Describe what defines character according to the novel. Consider these questions as you formulate a response:

• What events in the novel portray Lev as a coward?
• How does Lev become brave?
• Why does Lev see Kolya as a brave character?
• How does the war have a different effect on cannibals, soldiers, sex workers, and people in positions of leadership?
• Does the author describe the Germans as wholly bad and the Russians as wholly good?
• What characteristics among the Russian and German soldiers may dissipate after the war?
• What role, in the author’s opinion, do circumstances play in the behavior of the characters?

Teaching Suggestion: Consider allowing students to have access to the novel and their reading questions and to take notes or create written responses to the prompt prior to discussion. Because the discussion questions cover a variety of topics over the course of the novel, students may want to begin by analyzing characters individually before analyzing groups of characters in the novel.  

Differentiation Suggestion: For students who find whole-text tasks difficult due to attentional or executive functioning challenges, it may be beneficial to narrow the topic to analyzing what defines character in Lev and Kolya. Students may find it helpful to discuss questions in small groups prior to responding.