Protagonists in Jamlak Wai Nai Phandin: The Creation of Characters and Social Interactions

Abstract

The purposes of this research are to study the protagonists in the novel by Krisana Asoksin Jamlak Wai Nai Phandin regarding the creation of characters and their social interactions. The findings showed that there are two protagonists: Princess Sokontia from Cambodia and Sue from Thailand. With regard to the creation of characters, the author built personality traits that fit the protagonists’ birth statuses and roles. The female protagonist reflects physical characteristics of Cambodian women. She also performs as the leader, which suits her royal status, whereas the male protagonist demonstrated personality traits that echo his military career. However, the author put an emphasis on his military role rather than his external personality. Concerning the internal personality, the two protagonists are patriotic, clever, and capable. They have an understanding attitude towards their lives and of others. In terms of backgrounds and roles, the portrayal of the protagonists is consistent with novel’s theme of patriotism. Regarding the social interactions, the protagonists develop three levels of relationships: individual, social, and national. The two protagonists represent Cambodia and Thailand in conveying history and portraying the roles of Thai military as being patriotic and humane, which reflects the original novel’s key theme.