At the beginning of the Devil's Arithmetic, Ester is described as a typical American teenager who is more interested in her friends and going to parties than in her Jewish heritage. She is also portrayed as being somewhat selfish and ungrateful for the life she has. However, by the end of the novel, Ester has undergone a transformation. She has gained a greater appreciation for her heritage and a newfound respect for the struggles of her ancestors. She is also more compassionate and understanding of the suffering of others.
