The Warsaw Orphan

Emilia serves as one of the novel’s two protagonists and undergoes the most profound character development in the novel. Initially introduced as a restless 13-year-old living under the false identity of Elżbieta Rabinek, she transforms from a naive girl seeking adventure into a mature young woman who chooses healing over vengeance. Emilia is a dynamic, round character whose artistic talent becomes both her defining trait and her primary means of processing trauma.

Emilia’s courage evolves throughout the narrative from youthful recklessness to mature moral conviction. Early in the novel, her bravery appears in her determination to help Sara with rescue operations. When confronted with Jewish children in Sara’s apartment, Emilia is initially bewildered and terrified, but she quickly leaps into action, helping Sara clean up the mess left by the children’s journey through the sewers. This initial courage stems from idealism and a desire to honor her family’s legacy of helping others. After experiencing rape during the Soviet “liberation” of Warsaw, Emilia temporarily loses her courage. However, as she heals emotionally from this trauma, her courage transforms into the strength required for emotional survival and the wisdom to choose peace over continued conflict.