The captain of the St. Louis. In contrast with Otto Schiendick, Captain Schroeder recognizes the humanity of the Jewish passengers on board his ship and understands his responsibility to shepherd them to safety. When the St. Louis is turned away by the Cuban and United States governments, Schroeder works as hard as he can to make sure that the passengers are not taken back to Germany, which would likely result in their deaths. Even when Josef, Pozner, and other passengers try to take the ship hostage, Schroeder empathizes with their desperation and assures them that he will land in other places in Europe—ultimately making good on his promise.