Characters

Asher Lev

Protagonist Amazing artist with no self-control at a young age Inadvertently becomes a rebel against Hasidism

because drawing is considered a frivolity His main conflict: wanting to express his mother’s

torment in an interpretation of the crucifixion

Rivkeh Lev

Asher’s mother “My mother wavered apprehensively

between my father’s pain and my dazed joy and seemed not to know what to say.”

“It hurts me to be caught between my husband and my son.”

Jacob Kahn

Asher’s mentor Great/well-known painter and sculptor Not a religious Jew Warns Asher of the hardships of being a

great artist, and that he will not be liked

Aryeh Lev

Asher’s father Works for Rebbe, very religious Loves to travel and very good at what he

does Disappointed in Asher, regards him as an

evil son Thinks Asher’s love for drawing is “a

foolish waste of precious time.”

Other Important Characters

Yudel Krinksy Rebbe Asher’s Mythic Ancestor Uncle Yitzchok Anna Schaeffer