Kizzy is not a typical character; her personal experiences and self determination going through a war keep her confidence going. She is a victim, and her personality changes because of the world around her. After examining Kizzy’s different personalities, it is clear that she needed to change from a child, at only the age of thirteen, to an adult. This change was caused due the constant hardships, having to face the war around her, and her family being forced to split up.

Kizzy’s intelligence led to seeking adventure. When she tried to escape the Nazi’s, she states, “I’ve gotta get out.” (pg 264) Kizzy has a drive for excitement,and she is fearless when standing up for herself. She was brave when she stood up for herself to tell the Nazi’s she’s not a Jew at Auschwitz. She is compassionate even when times get hard. When danger grew near, she still cared about Ari and put herself in danger to protect others, and did not leave anyone behind. Kizzy also expresses her love of family. She is always putting her cousins, Marko and Tsura before her and is grateful for Professor Duerr and treats her like family. When the war takes over her town she is forced to constantly face discrimination. She is forced to grow up, changing her perspective on life.

According to one point of view, Kizzy’s character was formed from many events including;losing a brother to Marzahn, having her mom sent away, and living with Professor Duerr. But from a different perspective, Kizzy’s perseverance through uncompromising times affected herself. She shaped her own personality by being a proud Roma in her soul and staying true to herself. Affected by the influence of death, strength and persistence revealed. Having no parents, and no family she compromises with what she has. Kizzy cares about everyone, no matter their past or situation. Kizzy sacrifices herself for the people she loves and cares about. “I could get myself out right now...But she felt compelled to help the others first.” (266) Although she had to stand up for herself because she had no one to fight for her, she still helped the others around her risking her own safety. She also felt obliged to give to others for the things they did for her. Kizzy’s family is a target of war. Forced to split up, Kizzy  does not experience having a family from a young age. She had to change her lifestyle from before and have a completely different way of living. The war took away her past, childhood and free life. Her life is no longer hers, her life is the war.

At the beginning of the novel, before the war, Kizzy's personality is more egocentric and selfish, she has a tight-knit family and is not going through many problems. At the middle, Kizzy starts to develop a sense of independence and self-reliance. Towards the end, she starts to be more self-sufficient and realizes what it means to be an adult. Kizzy has a sense of saveyness, and street smarts. She is not afraid to voice her opinions and have opposing ideas. Kizzy’s personality slowly unfolds throughout the book, and she becomes an upstander and learns what it means to be strong and independent throughout the story. Kizzy’s true personality comes out throughout the book when she is put in a tough situation of being a child victim of the war. “Kizzy was the only child among them. She expected to recognize a face or two, but all Kizzy could see where yellow stars.”(136) This highlights Kizzy’s strength to persevere. Being a kid during the war, Kizzy never loses her hope. She stays strong until the end, and develops relationships with others. These people in Kizzy’s life all help her to see other perspectives and teach her new lessons.

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