Charles is a Frenchman whom Levi meets in the infection ward in the 10 days between the Germans’ evacuation of Auschwitz and the Russians’ arrival. Charles is the healthiest and strongest in the hut, and plays a critical role in helping Levi to forage for food and supplies and survive. More importantly, Levi and Charles strike up a strong friendship, and Levi remarks that speaking with Charles helps him to feel more human again. Charles survives the war and returns home, and he and Levi maintain a long correspondence via letters.