We all have siblings, or people we care about and love. Hence, their wellbeing and happiness are of great importance. This story is told through the eyes of a sister. Nea is the protagonist of this story. She shares a close sisterhood relationship with Sourdi. The story is centered around Nea, who must return her sister to Sourdi after being separated. Nea is a static character throughout the entire reading. She remains childish, and refuses change. May Lee Chai uses Nea’s perspective in telling the story. Her inner struggles are what make the reader sympathetic.
Nea’s narration is both the main character and the narrator of the tale. As she is narrating the story, it’s from her point of view. Nea, being a woman who is still young, lacks the knowledge to tell this story. She makes bad decisions because she doesn’t know what Sourdi has been through. Moreover, she brings other people with her in her recklessness to be the hero of Sourdi. She doesn’t appear to consider what her actions will do to others. Sourdi’s buddy Duke is one example of how she involves him in her’rescue mission. She lies to him and takes advantage of his situation. She is controlling and manipulative in a way. In addition, because the narrator of the novel is also the protagonist, we are only able empathize and understand her point of view. The reader is not aware of the full story because they are only focused on Nea. To gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of the story, it is necessary to take on different perspectives. But in this case, we are induced into seeing through Nea’s emotions as well as her eyes.
Sourdi was the character that grew the most in terms of maturity. Nea’s behaviour is likely anxious, impulsive, and aggressive. These traits will affect her throughout the whole story. Nea nearly stabbed him in a reckless act when he touched Sourdi on the table. Sourdi is a mature young adult who embraces her changes. Nea has a unique psychological perspective in the relationship she shares with Sourdi. Nea acts like the older sibling, whereas Sourdi is actually the older sister. Nea, however, always has her mind on Sourdi. Nea has tried to save Sourdi repeatedly, but without success, throughout the entire story. Nea thought that Sourdi was not going to be happy in a marriage arranged by Mr. Chhay. Nea’s story is dominated by this particular event. Nea was only interested in the happiness and closeness she could have with her sister. This marriage, however, was a threat to that.
Families are important to many people. The family not only offers love and support, but it also gives you a sense that you belong. Nea is part of a family that isn’t normal because her father doesn’t exist. Nea, therefore, has to rely on her mother for everything. In order to be able to take care of her daughters, the mother has to work very hard. Sourdi then becomes Nea’s most important friend, as they have a very strong bond. Nea’s life was affected when Sourdi left. She continued to live with her family and husband. Nea is stubborn because she wants her sister. Nea has a hidden reason to be stubborn about getting her sister despite the fact that her sister doesn’t really need her help. Nea believed her sister wouldn’t be happy without her and she holds on to this idea. Nea’s character portrays the negative feeling that comes with losing someone you love and pursuing a different life. Many people fear losing that person’s love and attention.
Nea is terrified of the idea that her younger sister has disappeared from her world. This emotion then changes Nea’s perception of Sourdi and her new life. This emotion affects Nea’s behavior throughout the entire story, causing her to act childish and naive. This idea of Sourdi in danger and unhappy is created from the denial of life as it exists. This is a common stage for many people when a member of the family decides to leave home and start a relationship with someone new. Nea portrays that fear in her story, even if her sister ends up embracing the change and accepting it. Nea felt the opposite of Sourdi when it came to change. The reader may not fully understand the true story between the sisters because the sister’s side is not told. Change is inescapable, and most of the time it’s for our best. It just takes a little acceptance to embrace it.
