All Men Are Brothers: Analysis of Major Characters
"All Men Are Brothers: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the rich tapestry of characters within the narrative, portraying the complex dynamics of loyalty, power, and vengeance among a group of bandit chiefs. At the center is Sung Chiang, a unifying figure among the outlaws, who is depicted as both a warrior and a poet, driven by a desire for justice rather than mere bloodlust. His antagonists, Commander Kao and his son, embody tyranny and corruption, setting the stage for conflict as they wrongfully accuse and exile others for their own gain.
Other significant characters include Wu Sung, known for his immense strength and tragic family entanglements, and Ch’ai Chin, a noble lord who protects the bandits and displays bravery in the face of danger. Li K’uei stands out for his fierce loyalty and emotional depth, while Lu Ta navigates his dual identity as a priest, facing challenges that reflect his spirited nature. The cunning Ch’ao Kai and the resourceful Tai Chung add layers to the narrative, showcasing themes of resourcefulness and sacrifice. Overall, the character analysis highlights the interplay of good and evil, justice and injustice, and the bonds of brotherhood forged in adversity.
All Men Are Brothers: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Shi Naian
Genre: Novel
Locale: China
Plot: Adventure
Time: Thirteenth century or earlier
Sung Chiang, the greatest of the warrior chiefs and the principal instrument for uniting the many robber bands. A scribe and a poet, he receives divine inspiration and becomes the sworn leader of 107 other chieftains. While he avenges wrongs done him by warring chieftains, he is not as blood-thirsty as are the pagan robbers.
Commander Kao and Commander Kao's Son, the chief antagonists of Sung Chiang and the other robber chiefs. The commander and his son are evil, dictatorial, and lascivious usurpers. The son lusts for a magistrate's wife, and because of this another man is falsely accused, branded, and exiled. The bands finally unite to overthrow their military oppressors.
Wu Sung, a giant of a man who kills a tiger in hand-to-hand combat. His brother's wife tries to seduce him. Later, she takes a lover and murders her husband. Wu Sung then kills the two lovers.
Ch'ai Chin, a lord of one of the four provinces who befriends the most valorous of the robber chiefs and protects them from Kao. When captured, he is saved by magic.
Li K'uei, the most loyal of all the chieftains as well as the most vengeful. Gentle in some ways, he insists that his aged mother be brought to their lair, mourns her death from a tiger attack, and bravely kills all the tigers. He causes his commander a great deal of trouble because of his headstrong nature. He often rights wrongs and saves his friend Ch'ai Chin.
Lu Ta, who in protecting a girl is forced to become the priest Lu Chi Shen. He causes his abbot so much trouble that he is deported, largely because of his drunkenness, but he helps bring together the village lord and the robber chief, Li Chung. He opposes Kai and prevents the execution of a military instructor. He is much admired by village lords, robber chiefs, and military leaders.
Ch'ao Kai, one of the most resourceful and shifty of the robber chiefs, himself a lord. He starts his career by stealing birthday gifts from his governor, with the help of a teacher and a magician. He flees his territory and sets up as chief among robbers, and he takes in refugees. When his band is attacked by the hated Chun family, Ch'ao Kai is killed. The robbers later conquer the Chun family and avenge his death. Sung Chiang follows Ch'ao Kai as chieftain.
Tai Chung, a jailer who has the ability to walk three hundred miles a day. He befriends the captured Sung Chiang and manages to forge release papers for him. Through a mixup, he gets his own death papers; he is freed by his friends the robbers, whom he promptly joins as a valuable scout.
Shi Wen Kung, a military instructor in the employ of the hated Chun family, chief antagonists after the death of Kao. A braggart warrior, he eludes the band and nearly succeeds in killing the robber leader, but he is finally captured by Lu Chun I.
Kung Sun Sheng, a hermit magician twice called to aid in the bandit coalition. He joins in the conspiracy to rob Governor Liang, drugging the guard so that Ch'ao Kai can steal the treasure. Later, by countermagic, he enables Ch'ai Chin to escape a magic spell.