The Pianist - Characters & Cast

Szpilman's primary motivation is to survive. He is driven by the basic human instinct to live, enduring unimaginable hardships to see the end of the war. His love for music also provides him with a reason to persevere, as he dreams of one day playing the piano again.

Władysław Szpilman begins the film as a celebrated and somewhat detached artist. The war strips him of his family, his profession, and his dignity, reducing him to a state of primal survival. His journey is one of endurance rather than active resistance. He transforms from a cultured musician to a gaunt figure clinging to life. By the end of the film, having survived through immense suffering, he is able to reclaim his identity as a pianist, but is forever changed by his experiences.

Moved by Szpilman's beautiful piano playing and recognizing his humanity, Hosenfeld is motivated by a sense of moral duty and compassion to help him. He seems to be disillusioned with the war and the atrocities being committed.

Captain Hosenfeld is initially presented as a typical German officer of the occupying force. However, his encounter with Szpilman reveals a compassionate and humane side that defies the stereotype of the cruel Nazi. His decision to help Szpilman is an act of redemption and a demonstration that individual morality can exist even within a monstrous regime.

His main motivation is the safety and well-being of his family. He tries to navigate the increasingly restrictive and dangerous environment to keep his loved ones together and alive.

The father represents the older generation's struggle to comprehend and adapt to the escalating persecution. Initially, he maintains a sense of order and dignity, but as the situation worsens, his authority and ability to protect his family are eroded, leading to his tragic fate.