/office building)
How does Anne react when Mr. Van Daan criticizes Peter or others — give an example of how this leads to conflict?
Mr. Van Daan criticizes Peter (or Anne), Anne responds defiantly leading to heated arguments; tensions mount over food, privacy, and loyalties
Which man becomes a tense, argumentative presence in the annex, often stealing food?
Mr. Van Daan
Why did the Franks allow the Van Daans to join them in hiding?
Because Mr. Frank had helped the Van Daans earlier and felt it was his duty to return the favor; also survival necessity and trust
What year is it when Scene 2 begins?
1942
Explain Mr. Frank’s quote to Anne: “There are no walls, there are no bolts, no locks that anyone can put on your mind.”“There are no walls, there are no bolts, no locks that anyone can put on your mind.” (What does he mean and how does this relate to the annex life?)
He means that inner freedom — thoughts, imagination, and spirit — cannot be locked away; even in hiding their minds remain free and moral strength continues