Miep Gies is a truly remarkable figure, especially as portrayed in the anime adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank, a story based on real events during one of history’s darkest periods. Miep Gies played a vital role behind the scenes, supporting Anne Frank and her family while they hid from persecution during World War II. As a Dutch citizen who originally came from Austria—moving to the Netherlands at just eleven years old—Miep Gies grew up with strong values that would later define her heroic actions. She worked as a secretary for Otto Frank, Anne’s father, and when the time came, she stepped up without hesitation to help shelter not only the Frank family but also four other Jewish people in a concealed annex in Amsterdam.
For over two years, Miep Gies risked everything. Every day, she brought food, clothing, news from the outside world, and much-needed emotional comfort to those in hiding. Her courage wasn’t loud or flashy—it was quiet, consistent, and deeply compassionate. Miep Gies didn’t seek recognition; she simply believed in doing what was right. Even after the group was tragically betrayed and arrested, Miep Gies preserved Anne’s diary, eventually handing it over to Otto Frank, the sole survivor of the family. That act alone ensured that Anne’s voice would live on, touching millions around the world.
It’s worth noting that Miep Gies’ husband, Jan Gies, also played a key role in the resistance efforts, making their partnership not just personal but profoundly moral. Together, they stood firm against injustice. After the war, Miep Gies remained active in promoting peace and human dignity, working with the Anne Frank Foundation and speaking out against racism, fascism, and war throughout her life. Her legacy, shaped by humility and strength, continues to inspire.
In the anime version of Diary of Anne Frank (Anne no Nikki), Miep Gies is depicted with great empathy—as a warm, caring woman whose quiet determination shines through adversity. The series highlights her daily acts of bravery: slipping through occupied Amsterdam with supplies, shielding the occupants from suspicion, and offering hope in small but meaningful ways. Even though she lived under constant threat, Miep Gies never wavered in her commitment. This portrayal makes her not just a supporting character, but a moral anchor in the narrative.
When we look at Miep Gies’ personality more closely, certain patterns emerge. Based on her behavior and choices, she may very well fit the ISFJ personality type—Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging. Miep Gies exemplifies this through her practical mindset, deep sense of duty, and preference for serving others quietly rather than seeking attention. She focused on tangible needs—food, safety, emotional support—rather than abstract ideals. Her loyalty to the Frank family wasn’t performative; it was rooted in genuine care and responsibility. And even though she was introverted, her impact was enormous. Miep Gies led not with words, but with action.
Similarly, from an Enneagram perspective, Miep Gies strongly resonates with Type 6: The Loyalist. This type is defined by reliability, vigilance, and a deep need for security—not just for themselves, but for those they care about. Miep Gies constantly assessed risks, sought trusted allies, and prepared carefully, all signs of a mind attuned to safety and stability. Yet her caution never paralyzed her. On the contrary, her loyalty gave her courage. She stayed committed to the Franks even when it endangered her own life, showing how a Type 6 can transform fear into steadfast action.
Ultimately, whether viewed through psychological frameworks or simply through the lens of human decency, Miep Gies stands out as someone who chose kindness in the face of terror. Her story reminds us that heroes don’t always wear capes—sometimes, they’re ordinary people like Miep Gies, doing extraordinary things because it’s the right thing to do. And while we can’t know every detail of her inner world, the evidence points to a woman of integrity, resilience, and profound compassion—qualities embodied in the enduring name: Miep Gies.
I am not a hero. I stand at the end of the long, long line of good Dutch people who did what I did and more - much more - during those dark and terrible times years ago, but always like yesterday in the heart of those who bear witness.