The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas – Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Bruno makes a discovery
Being the first chapter, this introduces most of the main characters and introduces the complication (Bruno's family moving because his father got a new job). Bruno comes home one day to find that his things are being packed to move. He argues with his mother about it, and hears her arguing with his father. This chapter hints at when it is set with things like "we have to turn all the lights off at night now".
Chapter 2: The New House
Bruno arrives at the new house and is thoroughly disappointed by its size and remoteness. He argues with Mother some more. Lieutenant Kotler is introduced, but not named.
Chapter 3: The Hopeless Case
Bruno's relationship with Gretel is described in this chapter via an argument in his room. Bruno first sees the Striped Pyjama People in this chapter, although they aren't described properly until later on.
Chapter 4: What They Saw Through The Window:
Bruno and Gretel try to work out where they are, and who the Striped Pyjama People are. Gretel is disgusted by their appearance, but Bruno is intrigued.
'I'm going back to my room to arrange my dolls. The view is decidedly nicer from there'
-Gretel, page 38
Chapter 5: Out Of Bounds At All Times With No Exceptions
This chapter starts with Bruno recounting the departure from Berlin. Bruno, who hasn't seen his Father since arriving at 'Out-With,' decides to ask him why he took the family to such a horrible place. Unsurprisingly, Father is angered by the questioning.
Chapter 6: The Overpaid Maid
In this chapter, Bruno complains about living at 'Out-With' to Maria, and is surprised to learn that she is a Real Person. He talks to her about her life before coming to work for his family. The chapter concludes with Bruno angrily tellingGretel to respect