Hans and Karin

While both characters are admirable in their heroic efforts to achieve freedom, Hans means are more acceptable to the readers than are Karin's

Hans's character appears more likeable than that of Karin's given the bravery of Hans. In his story the process of plotting out his plan was emphasized and the great risks he would be taking to free Margit and her mother were constantly repeated. At the climax when Hans fled across the border the readers were left holding their breath. In Karin's story, though her determination was evident, her story had less suspense leading to a climax given the fact that it was structured based on a series of attempts. As well, her plan seemed a little less creative in comparison to Hans's careful planning. Although her story involved danger and determination it lacked the life and death elements that were emphasized in Hans's story. The epic-nature of Hans's story led the readers to admire his courage more than Karin's.

Hans's integrity of unselfishness in comparison to Karin's exploitation of others for her advancements allows the reader to admire him more than Karin. While Hans thought not only of his fiancée, Margit, but also of her beloved mother, Karin's plan was based on seduction and betrayal of Manfred. The story emphasized Manfred's innocence and his remorse over losing Karin and therefore the reader tends to feel sorry for his character as well. No secondary character was endangered from Hans's plan and his goal was based on ideal of freedom not based on a political side. In Hans's story, the author did not introduce any particular character to the reader who was offended or injured by his actions and therefore his actions remain admirably unselfish and pure.

Thus the reader admires and favors Hans's thoughtfulness and unselfishness as opposed to Karin's exploitation and betrayal in a mission to achieve their freedom. In comparing her story to that of Hans we understand that "the ends (do not) justify the means".