Rudi has command of multiple languages, including German and Russian. He builds good relationships with the Germans so he can trade in small items like cigarettes. He manages to get the pencils Alice asks for by promising the sergeant he will bring him American tobacco. Rudi works the black market with great skill. Later, as he heads to the electrified fence to bring Alice the pencils, he wonders why the family camp is allowed to exist. He is suspicious of Hirsch and thinks the man is keeping something up his sleeves. He thinks, “But then, isn’t everyone?” (104).

At the fence, he and Alice both know that one touch of the chain links will kill you. When the guard isn’t watching, Rudi hands Alice the pencils, sending them carefully through the wires. They chat for a while. Rudi has fallen in love, and he is joyous when he sees Alice’s happy expression after he asks her to meet him at the fence again the next day. 

Dita notices a very serious teacher. The gossip circulates that he is a communist. It is clear he is very educated, and he speaks English which impresses Dita. He is the first person Dita meets who challenges her when it comes to literature.