Bamboo People

The first of the novel’s two protagonists, Chiko is a 15-year-old, bespectacled Burmese boy who loves reading and aspires to teach. He was homeschooled by his father, a skilled doctor, and is intelligent, observant, and open-minded, though a bit naive because of his relatively privileged upbringing. He has a crush on his neighbor and student, Lei, but is too shy to confess his feelings at the beginning of the novel.

After his father’s sudden arrest, Chiko feels pressured to support his family and find a job. His conscription into the military is devastating and antithetical to his beliefs and personality. He sees through the captain’s propaganda about the Karenni but avoids open defiance unless absolutely necessary. Chiko is resilient and resourceful, using his education to secure a secretarial position, gathering intelligence and allies. Although he’s initially hesitant, his friendship with Tai teaches him the value of complementing literacy with street smarts. Chiko’s loyalty to Tai pushes him to sacrifice his own goals and defy the captain to send Tai back to Yangon.

After the landmine explosion, Chiko is helpless; during his time with the Karenni, he becomes less a protagonist and more a catalyst that makes Tu Reh question his own moral compass.