The main characters in the story are Bruno, Shmuel and Bruno's father. Bruno is a nine year old son of a Nazi commandant, given what his dad does for a living Bruno is nothing like him. On the contrary, Bruno is very kind and respectful, this can seen by how he treats his servants and Shmuel. He wants to be an explorer when he grows up and is very curious about the world. Shmuel is a nine year old Jewish boy who is sent to Out-With with his father. His bravery can be seen by how he deals with his current life. Although he doesn't know what his outcome is going to be at the end of his journey at Out-With he makes to plans for the future with Bruno. Bruno's fathers is an emotionless, ruthless commandant that only cares about his work and his position as a commandant.