Fenny LemenaTheresa RyaniDaeyeon LeeTri Ngyuen

StephanieReema Merchant

Mr. M His real name was Khuong The HungThuy was in love with him during her late teens up to her

college and medical school days.      Kept as Thuy’s romantic interest (unnamed in the book)·      

Referred by Thuy as “that soldier” or “that liberation soldier” or “the soldier with the black eyes” in the book.·      

6 years older than Thuy.·       Joined North Vietnamese Army and assigned to Quang Ngai

Province (in the central coastal area).·       He moved to the South and served as captain of a

Commando Battalion (5 years after).

He broke Thuy’s heart “When we said farewell eight years ago, he

admitted his mistake of giving his heart to a girl with whom he knew love and marriage should not be considered.” (31-2) 

But, he begged for Thuy’s forgiveness.He believed “he had never wronged her” (31), Thuy

thought he did not deserve her love anymore.

One of his characteristics was perseverance.M. seemed to be dedicated toward his duty as a

soldierHe had a strong will to accomplish his goals

His advices for Thuy: “Persevere, never relent, not for one minute. A

lapse of vigilance will cause a regrettable chain reaction.”

“He saves his highest love for the party and for the people.” (181)

“Don’t let love command my life. I must be like Pavel, like the Gadfly or like my M.” (201)

ThuanThuan was Thuy’s student.He was referred to as Brother Three. Thuan also was the brother of

Cho and Nhieu, to whom Thuy referred as her adopted younger brother. (p.35)

Thuan lost his mother when he was a child. His father had struggled to raise three children.

 His older sister was killed by an artillery round. She left four innocent children. (p35)

The death of his father was the second death in his family. (p.38)Thuy felt affectionate toward Thuan because of his diligence in study

and work, and the considerate way he treats others. (p36).

• Thuy loved him because of his extraordinary will and the tragedy that occurred in his life (the two deaths in his family). Although the tragedy weighed heavily on his chest, he always maintained his eagerness and enthusiasm in front of others. (p42)

• He loved Thuy.

“I suddenly remember you saying that, like Khiem, you love me more than anyone else in this life, that now you focus your life only on your assignments and on your love for me” (p60).

• To Thuy, Thuan had been the loyal person. When Thuy had to go to do her duty, she left her diary to Thuan (p.124).

• Thuan always took good care of Thuy:–He asked his friend, Giau, to help him so he could

protect Thuy. (p.129)–He always took Thuy’s writing with him on the

roads to battle. (p.211)– In all of his letters to Thuy, Thuan is always

concerned about Thuy and reminds her to be more careful. (p.220)

Nguyen Tien Nghia25 April 1968 (p.13) Nghia was considered Thuy’s close friend and he was referred

to as an “adopted brother” by Thuy.-Thuy states that Nghia was “active, courageous, and capable of

leading the group.”-On 25 April 1968, Thuy heard that some of Duc Pho cadres

sacrificed to save the life of Nghia in the battle with the enemy who ambushed them. Without any news about Nghia in the battle, Thuy expressed her anxiety for Nghia.

- Thuy said that “What will I do if something happened to you? Will I cry through many quiet nights, will my tears run dry, or will a bright hostile flame within my heart against our enemy? I have been waiting for your return, but now…” (Thuy 13).

12 November 1968 (p.66~67)-Nghia had written some letters to Thuy-Nghia received deep affection as same as Thuan did

from Thuy.-Nghia was refused by Thuy when he gave her a ring.

12 March 1969 (p. 98~99)-Without any detail explanation in a diary, Thuy said

that Nghia caused her to feel betrayed because, according to Thuy, Nghia changed his feeling toward Thuy.

8 July 1969 (p.132~133)- Nghia encountered Thuy at the house with the O-ma tree by

the well-According to Thuy’s statement in her diary, Nghia received

forgiveness from her due to his mistakes.

13 May 1970 (p.211)Nghia’s injury: broke one of his arm in a combat operation

and caused Thuy to feel sorrow.-He carried farewell notes, which were wrapped carefully in

plastic, from Thuy on the roads to battle.-According to the diary, Both Nghia and Thuy used to live

together in Pho Hiep, which was their home land.

Brother TanFull name: Tan Nguyen.Secretary of District Board, high-level officer.

“you are busy with a thousand tasks as district secretary.” - 108

Regarded as Thuy Tram’s big caring brother.“you are my big brother, aren’t you, Tan?” -108“you still reserve your thought, worries and

longing for me, a younger sister from the North” - 108

Southerner, far from Thuy Tram.They kept in touch by mails.

“Brother Tan’s letter also makes me think.” - 105Thuy Tram admired him a lot.She saw him as an example.

“I admire you brother, and like you very much.” – 106

“I want you to lead and teach me like a caring big brother.” - 106

Complicated brother and sister relationship.“I don’t want people to think that I’m an easy

girl.”“have relationship with high-level officials” –

108“They’re not pleased to see a cadre behaving

inappropriately toward a secretary” – 145“If you were a cadre of my equal rank, I would

be more at ease in our daily interaction as siblings.” -145

Later killed in action.