The Quiet American

Main Characters and Their Development

• Thomas Fowler — a British journalist working in Saigon. He is cynical and disillusioned with life, yet strives to maintain neutrality in political matters. His relationships with other characters, especially Pyle and Phuong, reveal his internal conflicts and moral dilemmas.
• Alden Pyle — a young American idealist working on a humanitarian mission. He believes in democracy and American values, but his naivety and interference in local affairs lead to tragic consequences. His character evolves from a naive idealist to someone whose actions cause disaster.
• Phuong — a young Vietnamese woman caught in a love triangle between Fowler and Pyle. She symbolizes Vietnam, torn between different forces. Her development shows the struggle for survival and the search for stability in a chaotic world.