Struggles to accept help as war is something that taken Tom from her, someody she relied on
Dependant on Maggie, but becomes more independant/depedant on Albrecht near end of novel. makes final decisions on her own
Hopeful, never accepts Tom is gone for good- writes letter to him in her diary that he can read when he gets back
Naive- less willing to accept the inevitable
Strong and determined when facing germans- detrmination not to collaborate andto stay loyal to Tom
Self- suffiecent, fairly able to run the farm on her own
Reflects on past to remind herself of him. Wears his clothes etc.
Feels guilty that she wants him back when he is being patriotic. also guilty when relationship forms with Albrecht.
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Maggie Jones
Most senior of woman
Leader and Mother figure
First to understand men have left and why- guesses their role as insurgents (countrymans diary) and in turn understands that secrecy is vital and for their own protection. instructs other woman as to how to act.
Pragmatist- accepting help is sensible thing to do- desnt see it as collaboration
Albrechts female equivalent- negociates with him- realtionship built on trust and respect
Final act of taking Glyndwr to the fair with Alex is to protray her love for William, her husband, however ends peace in the valley because of Georges reaction and leads to Maggies downfall and reversed roles when Sarah finds herself looking after Maggie.
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Albrecht Wolfram
Intelligent, well-educated (at Oxford)- allows him to make good relationshids with women as he speaks fluent english
Comfortable with his role responsibilty and authority- strong sense of duty and is a natural leader
Men in his patrol trust him
Sometimes misuses his power as he manipulates others
Honest- doesnt lie at the end pretending they will be safe in the valley
Thoughtful- brings Srah gramaphone on her birthday- to give company and comfort whilst Tom absent.
Determined to do what he thinks is right can lead to dishonesty- staying in the valley beleives people like Otto need the rest
Shows empathy- also a victim of war- lost parents and fiance in bombing raid
Polite and respectful- at the start puts him at a distance, behaviour unexpected as germans are occupying Britain
Can be ruthless- orders shooting of Tommy Atkins- however maybe an act of kindness seeing as he has already been tortured
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George Bowen
Patriotic-will do anything for country- glad to have responsibilty as medical stopped him from joining up- something he recieves -ve comments about
Finds it difficult to be thought of as lazy/cowardly
Feels betrayed when valley accepts germans
Shoots Glyndwr- leads to ending of novel
Resists will to shoot Maggie out of anger towards her as a collaborator.
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German soldiers
Gernot
Chosen for his laugh
War hasnt affected him mentally
Falls in love with Bethan Stenier - Patrotic- reveals patrol in the valley at the end of novel Sebald - Radio operator
Medic, experienced - Concern they are not being good solidiers
Calm under pressure- responds to trauma - Not as disillsioned as others- not as involved with war- new
Supports Albrecht - Result of Nazi brainwashing young- commited Nazi
Alex
Honest
Natural empathy for horses- reminds him of his previous life- lead to collaboration with Maggie.
Chosen because he deserved the chance to recuperate
Otto
Doesnt speak much- broken man- traumatised by manning machine gun and killing so many
Relates to Edith who also victim of war through her son being killed in training- helps her develop peace
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