During World War II, the Franks and the Van Daans were hiding in a small area of two to three rooms, with a single window, in the attic of an office building in Amsterdam. In her diary, Anne refers to it as the "secret annex." For two years, these close quarters serve as a shelter and protection for the families against the Nazi enemy. While in hiding, problems and the characters' true natures evolved, revealing their differing personalities and value systems. Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who writes a diary of her experiences during World War II, tells about the major characters in the play. The two characters that I chose to compare were Otto Frank, Anne's father and the only survivor ...view middle of the document...
After the first thief attempted to take money in the office, Otto Frank told the family that they would remain in the secret annex. He again decided to stay after the Nazi Police came up to the secret bookcase, nearly inside their hideout. Under these actions, Otto Frank was caring, kind, courageous, and helpful.In comparison to Otto Frank, Hermann Van Pels, or more commonly known as Mr. Van Daan to Anne, was much different from Otto Frank. Hermann Van Daan was the "crab" of the family. He was the selfish, self-centered one, with a greedy and inconsiderate attitude. Evidence of Hermann Van Daan's selfish attitude was all of his complaining about the food. Mr. Van Daan was constantly complaining that there wasn't enough food for the family. He also expressed himself as self-centered by using money for cigarettes, instead of the family's assets. He also acted stubborn when Mr. Dussel was going to join the family, complaining again. Another trait that made Hermann Van Daan different from Otto Frank was his greedy attitude. Earlier in the movie, Mr. Van Daan announced that Peter's cat, Mouschi, would have to go. Later, the cat was missing. In only assumption, Mr. Van Daan might have gotten rid of the cat, or done something else harmful to it. He was also caught stealing loaves of bread that belonged to the family. In relation, he was asking everyone else in the family for their food because he was so greedy. Lastly, another trait that completely distinguishes Hermann Van Daan from Otto Frank is his inconsideration. Mr. Van Daan was disgusted with Mouschi, and he threatened to get rid of Peter if the ...
