Leon Character Analysis in The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Leon is the assistant tattooist, working alongside Lale to ink identification numbers onto the forearms of incoming prisoners. A quiet and sensitive man, Leon is eventually taken away by Josef Mengele, who castrates him. Upon returning to his work, Leon is demoralized and frightened, and Lale does whatever he can to help his friend recover. Shortly before the camps are liberated, Baretski informs Lale that Leon is “gone,” and Lale receives no further information about the matter.

Leon Character Timeline in The Tattooist of Auschwitz

The timeline below shows where the character Leon appears in The Tattooist of Auschwitz. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...line and he declares that prisoner individual will be Lale’s helper. This prisoner’s name is Leon, and Lale instructs him in a strong voice reminiscent of Pepan’s that he should watch... (full context)

Unity, Sacrifice, and Empathy Theme Icon

...has apparently been informed that he’s no longer in charge of Lale. Inside, Lale finds Leon and he tells him to come outside. Once out of the kapo’s earshot, he gives... (full context)

Lale becomes accustomed to his daily routine. On particularly busy days, Baretski beats Leon and he verbally abuses him. Though Lale wants to help his assistant, he learns that... (full context)

Lale and Leon walk back to Birkenau. The next morning, Lale fetches Leon on time, and together they... (full context)

Knowledge, Uncertainty, and Power Theme Icon

After meeting Victor and Yuri, Lale goes with Baretski and Leon to work at Auschwitz, but his mind remains on Gita as he tattoos the incoming... (full context)

Lale and Leon work particularly long hours in the coming weeks, since there are so many new arrivals.... (full context)

Lale and Leon report to work one day to discover that they’ll be tattooing a group of people... (full context)

The following day, Lale and Leon are tattooing women again when Lale notices Mengele inspecting the prisoners and shoving them either... (full context)

At work the next day, Lale is shocked to find that Leon has returned. In a soft voice, Leon greets Lale and Lale offers to give Leon... (full context)

...up with him. Hearing this, Lale expresses his sympathy. He then focuses on reuniting with Leon, who is astonished and overjoyed to see him back at work. (full context)

The next day, Lale and Leon are tattooing prisoners when Mengele appears and he begins examining the new arrivals. Eventually, he... (full context)

...of the camps each day. In keeping with this, Baretski tells Lale one morning that Leon is “gone,” and when Lale asks what has happened, Baretski gives no extra information, simply... (full context)

When Baretski tells Lale about Leon’s disappearance, it’s clear he doesn’t care what happened to the man. Angry, Lale says, “You... (full context)