The protagonist in Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Sympathizer, is an anonymous narrator.
Understanding the Protagonist
The central figure of The Sympathizer is never explicitly named, adding to the layers of his complex identity. This anonymous character serves as a North Vietnamese mole (a spy) who is deeply embedded within the South Vietnamese army. His unique position allows him to experience the conflict from both sides, leading to a profound internal struggle regarding his loyalties and identity.
The Protagonist's Role and Journey
- Dual Identity: The narrator meticulously maintains his cover while operating within the South Vietnamese military apparatus. This dual role requires him to constantly navigate the treacherous landscape of wartime espionage and the inherent contradictions of his allegiance.
- Life in Exile: Following the fall of Saigon, the protagonist's mission continues. He stays embedded within a South Vietnamese community that has been exiled to the United States. This phase of his journey explores themes of displacement, cultural assimilation, and the enduring legacy of war from a unique vantage point, as he reports back to his communist handlers while living among those he is tasked to observe.
- The Sympathizer: The title itself reflects the protagonist's conflicted nature and his ability to see and understand multiple perspectives—those of both the victors and the vanquished, the communist and the capitalist, the Vietnamese and the American. His narrative is a confession, revealing his innermost thoughts and the moral ambiguities of his actions.
This unnamed character's intricate role as a spy and observer makes him a compelling and memorable figure in contemporary literature.
