Who Is Rudy In The Book Thief

Rudy Steiner - The Boy Who Fell in Love with the Book Thief In the novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Rudy Steiner plays the role of Liesel’s best friend, confidant, and “lover”. Throughout the story, he sticks by Liesel’s side, serving as her right-hand man, shown through acts of sheer determination and courageousness. Rudy is a detailed character, with many attributes making up the dauntless boy he is. Throughout the entire book Thief, Rudy displays a multitude of traits revealed through his actions towards his friends, family, and foes. He displays traits of dauntlessness, admiration, and devotedness. He overcomes obstacles and hardships within his daily life with careful consideration in his efforts to survive during the Nazi Party’s reign.

Proof of this lies throughout the book, illustrated through his actions towards others. One particular example of this is when Rudy devises a plan to sneak some bread to the captured Jewish people during a death march. The obvious consequences of his bravery, or stupidity, failing to phase him. “‘I’m not sure this is a good idea.’ He slapped some bread onto her palm. ‘Your Papa Did.’ How could she argue? It was worth a whip,” (Zusak 440). Rudy’s actions prove that he agrees with what Hans did by helping a Jewish person during the first march, showcasing not only his courage, but his kind heart. Rudy knows the difference between right and wrong, and helps those who are in