Paul's Mother A long-suffering, self-sacrificing woman with recurrent cancer, Paul's mother scrimps to provide him with potato-cakes, whortleberry jam, and warm woolen underpants. During his last night at home on his first furlough, she sits late by his bedside to express her concern for his welfare. Later, she receives treatment at a charity ward in Luisa Hospital.
Paul's Sister Scarcely described in the text, Paul's sister greets him at the door when he returns on leave and helps him tie his tie when he dresses in civilian clothes. Together, Paul and his sister wait in line for meat scraps, but come home empty-handed.
Paul's Father Sharing a strained relationship with his son, Paul's father accompanies his son to the local tavern and later visits him at the camp on the moors before Paul returns to the front.
Three French Girls Occupants of a house across the canal from Paul's billet, the girls, unable to buy food, welcome soldiers who pay their way with army rations. The brunette, Paul's pick of the three, proves more interested in food than in the men who supply it.
Kaiser The authority figure who leads Germany during the Great War and whom Paul's friends perceive as the cause of the war.
