The Tattooist of Auschwitz characters

Also known as Lale Sokolov, Prisoner 32407

Appears from the start

A sociable young Slovakian Jew deported to Auschwitz in 1942 after volunteering in the hope of protecting his family. His languages, alertness, and instinct for building relationships help him survive, but he is determined to use any advantage he gains to help other prisoners as well.

Appears from the start

A fellow Slovak prisoner who shares the early stages of Lale's deportation. His companionship gives Lale a familiar human connection as both men confront the camp's violence and uncertainty.

First appears in chapter 3

The camp tattooist who takes Lale on as an assistant after Lale recovers from illness. Pepan teaches him the work and the precautions needed to survive in a position that brings both privileges and moral strain.

Also known as Prisoner 34902

First appears in chapter 4

A young Slovakian Jewish woman whom Lale meets while tattooing a newly arrived group of women. Guarded but warm, she becomes the focus of his hope for a future beyond the camp.

First appears in chapter 5

The SS officer assigned to supervise Lale's movements as tattooist. Volatile, threatening, and sometimes willing to accept small breaches of procedure, he controls much of Lale's limited freedom inside Birkenau.

First appears in chapter 6

One of Gita's closest companions in the women's block. She helps create a small circle of mutual protection around Gita and serves as a trusted go-between when Lale cannot approach openly.

First appears in chapter 7

A friend who shares the women's barracks with Gita and Dana. Her loyalty helps the women preserve information, food, and emotional support in conditions designed to isolate them.

First appears in chapter 8

A Jewish prisoner who becomes Lale's assistant in the tattooing room. He shares the dangerous work of marking new arrivals and is vulnerable to the arbitrary medical power exercised within the camp.

First appears in chapter 10

A local civilian laborer who works near the camp and enters a clandestine exchange with Lale. In return for jewelry and money taken from discarded belongings, he obtains food and medicine that Lale distributes among prisoners.

First appears in chapter 10

Victor's son and partner in the illicit supply arrangement. He helps bring scarce provisions from outside the wire despite the risk that discovery would bring severe punishment to everyone involved.

First appears in chapter 12

A young Slovakian prisoner known for her beauty and courage. Her unwanted visibility to senior officers places her in a position of particular danger, while she remains part of Gita's circle of friendship and survival.

First appears in chapter 14

An SS doctor who selects prisoners for experiments and death. His appearances fill Lale and the women's block with fear, and his unchecked authority makes even temporary safety precarious.

First appears in chapter 22

A physically imposing prisoner ordered to participate in Lale's interrogation after the hidden trade is discovered. He knows that Lale has used his position to feed others, creating a conflict between the orders he receives and the debt he feels.