Who Tadzio is
Tadzio stays at the same Lido hotel as Gustav von Aschenbach, a celebrated German writer visiting Venice. He appears with his Polish family, whose group also contains his sisters and a governess.
On the beach, he plays with friends, wades in the shallows and walks along the sand. He seems gracious and a little proud, and sometimes appears aware of being watched.
Tadzio and the others in the story
Aschenbach first understands his admiration for Tadzio as an artist's response to beauty. The boy reminds him of ancient Greek statues and seems to offer fresh inspiration for his writing.
Their glances meet more than once, but Tadzio and Aschenbach never speak to each other. Aschenbach's admiration becomes a need, while Tadzio knows nothing of the older man's thoughts.
Questions
How old is Tadzio?
Tadzio is about fourteen years old, a Polish boy visiting the Lido with his family.
Does Tadzio speak to Aschenbach?
No, they never have a conversation, though they exchange glances.
What does Tadzio represent?
Tadzio represents ideal beauty as Aschenbach imagines it. The distinction matters because the writer's fantasy does not reveal the boy's own inner life.