Characters

Characters with Descriptions: Oskar Schindler - he was the protagonist and savior of about 1,100 Jews. The film follows Schindler's progression from a cold-blooded, greedy war profiteer to a man willing to sacrifice his wealth to save the lives of his Jewish factory workers. Schindler is a lady’s man and con artist who never hesitated to do something outside the law, such as placing bribes, to get what he wants. He develops compassion for the Jews and begins to see his factory workers as humans deserving of life.

Itzhak Stern - Was Schindler's Jewish accountant and inner voice. Stern is a bright man who never loses his pride in the face of the violent and harsh conditions the Jews face under the Nazi regime. He is able to influence the good, moral side of Schindler. Stern is the first to acknowledge that Schindler's factory can be a safe place for Jews. He initially expresses contempt for the acquisitive Schindler but gains respect for him. Stern's relationship with Schindler contributes greatly to Schindler's decision to save the Jews.

Amon Goeth - Was a Nazi in charge of building of Plaszów concentration camp. Amon is a bloodthirsty, sadistic man deeply rooted in Nazi philosophy. Goeth exhibits a true hatred for the Jews, at times shooting them from his balcony high above the labor camp. He and Schindler share many common traits, such as greed and self-centeredness. He is also deeply conflicted, torn between feelings of affection and disgust for his Jewish maid.

Emilie Schindler - Was Oskar Schindler's wife. Emilie is a good and patient woman that loves Schindler even as he cheats on her continually. She expresses only anger upon finding another woman in Schindler's apartment but is hurt when she finds that the doorman does not know Schindler is married. Emilie abandons Schindler in Poland because he cannot promise to be loyal to her.

Poldek Pfefferberg - Was a Jewish smuggler. Pfefferberg, whom Schindler first meets in a church, becomes Schindler's provider of black-market luxury items. During the liquidation of the ghetto, he plans to escape through the sewers. Though his wife, Mila, will not go in the sewers, he reassures her and goes to see if they are clear. When he returns Mila she is no longer there.

Helen Hirsch - Was Goeth's Jewish maid, who lives a tortured life. Helen Hirsch is a strong woman lost in anguish, forced to work for Goeth, whom she dislikes. She faces harsh beatings at Goeth's hands and begins to lose hope and expects this to lead to death. She represents the Jewish population who suffers psychological abuse under the Nazis.

Chaka and Dank Dresdner - were a mother and daughter who illustrate family bonds and loyalty. Chaja and Danka are inseparable throughout the whole film. During the liquidation of the ghetto, Chaja makes the sacrifice, forcing Danka to take the last hiding spot left. Danka, however, exhibits the same loyalty as she leaves the hiding spot to find her mother.

Regina Perlman- Was a woman who attempts to convince Schindler to save her parents from the Nazi. Regina lives in Krakow and passes as a German in order to avoid the Nazis. She is desperate to save her parents and goes to see Schindler for help. She is crushed when he refuses her, but later Regina’s parents are saved by Schindler.