Gretel and her brother Hansel are the novel’s dual protagonists. Both children go by assumed names to hide their Judaism, and the author never reveals their real names to readers. When the story begins, Gretel is a smart 11-year old girl whose blond hair, blue eyes, and delicate features make it relatively easy for her Judaism to go undetected. Despite the harsh circumstances of her life in hiding, she finds pleasure in the natural world. She loves animals and the forest in winter. Gretel is also serious and wary. She is protective of her younger brother and often makes decisions for the two of them.

Gretel’s character trajectory fundamentally alters when two men rape her in the forest. As a result of the trauma, she temporarily loses many of her memories and often confuses the past and the present. Instead of protecting and advising Hansel, Gretel is easily frightened and suddenly requires Hansel’s protection. Gretel’s great loss also allows her to experience moments of uncomplicated joy. When she imagines her grandfather bringing her oranges or listens to a beautiful song, Gretel lights up with childlike pleasure. Her memory loss is central to the novel’s plot and to its most resonant theme.