Oskar Schindler - Dynamic
- born on April 28, 1908 in Zwittau, town located in Moravian province (later joins Czechoslovakia)
- successful war profiteer whose main goal was to make large profits from his business and also through deals in the black market
- greedy man only concerned with personal gain; cheats on wife by having affairs with German mistresses; and indifferent to Jewish situation during Holocaust
- turning point in Oskar's character when he witnessed loss of innocence in children (girl in the red coat)
- motivated to do whatever he can to save as many Jewish lives as possible
- “ ... Oskar had become a minor god of deliverance ... capable of bringing gratuitous but secure salvation.” (Keneally 232)
Amon Goeth - Flat
- S.S. officer (member of Nazi party), commandant of concentration camp in Płaszów
- represents evil and corruption at this time period
- a sadistic, unforgiving, ruthless man
- strong supporter of Nazi mission to eliminate inferior people (especially Jews)
- close associate of Oskar
- often compared to Oskar to show contrast between the two characters
- hanged to death for crimes against humanity at the end of WWII
-
“ ‘When you saw Goeth ... you saw death.’ ” (Keneally 360)
Itzhak Stern - Flat
- Jewish scholar and accountant who stayed close to his moral side
- encouraged Oskar to buy bankrupt factory and turn it into his enamelware factory (DEF)
- key to transformation Oskar went through as Itzhak acts like Oskar's conscience
- encouraged Oskar to turn factory into haven for Jews
- allowed Oskar's virtuous qualities to shine through and led him to become saviour of Jews
- remained consistant but developed respect for Oskar
Helen Hirsch - Flat
- Jewish maid of Amon
- target of Amon's desire and disgust
- victim of severe abuse which left both physical and mental scars (felt trapped)
- represented those who suffered from abuse by Nazis
- Oskar's compassion shown in way he rescued Helen from Amon's terrorizing
- remained strong as she endured torture and held onto hope of surviving thanks to Oskar