Lise Johansen died in an accident two years before the events of “Number the Stars,” as revealed by her sister Annemarie.
In Lois Lowry’s historical novel “Number the Stars,” set during World War II, Lise Johansen is the older sister of the protagonist, Annemarie Johansen. The story unfolds in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1943, at a time when the country is occupied by Nazi Germany. Lise’s character is not present in the current timeline of the story, as she passed away prior to the start of the book.
Through Annemarie’s memories and conversations with her parents, we learn that Lise was a member of the Danish Resistance against the Nazi occupation. Two years before the main events of the novel, Lise was involved in a tragic accident. Annemarie is initially led to believe that Lise died in a car accident. However, as the story progresses, it is revealed that Lise’s death was not an accident but rather a result of her involvement with the Resistance. She was killed by the Nazis, and her family had kept the true nature of her death a secret from Annemarie to protect her.
Lise’s death has a profound impact on the Johansen family and serves as a backdrop to the courage and sacrifices made by ordinary people during the war. The memory of Lise and her commitment to fighting for freedom influences Annemarie’s own brave actions as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen Rosen escape the Nazi roundup.