Orwell’s commander in the POUM militia. He demonstrates his commitment to the Spanish Republican cause by sacrificing his Belgian nationality in order to fight in a foreign army. Characterized by a cheerful, nonchalant attitude toward even the most perilous moments in the war, Kopp becomes Orwell’s personal friend and impresses him with his effective leadership in moments of difficulty. During the Barcelona street fighting, he distinguishes himself by parleying with the enemy in the middle of rifle-fire and, through successful negotiation, saving tens of lives. Once the POUM is declared illegal, Kopp is imprisoned. Orwell repeatedly attempts to get him freed but all his efforts fail in the face of police bureaucracy. Kopp, however, assumes he will probably be shot and accepts his fate with good humor. When he is sent to a secret prison, once Orwell has already left the country, Orwell loses his trace.