Reading Questions:
The Diary of Anne Frank
by: Francis Goodrich & Albert Hackett
ACT I:
1. The families live by strict rules in order to prevent their discovery. Which of these rules would be
hardest for you to follow? Why?
2. What special meaning does Hanukkah have for the families? How does Anne make the celebration
particularly special?
3. Compare and contrast Peter and Anne. How do their differences account for the reaction of each to
removing the yellow star?
4. Mr. Frank tells Anne, “There are no walls, there are no bolts, no locks that anyone can put on your
mind” (I, ii, 789). Explain this statement. How does Anne prove its truth?
5. How do Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan add to everyday tension in the crowded household?
6. Like everyone in the household, Anne has constant fears about the outside world. However, she is
also frustrated by the changing feelings she has about herself. What internal struggle does she reveal
to her father?
7. How does Peter add to the suspense and put the “family” in greater danger of being discovered?
ACT II
1. Act II opens with the “family” in their second year of hiding. What situation has not changed for
Anne? What is the same for the Van Daans?
2. How do the comments of Carl, the storeroom worker, frighten everyone upstairs?
3. Why does Mrs. Frank want to turn out the Van Daans? How has the playwright prepared you for this
aspect of her character?
4. What role does the thief play in the events?
5. How does the ringing telephone build suspense in Scene 4?
6. To help Peter overcome despair, Anne explains to him how she has learned to deal with being
cooped up. What gives her strength?
7. The Nazis finally come and take all of the “family” away. How does Mr. Frank bring the long
flashback to an end in Scene 5?
8. How does the families’ behavior prove Mr. Frank’s statement: “We don’t need the Nazis to destroy
us. We’re destroying ourselves”?
9. How can Anne believe that “In spite of everything…people are really good at heart”?
The Diary of Anne Frank – Performance Character Analysis
Character(s)/Scene Performed: ____________________________________________________________
Authors create characters using the following methods of characterization:
what the characters say to other characters
what the characters reveal about their inner thoughts
what other characters say about them
what they do
As you read through the scene or scenes that you will perform, examine what will be revealed about
your character and fill in the chart below using your own words.
Scene/ significant lines with page
numbers:
What is the significance of what
your character says, does, or what
others say about your character:
What character trait
does this reveal:
*Your performance as well as your responses on this sheet will be a summative assessment, so be
thoughtful and complete in your responses.
Performance Evaluation
Standard 18.3: Develop and present characters through the use of basic acting skills, explain the
artistic choices made, and use a scoring guide with teacher-developed categories.
Scoring Guide
Possible
Points:
20
Points
Awarded:
To what extent does the performance show:
•Careful reading and rehearsal
•Lines delivered with proficiency
(Memorization is optional for extra credit)
•Understanding of character(s)
20
•Understanding of plot
10
•Understanding of language
10
10
10
10
10
100 points
•Ability to use language to portray character
•Stage directions are accurately conveyed through movements
•Careful consideration of involvement in the scene when
character is not delivering lines
•Well planned use of props and costumes
TOTAL
Describe your costume. Why did you choose it? What does this reveal about your character?
Describe any props that you use or that are used in your scene. Why do you use them? What does this
reveal about your character?
Which of the four methods of characterization do you feel is most important for understanding your
character? Why? (Support this with specific examples from the play.)
Is there anything else that you would like your audience to consider when evaluating your
performance?