Mr. and Mrs. Van Daam are constantly in conflict. Mr. Van Daam is highly opinionated and is easily driven into an argument with the members of the group over any topic. He cannot keep his opinions to himself. Mrs. Van Daam argues with her husband most of the time and Anne views her as someone who instigates fights and arguments. She is petty and really feels as if she should have special privileges that others are not allowed to have in the group of the Secret Annex. All in the group are obviously under pressure, but the Van Daams do nothing to relieve the intense emotional pressure of the situation.