Describe Max's character. What are readers meant to think of this Jewish fist fighter?

Max was a fist-fighter growing up, and as a teenager he resolves not to die without a fight. Max goes against the stereotype of the "submissive" Jew. Max is wracked with anguish and guilt over leaving his family to save himself, but he comes to befriend Liesel as the two share their respective nightmares. Their friendship grows very deep, and Liesel reads to Max every night when he falls comatose.