The Year of Living Dangerously: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Year of Living Dangerously: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate dynamics and motivations of key figures within a politically charged setting in Jakarta. Guy Hamilton, a British correspondent, navigates the complexities of his professional and personal life, developing a partnership with the freelance cameraman Billy Kwan while romantically involved with Jill Bryant, a secretary at the British embassy. Jill, burdened by her past and vulnerable, becomes entangled in a love triangle that strains her relationships. Billy Kwan, depicted as a passionate yet obsessive character, idolizes both Guy and Jill while harboring a deep attachment to Indonesian President Sukarno, whom he views as a savior. The narrative also includes Wally O'Sullivan, the unofficial press leader who faces consequences for his indiscretions, and Pete Curtis, a rival journalist with contrasting morals. Colonel Ralph Henderson and Vera Chostiakov add layers of intrigue and influence, representing the political machinations surrounding the characters. Through these rich portrayals, the analysis provides insight into the personal sacrifices and ideological struggles faced by those reporting on and living through tumultuous times in Indonesia.
The Year of Living Dangerously: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: C. J. Koch
First published: 1978
Genre: Novel
Locale: Indonesia, primarily Jakarta
Plot: Political
Time: 1965
Guy Hamilton, a correspondent for ABS, an Australian news agency. Tall and handsome, Hamilton was born in England but grew up in Singapore and Australia. He becomes one of the best newsmen in Jakarta, Java. He and Billy Kwan have a successful partnership as well as a friendship. He falls in love with Jill Bryant but nearly betrays her, a lapse that causes Billy to break off their friendship.
Jill Bryant, a secretary at the British embassy. Emotionally vulnerable because of a failed marriage and a destructive affair, she is close to Billy, who is supportive but nonthreatening. She loves Guy and has become pregnant by him, but she believes Billy when he tells her that Guy has betrayed her.
Billy Kwan, a freelance cameraman. A half-Chinese, half-Australian dwarf, Billy, though intelligent and caring, is obsessive, controlling, and emotionally unstable. He chooses Guy as a friend and partner, helping him to get started in Jakarta. He idealizes Guy and Jill and believes that he has arranged their love affair; perhaps he has. He also idealizes President Sukarno, believing him to be the savior of his people. When Billy's delusion becomes apparent, he stages a political protest during which he is killed. He keeps dossiers on subjects and people. The narrator uses these to fill in the gaps in his own knowledge.
Wally O'Sullivan, a correspondent for a Sydney newspaper. The unofficial head of the press corps in Jakarta, the over-weight Wally presides over the gatherings in the hotel bar. When Wally is deported because of his taste for Indonesian young men, it is generally believed that Billy betrayed him.
Pete Curtis, a Canadian journalist who works for The Washington Post. Curtis is Hamilton's main competition, and they are friendly rivals. Curtis is not very sensitive to others and often visits Indonesian prostitutes.
Colonel Ralph Henderson, a military attaché at the British embassy. His pukka sahib demeanor suggests the remnants of the British Empire. He, too, is attached to Jill.
Kumar, Hamilton's Indonesian assistant, a member of the PKI, the Indonesian Communist Party. Kumar arranges a meeting between Guy and Vera Chostiakov. Kumar acutely perceives the Western advantages that his country lacks.
Vera Chostiakov, a cultural attaché at the Soviet embassy. She uses her sexual attractiveness to try to get information from Guy about a Chinese arms shipment to the PKI. Her play for Guy leads Billy to believe Guy to be false.
Sukarno, the Indonesian president. A charismatic man, he attempts to build a powerful Indonesian self-image but eventually loses touch with his people and lets political schemes overtake him.
Ibu, an Indonesian woman. Ibu (which means “mother” in Indonesian) represents the poor for Billy, and her fate impels Billy to undertake his rebellion against Sukarno.
R. J. Cook, the narrator, a correspondent for a news agency. A divorced, lapsed Catholic, he becomes confessor, or confidant, to the members of the press corps. His knowledge of his colleagues, combined with information from Billy's files, allows him to write this account.