It is impossible to determine the full complexity of a character based on first impressions alone. This is especially true of the character Kolya in the novel City of Thieves by David Benioff. On the surface, Kolya appears to be a fearless, comical, careless, and on the verge of being annoying womanizer. This becomes a conflict for readers who want to see a character with humanity, especially during the stressful times of World War II. However, Kolya does not disappoint; he becomes a central figure in helping Lev come of age and venture outside his borders, later becoming his best friend. As the story progresses, a different side of Kolya appears: trustworthy and caring, and very different from the original narcissistic character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Throughout the novel, Kolya's character is revealed to display sensitive behavior and care for others, even in times of war. Kolya is presented as a brazen and arrogant man who never notices how his actions scare the protagonist, Lev. His dangerous jokes seemed to worry Lev more than Kolya himself. “You killed me,” Kolya declares after drinking from a petrifying black market vendor in St. Petersburg, as if it were a game (50). Or his pranks on the guards while in prison, which were obviously followed by threats to Kolya's life, in which he showed no reaction of desperation. In fact, when the guards respond by insulting Kolya, he responds with a harsh tone, as if his image was more important than his life (26). Shy Lev would never risk his life just for a little laugh. Lev was amazed at Kolya's courage and his nonchalant actions. No two people could be more opposite; Kolya is a carefree character, while Lev overestimates every situation that is put in front of him. However, Lev soon realizes that Kolya's power and boldness are what made him valuable. The danger did not give Kolya fear, nor excitement, nor the slightest rush of adrenaline. In reality it was exactly the opposite, the danger made Kolya calm down (51). These facts distress Lev even more, having to face a life-or-death adventure with someone who was carefree in wartime. How could two people with completely different lifestyles work together? The possibility of them becoming friends would require development beyond their first introductions to each other. In order for Lev and Kolya to bond and work together, Kolya would have to grow into something more than his initial haughty character. With his reckless behavior, Kolya performs continuous acts of kindness, giving hope to the readers and to Lev. The first time Lev and Kolya meet in prison, they have their first exchange. Lev says: “It seemed like some kind of trap… But no offer of food could be refused, even on the slightest chance, so I reached out into the darkness and waited. A moment later, a sliver of something cold and greasy sat on my palm” (21). Having their first interaction with food makes it even more dramatic. At a time when people were starving due to war, Kolya feeds Lev, establishing a bond of trust and intimacy between them. This bond of trust will shape the novel as well as the relationship between Lev and Kolya. If there had been no trust between the two men, empathy would be lacking. However, that wasn't the only time Kolya showed kindness towards a stranger. After meeting a boy who was dying of hunger and cold, he “added [library candy] to the last.