I Must Betray You

Cristian’s grandfather plays a vital role in the novel’s plot. The Securitate offers lifesaving medication for Bunu’s leukemia in exchange for Cristian’s becoming an informer. Cristian cannot imagine such a strong-willed and confident person being weakened by disease. He is a mentor to Cristian, described by him as “a light, full of wisdom and philosophy” (12). Bunu encourages Cristian to pursue philosophy and poetry—pursuits that are dangerous, putting them both at risk of being labeled political agitators. Cristian frequently quotes Bunu, presenting him as a source of knowledge, not only because he is the family patriarch, but also because he has read widely in classical Western texts that the regime forbids. Bunu is bold and unafraid of the repercussions of speaking out against the regime. While the other family members speak in whispers, worried about listening devices, Bunu defiantly refuses. Instead, the jokes he makes about the Romanian government make his opposition unmistakable. He refuses to comply, and this rebellion causes Cristian to admire him and strive to be like him and win his approval. Indeed, Bunu is who Cristian worries most about betraying by becoming an informer.

Although Bunu realizes the danger he faces by telling jokes aloud, these jokes bring levity to the story, briefly relieving Cristian of his burdens. In this way, Bunu is warm and jovial. He is also committed to resisting communism. He frequently emphasizes to Cristian that it is important to stand up for one’s convictions and to fight for freedom and justice. Because of the novel’s point of view, the reader never learns if Bunu knows of Cristian’s informing, but he does somehow know of Cici’s.

Cristian is stunned to learn how extensively Bunu was targeted by the government. He has difficulty comprehending that an elderly man could pose a threat. His independent thinking and endorsement of philosophy and poetry make Bunu a danger to the regime. His death solidifies Cristian’s resolve to resist oppression. Bunu’s strength and commitment inspire Cristian, and Cristian respects Bunu’s adherence to his convictions no matter the cost. He becomes a martyr, in a sense, propelling Cristian to act so that the risks Bunu took were not in vain.

Liliana is Cristian’s classmate and romantic interest. He describes her as “quiet, smart, [and] a mystery beneath brown bangs with a clever sense of humor” (17) and notes the way she often keeps to herself while other students gather in large groups. Cristian is relaxed and happy in her presence and quickly finds relief from the guilt that plagues him by spending time with Liliana and by thinking of the things that he associates with her (such as her purple scarf and long brown hair). She shares Cristian’s curiosity about American culture and life beyond Romania and is warm, generous, and dedicated to her family. This dedication is evident when Liliana suddenly ends the friendship with Cristian, certain that he has informed on her family and cost her father his job. She remains steadfast in her unwillingness to reconsider this decision throughout much of the novel. Only when she and Cristian are arrested during the uprising is she reassured of his dedication to both her and the revolution. Were it not for Cristian’s commitment to see that she is safely released from the detention center, it is uncertain what her fate may have been. Ultimately, the novel promises a bright future for Liliana.

Readers are introduced to Luca in the opening chapter. Cristian notes the contrast between the two, explaining that while teachers find him to be “sarcastic” they find Luca to be “sweet” (1-2). He is described as a peacemaker. The camaraderie between the two boys is immediately apparent as they joke at school. Cristian stresses Luca’s kindness and intelligence, noting that he hopes to become a doctor. The novel’s portrayal of Luca shifts, however, when Cristian suspects he informed the Securitate about the American dollar Cristian possessed. His suspicions are supported by Cici who is skeptical of his eagerness. Cristian remains guarded around Luca throughout much of the novel, distancing himself from him and unwilling to engage at school as he once did. He further worries that Luca may inform on Liliana and is angered and frustrated whenever he sees them together. In this way, Luca’s role in the novel underscores the idea that no one—even one’s apparent best friend—is to be trusted.

Cristian’s view of Luca changes, however, after Luca voices his support for the protests. This proves a significant turning point in their relationship as Cristian realizes that Luca can be trusted. Their friendship is renewed as the two join forces to seek out opportunities for resistance in Bucharest. Indeed, Luca proves to be just as committed to change as Cristian, never backing down when the Bucharest rally turns dangerous. When Luca is shot, Cristian makes it his mission to go to his aid. That Cristian sets aside concern for his injuries in his search for Luca speaks of the love and respect Cristian has for him. Luca’s family loves and values him too, and Cristian does his best to keep them informed of Luca’s whereabouts, knowing of the strong bond they all share. In the end, Cristian and Luca’s friendship withstands the hardships they endure.

Cristian’s older sister works as a seamstress. The two are portrayed as close-knit, and Cici is one of the people Cristian feels the most guilt for betraying with his informing. She serves as a mother figure for him, giving him advice about dealing with Liliana and frequently reminding him to be careful in his interactions with others. Their bond appears to be strong, and each one seeks to comfort or lift the other when the oppressiveness of their circumstances overwhelms them. Cici takes it upon herself to provide extra care for Cristian when she can, evidenced by the warm shirt she sews for him from salvaged material.

From the outset, Cristian is aware that she is involved in the illicit market. She is portrayed as intelligent, resourceful, caring, and capable. However, the extent of her involvement becomes clear midway through the novel when Cristian opens the box Cici keeps locked. The items found there—coupled with witnessing Cici meet Paddle Hands—make her duplicity clear. Though Cici pleads to explain herself, Cristian refuses to listen. Because the circumstances under which she decided to inform are never fully revealed, it is possible that she too may have been coerced into spying, much like Cristian was. Further, seeking to free Liliana from detainment at Cristian’s request demonstrates her dedication to friends and family. Her character shows the difficulty of living in such an oppressive regime and embodies many of the novel’s key themes.

Gabriel, Cristian’s father, is a flat and static character. He plays a small role in the narrative, rarely interacting with other characters in a meaningful way. Cristian points out that his father seldom speaks and interprets this silence as apathy regarding the regime and its oppression. Cristian is surprised, then, when his father voices his support for the protests in Timişoara, going so far as to insist that Bucharest citizens must follow suit. While Cristian interprets this as a change of heart, many years later he learns that his father held anti-communist sentiments all along.

Arguably the greatest revelation at the novel’s end is that of Cristian’s mother. Throughout the novel, she staunchly urges Cristian and other family members not to draw attention to themselves. She refuses to discuss any aspect of her work cleaning the Van Dorns’ house and is angry when Cristian engages with Dan. Cristian is frequently frustrated by the way she vehemently orders the family to whisper and refrain from any potentially risky behavior. He often voices these frustrations to Bunu, confused as to his mother’s sentiments. Bunu frequently insists that Cristian’s mother is motivated by fear of the Regime. It is not until he is an adult and reads the regime’s report on his family that Cristian learns the truth: his mother is a staunch supporter of the government. Importantly, Bunu was aware of this, while Cristian never suspected her true sentiments. The meaning of her actions and words becomes clear in retrospect. This twist underscores the trope that no one could be trusted during the time of Ceauşescu’s rule.

An American teenager, Dan is an essential element in the novel’s conflict. Through interacting with him over a seemingly benign hobby Cristian makes himself a Securitate target. Dan is genuinely friendly and at ease with Cristian, and he is magnanimous in giving Cristian American items such as collectible stamps and Twinkies. For Cristian, he becomes a means through which Cristian can learn about American culture. Though Dan does not say so outright, he hints that he is aware his family is being surveilled, but he does not appear to feel worried or threatened by this. Though he misses aspects of American life and complains that he cannot attend high school, Dan does not live in a state of anxiety and fear like Romanian teens do. Indeed, he has a rather cavalier attitude about many aspects of Romanian life that implies he resides in a metaphorical “bubble,” oblivious to the struggles around him. Dan considers Cristian a friend and desires to remain in contact with him after leaving Romania.