Who is Rachel Jansen from Black Cross and what is their importance? Black_Cross_(novel) English & Literature Rachel Jansen | Black Cross

Rachel Jansen is widowed while a prisoner in the Totenhausen Camp. Her father-in-law tried to buy the life of his son with a pocket of diamonds, but his actions made her life in prison far worse. Rachel is befriended by the Shoemaker, who witnessed her husband's death and gave her two of the diamonds that were used in a bid for his life. Rachel is later noticed by one of the officers of the camp, who is smitten by her beauty. As a result, Rachel becomes the Schorner's secret lover, something that enables her to protect her children within the camp.

Rachel also becomes friends the leader of the women's barrack, Frau Hagan. She protects Rachel, advises her, and later dies for her. After Hagan's death, Rachel becomes the new leader of the Jewish women's barrack, the position holds when Jonas Stern arrives at the camp.