The Sorrow of War

Scout mentioned in the card‑playing sessions; part of the platoon’s dwindling ranks.

Scout nicknamed "Rattling" who attempts to desert, confesses his hopelessness, and later is found dead after a failed escape.

Scout who tries to intervene during the execution of captured commandos and later meets a violent end.

Scout nicknamed "Elephant" listed among the card‑players.

Narrator and scout leader, now part of the MIA remains-gathering team in the Jungle of Screaming Souls, reflecting on past battles and personal trauma. Kien reflects on his childhood, stepfather, mother, relationships, post‑war disillusionment and begins writing his first novel.

Godmother’s daughter Kien meets at Doi Mo; she offers him a place of refuge and reflects on her family’s losses.

Scout who earlier killed an orang‑utan and was later killed by enemy fire; his death is recalled throughout the chapter.

Female member of the platoon mentioned among the card‑playing group. Kien’s friend whose death at Tan Son Nhat airport haunts him.

Scout involved in the card‑playing episodes; engages in dialogue about fate and luck before the final assault. Retired sea captain who repeatedly attempts suicide.

Truck driver for the MIA team, philosophical, provides commentary on war and peace.

Scout who survived with Kien to the gate of Tan Son Nhat airport and was killed there during the final days of the war.

Scout who is burned alive in a T‑54 tank during the final attack.

Young prostitute rescued by Kien after a street fight, later revealed to be starving and traumatized.

Neighbour girl who seduces Kien in a makeshift air‑raid shelter, leading to an intense, unfinished encounter.

Tram driver who lost all three sons on the battlefield.

Kien’s biological father died five years after his mother’s death, leaving Kien with unresolved guilt.

Kien’s mother left his father, remarried the poet, and died before Kien’s teenage visit.

Former convict released in a New Year Amnesty who now shows unexpected kindness.

Drunk neighbour who accidentally hits his own mother with a stick while trying to hit his wife.

Bookseller living on the same street as Mrs. Thuy, involved in a concealed love affair.

Blind, lonely mother of two sons killed in action, later exploited by her nephew.

Widowed teacher who falls in love with the bookseller Mr. Tu.

Centenarian barber who represents the fading pre‑war generation.

Kien’s childhood sweetheart whose repeated disappearances shape his post‑war loneliness.

Kien’s mother remarried a pre‑war poet who gave Kien a warm farewell before he left for the army.

Kien’s classmate, now dying from a severe spinal injury after years of suffering.