The purpose of this book was to explain about what the Holocaust did, not just to the Jews, but to humanity as well. People all over the world were devastated by this terrible act, and there are still people today who haven't overcame its effects. Night opens the readers mind to the violence of the Holocaust and concentration camps. It gave a general idea of the kind of life Jews led during the war. The story is told by a survivor of the Jewish concentration camps, the author, Elie Wiesel. His book shows the development of his life before, during, and after the war. Elie explains the reaction of the townspeople when they first heard of Hitler and the German troops and the life before the ghettos and concentration camps. He also describes the cruelties the Jews experienced at Auschwitz during this time such as starvation, poor living conditions, harsh labor, abuse, and executions. Another important aspect expressed in Night was the importance of faith. Elie's faith in God is destroyed by the cruelty and evil he witnesses during the Holocaust. He can't imagine that the concentration camps cruelty could possibly be a sign of religion. He wonders how God could be part of such unkindness. His faith is also lost by the selfishness he sees among the prisoners. .
The main character in this book is difficult to determine because the book does not portray an experience of a character in the book, but rather the author himself; Elie Wiesle. Elie is retelling his experiences during the Holocaust, and the struggles Jews endured. Aside from Elie, his father, is the only other main character in the book. .
From the beginning of the book, Elie was separated from his family. His mother and sister were shipped to another camp, and it wasn't until arriving in Auschwitz that Elie was reunited with his father. They were so thankful to have found one another, and developed a very close relationship; depending on one another for support.