Night Character Analysis

Between Shades of Gray and Night Character Comparison Millions of Jews, gypsies, disabled, and Slavic people brutally died because of the Holocaust. Between Shades of Gray and Night both are daunting stories about people who had to go through the struggles of prejudice. These two novels have characters that are related in some aspects and distinct in others. The characters I find the most alike are Lina and Elie, Ona and Mrs. Schächter, and Elena and Shlomo. Lina and Elie are alike by loving and defending their families. Likewise, Ona and Mrs. Schächter are alike by how they react to the harsh events. Finally, Elena and Shlomo are alike by being strong in a time of crisis. These character’s traits are slightly different, but mostly alike.

For instance, Elena was exceptional at translating the Russian language, so she uses that skill to help the other characters understand what the NKVD wants and visa versa. During the night, the NKVD order the “prisoners” to wake up. Lina recalls, “‘We are all to sign the document,’ said Mother [Elena]. ‘What does it say?’ the crowd demanded. ‘It says three things,’ said Mother, staring at Komorov. He continued speaking, with Mother translating in between for the group” (Sepetys 142). This quote shows that Elena helps her fellow prisoners, and that the prisoners trust Elena to translate correctly. Similarly, Shlomo is a well-informed, dependable character. He is already respected by the people of his hometown and he joins the Jewish Council to help inform his neighbors. One night, the Council calls all of it’s members to a special meeting. When Shlomo returns with the news, Elie describes, “At last, the door opened and he appeared. His face was drained of color. He was quickly surrounded. ‘Tell us. Tell us what’s happening! Say something...’” (Wiesel 13). This quote conveys that an abundance of people know that Shlomo is a reliable source for information and advice. However, Elena and Shlomo are diverse, also. Specifically in how they treat their children. One instance, is when Elena is

Therefore, the characters have similar and distinct traits. Lina and Elie, Ona and Mrs. Schächter, and Elena and Shlomo are the most analogous, although they have certain differences. Lina and Elie are alike by being benevolent and defending their families. On the same note, Ona and Mrs. Schächter are alike by how they react to the harsh events of the Holocaust. Lastly, Elena and Shlomo are alike by being strong in a time of crisis. These novels share many features, but also are dissimilar in several