Vladek

The young Vladek in the book, Maus, is quite different from the older Vladek in the book. The young Vladek has a lot of witt and always seems to have everything under control. Vladek uses his intelligence and charm to get his way in life. Although he isn't very modest, ("I was, at that time, young, and really a nice, handsome boy... People always told me I looked just like Rudolph Valentino.") Vladek could charm and convince anyone in his path. Not only did he have a beautiful girl fall head over heels for him, but he also had an extremely rich and intelligent girl who also liked him. Because of Vladek's kindness and wit, he was able to survive the war as a young boy.

Present day Vladek is very different to the Vladek that lived during the time of the war. We can guess that his compulsive and violent spurts of anger come from his experiences. Before the war he was relaxed and very relying on his money, now he is more conservative and cautious. He comes off as self-centred sometimes but he cares for most people, including Art. Vladek seems to be stuck in his ways a little in the way he tries to be respectful and proper, doesn't treat women with much respect and the way he acts around his children.