External/Internal conflict
- An internal conflict in this book is with the main character, Liesel Meminger. After moving in with her foster parents, she is haunted by the memory of her brother. When she goes to the mayor's house after Rosa, her foster mother, is fired, she screams at Ilsa Hermann. Her brother shows up and tells her to stop. Liesel sees him as her conscience. Liesel pushes him down and tries to block him out of her head. Every time she is in a situation similar to this, he is there. He looks disappointed and sad until later in the book when Liesel takes cookies from the mayor's house. When she decides to take the plate back to Ilsa, Liesel's brother forgives her for what she had done before. Liesel is finally happy with herself now that she had forgiveness from Ilsa Hermann and her brother.
External conflict occurs in many instances throughout the novel. For one, an important conflict occurs between the Steiners, the Hubermanns and the Holtzapfels and Hitler, from his well received gift of war to thousands and inevitable death given quite graciously without a second thought. There are many minors conflicts also sprinkled throughout the novel and though small, add to the upturning and development of Death's telling of Liesel's inspiring story. Rudy's and Tommy's troubles with Franz Duetscher contribute to the vast amount of conflicts in the novel, from Duetscher's feces covering punishments to his senseless beatings. Liesel and Rudy also face amounts of confrontation with Viktor Chemmel, Arthur Berg's brash and controlling successor to leading the neighbor band of thieves, due to their instinct to steal. Ilsa Hermann and Liesel also hold a considerably great argument as well, yet it is shortly lived as it simmers and soon they develop an acquaintance that returns to the former friendship they share. An important external conflict also occurs twice through the last half of Liesel Meminger's inspiring story, between Hans Hubermann and Liesel out of the extraordinary power of kindness and love that forces their will, and the Nazi soldiers guiding the Jewish prisoners slowly to their desolate fate.