Devil's Arithmetic Character List

Hannah Stern : The protagonist of the story. Hannah is a young Jewish girl who lives with her family in New Rochelle, NY. She is disinterested in, and even embarrassed by, her Jewish heritage and family. During a Seder dinner she is suddenly transported to Poland in 1942 where she inhabits the life of her own distant relative, Chaya Abramowicz, who sacrifices herself to save Rivka. Through this process Hannah comes to appreciate her own history and that of her family.

Grandpa Will : A Holocaust survivor who sometimes causes his family some discomfort when he rants about his experiences. His memories of the Holocaust are deeply rooted in his mind. Hannah comes to be somewhat afraid of and embarrassed by him. After her experiences in Poland in the past, Hannah learns that Grandpa Will is Rivka's brother, Wolfe.

Gitl Abramowicz : Shmuel's sister and Chaya's aunt. Gitl is practical and headstrong. Though she never marries or has children of her own, she acts as a foster mother to Chaya during their time in the camp. Gitl is one of the few to survive, eventually moving to Israel and starting a charity to help Holocaust survivors reunite with family members. She names the organization CHAYA after her niece.

Shmuel Abramowicz : Gitl's sister and the soon-to-be husband of Fayge. He is Chaya's uncle in 1942 Poland. Shmuel is strong and presents a brave face to the Nazi soldiers, leading an escape attempt from the camp. The attempt is thwarted and Shmuel is executed by firing squad along with Fayge.

Fayge : Fayge is the fiancée of Shmuel. She is described as beautiful with black hair. Hannah is delighted that she is going to marry Shmuel.

Reb Boruch : Fayge's father and a Rabbi. He acts as a spiritual and community leader when the villagers are rounded up by the Nazis. He implores the villagers not to resist but to place their faith in God. He meets his death in the camp when he is chosen for execution.