At the Hubermanns' Liesel is confused about her situation, feeling abandoned by her mother and not understanding the meaning of Communist, as it has pertained to her family's life. Rosa swears constantly and insults everyone. Hans, however, soothes Liesel by teaching her to roll cigarettes. A World War I veteran, Hans is a painter who loves to smoke and play the accordion. Rosa, a short, square-looking woman and terrible cook, earns money by doing laundry for wealthier families. She has a gruff exterior but does love her husband and Liesel, requesting that her foster daughter call her Mama.