In Neal Shusterman's "Unwind," Lev is introduced as a thirteen-year-old boy who has been raised in a religious family that values the "tithe" tradition, where one of every ten children is chosen to be offered as a sacrifice to the government. Lev believes that he was "born to be a tithe," and thus, he is proud to fulfill his role. However, as the story progresses, Lev's beliefs and values are challenged, and he begins to question the morality of the tithe system.
Throughout the novel, Lev's age and maturity level are significant factors in his character development. As a young teenager, he is still very impressionable and heavily influenced by the beliefs of his family and society. However, as he is forced to confront the reality of being unwound and meets other characters who challenge his worldview, he begins to mature and think for himself.
One notable quote in the book that showcases Lev's character development comes from Chapter 30, where he reflects on his experiences: "Lev couldn't believe how naive he'd been, how gullible. It was like he'd been living in a dream world, and now that he'd woken up, he was living in a nightmare." This quote demonstrates how Lev's experiences have shaken his beliefs and caused him to grow up quickly.
In conclusion, Lev's age is an essential aspect of his character in "Unwind." As a thirteen-year-old boy, he is at a crucial point in his development, and the events of the novel challenge his beliefs and values, ultimately leading to significant character growth.