Zoya Character Analysis in City of Thieves

One of the girls kept as a sex slave for Nazi soldiers outside of Berezovka. Zoya was very young and scared of the Nazis, making her a favorite for their sexual abuse. After a week she attempted to run away, but Abendroth captured her and cut off her feet to make an example of her for Nina, Olesya, Galina, and Lara. She died hours later.

Zoya Character Timeline in City of Thieves

The timeline below shows where the character Zoya appears in City of Thieves. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...are stupid and would just let them walk away. Lara says to tell them about Zoya. Galina, another girl, leaves the room. (full context)

Lara says that the Germans loved Zoya, and that six men came for Zoya for every one that came for her (Lara).... (full context)

When the officers came that night calling for Zoya, they didn't believe Lara or Nina when they said that they didn't know where she... (full context)

After a few hours the Nazis returned with Zoya, who was dirty, bruised, and naked. Zoya had taken Lara's coat and boots, and Abendroth... (full context)

...soldiers come at midnight. Lev thinks he won't be able to sleep after hearing about Zoya. Kolya tells Lara and Nina that tomorrow they need to head for the city, and... (full context)

Lev suggests they leave, and says he can't stop thinking about Zoya. Kolya instructs him to think of her when he stabs Abendroth, but Lev says he... (full context)

...stronger than ever. He tells the reader he fears shame, Kolya dying, and pain like Zoya suffered, but mostly death. He continues that he never understood when people were scared of... (full context)

...the farmhouse when the partisans did. Since Abendroth had taken their coats and boots after Zoya ran, the girls had to layer sweaters and leggings. Kolya and Lev kissed their cheeks... (full context)

...Vika counsels that Abendroth travels with this company and must be close. Lev thinks of Zoya as Vika suggests they mix in with the prisoners, saying that the prisoners have already... (full context)

...he felt nothing but exhilaration at what he'd done. It had been less about avenging Zoya or killing a prominent Nazi, but more about keeping himself, Kolya, and Vika alive. When... (full context)