The main stages of cold war.

Max Vandenburg was a German Jew who took refuge in the Hubermann's household during the events of World War Two, developing a close friendship with Liesel Meminger. The Hubermanns protected him from the Nazis. The Hubermanns fed him and took good care of him. He was very welcomed in their home.

In a lot of ways Max and Liesel are alike. Max and Liesel both have nightmares about their pasts. Liesel reads to Max every night when he falls a sleep. They both see Hans as a life saver. Max soon writes a lot of books for Liesel about how she helped him. The book called "The Word Shaker" shows how Liesel's words gives him strength and bravery. Max feels guilty over leaving his family to save himself.

Max went to a concentration camp and he survived it. Max and Liesel became great friends during their time together.

Hans is Liesel's foster father, her Papa. He is a very tall man who walks upright, plays the accordion, and has silver eyes. His quiet, gentle nature is what wins Liesel over, and Death tells us that he is the one Liesel loves most. He is a painter who doesn't agree with the acts of the Nazi Party, but applies for membership to keep up the appearance of loyalty so that he can protect his family. He has been able to evade Death multiple times, and he is a well-liked man in Molching, except for those who call him a Jew lover. He is a talented accordion player and often plays for patrons in the local bars. Liesel associates his accordion playing with safety. He sits with Liesel and teaches her to read during midnight lessons and also during afternoon lessons by the Amper River. He is there for her whenever she has nightmares. In the absence of Liesel's mother, Hans becomes Liesel's main source of security.