Here's what we know about Franek:
* He is a Polish Jew who was deported to Auschwitz along with Elie.
* He is older and more experienced than Elie. He knows how to navigate the camp's brutal reality better than Elie.
* He is initially kind to Elie and offers him advice on how to survive. He teaches Elie about the hierarchy within the camp and the importance of staying strong.
* He uses his position of authority to his advantage. Franek becomes a Kapo (prisoner overseer) and uses his power to force Elie into doing his personal work, even though it is beyond his strength. This demonstrates that even in the face of unimaginable suffering, humanity can succumb to corruption and self-preservation.
* He is a complex and contradictory character. While initially being helpful, Franek becomes exploitative and cruel in his pursuit of survival.
Franek's story highlights the moral dilemmas and the loss of humanity that the prisoners faced in the camps. His character serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, individuals can succumb to the temptations of power and self-interest.