The mother

A good wife

Bruno and Gretel's mother is an important character in the novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne. She is "a tall woman with long red hair" (Chapter 1, 0%), whose name is not revealed. She does not work but takes care of the children’s upbringing and the organization of the household. 

The mother is very concerned about her children's education. For example, she teaches them good manners that are universal in society. Since the family belongs to the upper class , they have also employed servants in the house. However, Bruno's mother wants the children to treat the staff “respectfully" (Chapter 1, 0%). 

The mother is Bruno’s main caregiver. She expresses her love for the children through hugs and kisses. However, she is clearly more concerned with Bruno than with his sister Gretel. On the one hand, this is because Bruno is a few years younger than his sister and needs more attention. On the other hand, it is because Bruno "was her favourite really" (Chapter 1, 40%)

The relationship with her husband, on the other hand, is rather strained. She does not call him by his name or use a term of endearment, but always refers to him only as "some people" (Chapter 1, 80%). Bruno's mother often argues with Bruno's father, mainly because of his work. When the...