Secondary Characters in Once
The Barber
The barber serves as a pivotal secondary character who represents both the complexity of human nature and the moral ambiguity present throughout the Holocaust.
"The barber was crying now. 'I have to,' he said. 'They'll kill me if I don't. I don't want to, but I have to.'"Note
The barber's emotional breakdown reveals the impossible choices people were forced to make during the Holocaust, showing how ordinary citizens became unwilling participants in atrocities.
Key aspects of the barber's character:
- Represents the moral struggle between survival and humanity
- Demonstrates the impact of fear and coercion
- Serves as Felix's first encounter with the complex reality of adult choices during wartime
Mother Minka
Mother Minka emerges as a protective figure who helps shelter Jewish children, embodying courage and compassion in the face of danger.
"Mother Minka puts her finger to her lips. Her eyes are kind but serious."
Her character demonstrates:
- The role of righteous gentiles during the Holocaust
- The power of individual acts of resistance
- The importance of maintaining humanity in inhumane circumstances
Pay attention to how Mother Minka's actions contrast with other adult characters, highlighting the theme of moral choice throughout the novel.
