question

Kotler is basically a fascist trying to overcompensate for his father's shortcomings. I don't think men like Kotler "liked" anybody. He had a condescending attitude towards Bruno.

Kotler wishes that Bruno were not around; he is the worst kind of Nazi officer who will do what he has to to get what he wants. He tries to charm Bruno's mother and sister, preying on their kindness. He avoids personal questions because he is ashamed of his father who left for Switzerland when the war began to escalate. He hates Bruno, even more when his head is shaven after Bruno is found to have lice. With the shaven head, Bruno looks more like the prisoners in the striped pajamas; Kotler hates him. Bruno feels very uncomfortable around Kotler.