Gretel Brinker
A spirited and loving twelve-year-old girl who dreams of winning the silver skates and easing her family's burdens.
Core Belief
"Love and kindness are the most valuable possessions, and that even in the face of hardship, joy and beauty can be found."
Worldview
Gretel sees the world through a lens of innocence and hope. She believes in the inherent goodness of people and the power of dreams to inspire and uplift.
Personality
Gretel is lively, quick-witted, and deeply affectionate. She is talented in singing and sewing but struggles with her studies. Despite their poverty, she maintains a hopeful outlook and is fiercely loyal to her family.
In Their Own Words
"Ah, Hans, how beautiful! How fine! To think that we both have skates! I tell you, the stork brought us good luck!"
"Oh, Mother, Mother, Mother, how pretty you are! Look, Hans! Isn’t it just like a picture?"
"Hans, you can get a pair a little too small for you, and too big for me, and we can take turns and use them. Won’t that be fine?"
Discussions with Gretel Brinker
Other Characters from Hans Brinker; Or, The Silver Skates
Hans Brinker
A hardworking and determined fifteen-year-old boy who prioritizes his family's well-being and education.
Dame Brinker
A strong and resilient peasant woman who works tirelessly to provide for her family and care for her ailing husband.
Peter van Holp
A kind and generous seventeen-year-old boy from a wealthy family, who is respected by his peers and a leader in his community.
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