Diary Of Anne Frank Character Analysis

In the play, The Diary of Anne Frank, the main character Anne was a dynamic character, changing from being self-centered and naive in the beginning, to being caring towards the end of the story. Anne interacting with the other characters and developing the theme of the play showed proof of these traits of her personality, emotions, intellect, and ethics. First, Anne shows her initial trait of being self-centered, partially because of her naiveness. One example of this is when she has a nightmare, then when her mother comes to comfort her. Mrs. Frank says, “But I’d like to stay with you… very much. Really.”, then Anne responds by saying “I’d rather you didn’t”. Anne deeply hurt her mother by making her feel unwanted and useless, showing that

she has no regard for other people’s feelings. Another example of this aspect is when she has an argument with Mr. Van Daan, and Mr. Van Dann tells her that she is an extremely aggravating girl that needs a spanking. This shows that Anne doesn't care who she offends, further proving her self-centeredness trait.
However, over the play Anne improves her character, showing that she has changed to become a caring and kind girl. An example of this new trait is during the Hanukkah celebration, when she makes or acquires unique and touching gifts for everyone in the Annex. Anne gives Margot a crossword book, Mrs. Van Daan shampoo, Mr. Van Daan cigarettes, Mrs. Frank an IOU for 10 hours of Anne’s time, Mr. Frank a scarf, Peter a safety razor, and Dussel earplugs. When Anne gives her mother the gift, she says, “This is the most precious gift I’ve ever had!”. Anne giving a gift to everyone in the Annex, despite their arguments and differences shows that Anne has forgiven everyone, and is trying to be a more caring person. These examples show that Anne is a dynamic character throughout the story, going from being a naive, self-centered girl, to being a kind, caring individual. Anne’s interactions with the characters throughout the story and developing the theme of the play showed traits of her personality, emotions, intellect, and ethics.