Character Development:
Frau Ilsa Hermann reappears as an enigmatic, silent figure; she is positioned to take on a more significant role down the road. This is truly the first time we are introduced to Ilsa, as the last time she was seen, we only knew of someone present at the bonfire who witnessed Liesel steal her first book without being told who. For now, all we know is that she might have some trauma or issues that have caused her lack of speech and icy personality. Still, we have yet to see Frau Ilsa Hermann in the story, as what we know is only from the perspective of Rosa's remarks about the woman.

Character Development: Frau Ilsa Hermann is still a mysterious person. If anything, the first meeting between the mayor's wife and Liesel only gives readers more questions: Did she see Lisel steal? If so, why is Ilsa acting as if she didn't? Why isn't she speaking? Why does she seem so distant? Still, we know that there is definitely something going on with Frau Ilsa Hermann, who never speaks and only wears a bathrobe.

Character Development: The secret library is a significant turning point for the whole book and, of course, Ilsa. When Frau Ilsa Hermann introduces Liesel to the secret library in the mayor's house, it demonstrates a bit of character development. In the first meeting with Liesel about Rosa's laundry service, the mayor's wife was detached from society for what, we still don't know. But now, Ilsa begins to show a bit more expression by speaking and even smiling, contradictory to her previous demeanor. By introducing Liesel to the library, Frau Ilsa Hermann becomes more vulnerable around Liesel and begins to show care for someone else. This event also confirms that she witnessed Lisel stealing the book at the bonfire. Still, instead of getting angry and putting Liesel in a problematic situation, Frau Ilsa notes Liesel's passion for books. She introduces her to an immense library, possibly so they can read together in their shared interest. Liesel is one of the first people Ilsa reaches out to, with her motive being to learn a secret about the girl and wanting to assist her in her flourishing passion.

Character Development: While this quote does not say much about Frau Ilsa Hermann, it says that she "bruised herself again," meaning that she smiled again. Really, it demonstrates that the mayor's wife is beginning to warm up to Liesel and leave her detached state of mind. It also adds a bit to how we picture Ilsa—her actions are always faint. Also, since Ilsa was not talking, it leads readers to question: does Frau Hermann not speak to even her husband? If so, why is Liesel so special? Perhaps Liesel reminds Ilsa of her younger self or someone she lost before.

Character Development: Ilsa and Liesel have started having a routine and a constant relationship. Ilsa allows Liesel in whenever Lisel is free. However, we don't see a lot about character development in this passage, but more about the background of the mysterious character Frau Ilsa Hermann. The mute, damaged woman, who constantly wears only a bathrobe, stares through the window at "something missing." This implies that Frau Ilsa Hermann lost something or someone, causing her to be as detached as she is.

Character Development: Throughout the following few chapters, Ilsa and Liesel begin forming a tighter bond through Liesel’s frequent visits to the library. Ilsa, clearly opening up to Liesel, begins smiling more and even speaking. In the text, we also learn the cause of Ilsa’s detachment: she has depression because her son died in World War I. The mute, damaged woman, who constantly wears only a bathrobe, stares through the window at “something missing.” Since then, Ilsa has punished herself by enduring the cold, becoming isolated, and eliminating relationships. Of course, this raises some more questions: Why is Ilsa helping Liesel? Is it because Liesel reminds her of her son? Or does Liesel remind her of herself? Still, after this passage and event in the book, we can better understand why Ilsa does some of the things she does and where she might be coming from.

Character Development: While the process may be slow, it is evident that it is there. Compared to the beginning, when Ilsa was struggling with detachment from the loss of her son, now she is to the point of caring enough about another person (Liesel) to offer her a gift of appreciation, symbolizing the growing trust and gratitude towards her. This event demonstrates that Frau Ilsa Hermann is genuinely opening up and becoming more vulnerable with other people—moving on despite her trauma. The book also shows that she is becoming thoughtful because she takes note of Liesel's passions and subsequently supports her in her passion by giving her access to the secret library and, now, giving her books.

Character Development: Frau Hermann was Rosa's last client, thus her cancellation was disastrous for Liesel's family financially. Frau Ilsa Hermann understood this, and although the matter was out of her reach, she felt ashamed to give the letter to Liesel. If anything, this demonstrates that Ilsa does care about Lisel and that she has become more aware of the impact her actions have, an improvement from her previous distant, unaware state. However, this becomes a barrier in her relationship with Liesel because Liesel takes this personally, even though Ilsa has no control over the situation.

Character Development: Liesel now uses the words she has learned to hurt Frau Hermann in retaliation for what she perceives to be her betrayal. As Liesel rejects Ilsa's compassion even in the guise of a book, the Whistler takes on significance as an object in this scene. Ironically, Liesel notices Werner's appearance as she makes fun of Ilsa for never moving on after her son's passing. Ilsa, throughout this time, seems to become even more distant than before. She just stands there, allowing Leisel to dig into her wealth and her trauma over the passing of her son. Perhaps she even agrees with what Liesel has said because instead of standing up for herself, she silently goes back into the house. It seems as if Ilsa is back to square one. Ilsa only has two ways to go: she could go back into her shell or stay in her improved state and not allow the deteriorating relationship with Liesel to affect her in such a negative way.

Character Development: This quote does not have Frau Hermann present. However, it does say what might have been the aftermath of Liesel's explosion at the woman. It tells us that the explosion could have worked in two ways: it encouraged Frau Ilsa Hermann to do better in becoming a more functional person, or it completely discouraged her, pushing her even more in the state she was in. It leads us to wonder how Ilsa has processed Liesel's words. Also, it seems a little suspicious that the book was on the mayor's table while the library window was open as Liesel was stealing from the mayor's library—what could this possibly mean? Perhaps Ilsa is allowing Liesel to come to steal from her just because she wants her to be around and to mend their broken relationship.

Character Development: Death's suggestions always turn out to be correct. Therefore, we can easily conclude that Frau Ilsa Hermann intentionally kept her window open. Why? Clearly, she had a connection with Liesel, and Liesel had begun helping her become more present, actually living her life, and more caring. She likely kept the window open because, even though Liesel was extremely rude to her, Ilsa still cared about her. Even though it meant allowing Liesel to steal books, all Ilsa wanted to do was see her again.

Character Development: This quote demonstrates how Ilsa Hermann has not fallen apart because of Liesel's harsh words from before. She is becoming the bigger person with the wave symbolizing that she has forgiven Liesel for what she said. She still looks very delicate and ghostly, but at least we see that while she might be frail in appearance and physical state, she is still strong with her mind and morals (especially regarding forgiveness). Since Liesel waves back, we can predict that their connection and friendship are going to be healed soon, so both of them can grow from the argument (for Ilsa, to move on from her son's death and, for Lisel, not to use her words in such a hurtful way).

Character Development: It is evident that Liesel's presence at the library had brought comfort and joy to Frau Hermann, who is obviously still lonely for her deceased son. Even if it means taking a few books in the process, she wants Liesel to come back. The letter represents the healing relationship between Liesel and Ilsa and how Ilsa is beginning to open up and show sensitivity and concern. Hopefully, this letter will help Liesel forgive Frau Ilsa Hermann. Still, the letter indicates that Ilsa has grown after being around Liesel to the point where she stays in her improved state, even when Liesel is angry. While sending the letter, Ilsa also gives Liesel a dictionary, which symbolizes her appreciation.

Character Development: Frau Ilsa Hermann and Liesel finally have a conversation after Liesel is caught taking the cookies that had been waiting for her for a week. The weeks have become stale, but they were a gift Ilsa left for Liesel for when Liesel would come by to steal. In the scene, we learn that the library does not belong to the mayor but, in fact, to Ilsa herself. She shared some memories with Liesel about the library's history when she spent time with her son, revealing that this library was a personal safe space for her. In this revelation, we also learn how much Frau Ilsa Hermann had opened up to Liesel by sharing this special place with her. Besides the newfound vulnerability coming from Ilsa, we can also see the healing relationship between Frau Ilsa Hermann and Liesel, hopefully making way for more character development as Ilsa grows from her friendship with Liesel and more wholesome, happy moments.

Character Development: We see so much character development for Frau Ilsa Hermann in this quote. In the second part of the quote, we see Frau Ilsa Hermann’s response to Liesel’s letter when she finally leaves the house, wearing a beautiful dress instead of her bathrobe. In that, the dress represents Ilsa’s character development, bursting out of her cold, distant, and dull bathrobe into bright, colorful, and expressive clothing. We see Frau Ilsa Hermann give a gift to Liesel again, symbolizing her gratefulness for the girl. In the beginning, Frau Ilsa Hermann could not even speak, and now she is cracking jokes and speaking freely, expressing her long-lost illuminated personality. It was a long and challenging journey, but Ilsa has been changed for the better—learning that trauma should not dictate her life and she should not punish herself over what she could not control. 

Character Development: The writing book that Ilsa gave to Liesel (which Liesel titled “The Book Thief”) will save Liesel’s life in two different ways. She will remain in the basement during the bombing literally, but symbolically, it gives her a way to express herself through the method she loves most, and it gives her a cause to live and a strategy to deal with her pain and help others as well as herself. While Frau Ilsa Hermann used to be inspired by Liesel mostly, now Ilsa is encouraging and supporting others. This is the last we will really see of Frau Ilsa Hermann, and it has been a long and challenging journey, but she has been changed for the better—learning that trauma should not dictate your life and you should not punish yourself over what you cannot control.

Character Development: Liesel's refusal to take a bath and subsequent entry into the river indicates that she, like many other characters, feels a duty to those who have passed away. She will honor and remember her loved ones who have passed away, but she must heed Ilsa's counsel and "not punish herself." A final soothing buddy and the personification of her own library, Ilsa reappears. The story sets Ilsa up as the person who will help Liesel through her most challenging time, just as Liesel had for her, returning the favor.

Character Development: Not much character development has been shared. All we know is that Ilsa Hermann's face resembles a wound (likely hinting that she has trauma), that she has fluffy hair, and that she had witnessed Liesel steal the book from the bonfire. This leads us to ask more questions: just who is Frau Ilsa Hermann? And what will she do with the information about Liesel's stealing?