Love of Siam

Tong is a compassionate, outgoing neighbor who defies playground cruelty by defending Mew. He evolves from a playful friend into a loyal ally who helps navigate love, loss, and his own identity. His emotional depth deepens as he confronts family pressures and his sister's absence, revealing a capacity for sacrifice.

Mew is musically gifted and sensitive, often teased for his appearance but steadily discovers his own voice. His artistry becomes a conduit for his feelings for Tong and for coping with family expectations. He experiences heartbreak and creative drought before reconnecting with his band and his feelings.

Tang is Tong's older sister, a key figure in the early part of the story who disappears during the Chiang Mai trip. Her absence triggers a family crisis and a plot about deception and reunion. She represents the fragile line between presence and absence in the family.

Korn is Tong's father, a man driven to alcohol by guilt over Tang's disappearance. His struggle with addiction becomes a central emotional arc for the family, highlighting how unresolved trauma ripples through generations. He slowly confronts his condition as the story progresses.

Sunee is Tong and Mew's mother, practical and protective. She orchestrates the Tang deception to pull Korn out of his depression, showing a willingness to bend the truth for the family's sake. Her character embodies maternal love and the complexities of sacrifice.

Ying is the neighbor girl who has an unrequited crush on Mew but ultimately supports his feelings for Tong. She becomes a guiding presence, helping lead Tong to Mew during important moments. Her kindness helps the characters navigate their evolving identities.

Donut is Tong's pretty but uptight girlfriend, present before the truth of the boys' feelings is acknowledged. She experiences heartbreak as Tong's affections shift toward Mew, illustrating the complexities of young love and the pain of changing relationships.

Mew's mother is a stabilizing force in the family, navigating the turmoil of the children’s relationship and the parents' guilt while supporting them through difficult choices. She shares the burden of care and acts with a practical, protective instinct.

Grandmother shares memories of Mew's grandfather and piano-playing moments that recur throughout the story, grounding the characters in family heritage. She participates in music scenes that underscore the theme of continuity and tradition.