The book revolves around Stefania’s true story, so she’s the main character and protagonist. The reader is supposed to be on her side and root for her and the Jews she hides to survive. Stefania has many admirable character traits. She shows off her sense of humor when she ironically quips, “It was a perfect childhood, and I hated it” (9). As she endures the trauma of the Nazis and hiding Jews, she retains her humor. When Karin and Ilse move in, Stefania sarcastically says she’s “running a Nazi boarding house” (313).

Willful and assertive, Stefania doesn’t tolerate cruel people. She constantly stands up for herself and others. Her insults are sharp and creative, like when she tells the abusive Mr. Zielinski, “For every time you hit [Helena], I’m going to pray that a German soldier comes and beats you ten times with a club” (78). Regardless of the situation or the person, Stefania rarely backs downs from confrontation. She yells at Berdecki, hits a German soldier in the face with coal, and upbraids the Jewish police for cooperating with the Nazis. She tells the Jewish police, “You know I’m speaking the truth. Don’t you? Don’t you? Or has no one ever dared to say it to your face?” (196).