Maria

• Maria comes into Bruno's room with his clean laundry.

• She hesitates when she realises he is there but comes into the room.

• Bruno and Maria have a conversation and we learn that:

  • • Maria has been the family’s maid for a long time.

    • Her mother work for Bruno’s grandparents.

    • When her Mum got sick and died, Bruno’s Father paid for the funeral.

    • He gave Maria a job when she was really poor.

    • She has always been grateful for Father’s kindness and generosity.

    • Maria doesn’t approve of Father’s work, but she won’t speak badly about him.

    • She tells Bruno he should always speak respectfully about his Father.
      "Stupid Father, ' he added under his breath. Maria's eyes opened wide and she took a step towards him, her hands covering her mouth for a moment in horror.
      "You must never say something like that about your father.'

You could also write about:

• How different people in the family treat her.

  • For example, the difference between Bruno and Gretel (see below).

• What she thinks about Bruno's Mother (remember she overheard her comment when they were leaving the house in Berlin - she would also hear Bruno's parents arguing)

• Her feelings of confusion about Bruno's Father and his new job - she know he is a kind and generous man but he is doing terrible things to innocent people.