Laine Character Analysis in First They Killed My Father

A teenage girl from a neighboring village of Ro Leap who is forced by her parents, as well as Ma and Pa, to marry Khouy. Laine’s parents arrange the marriage in an effort to prevent their daughter from being abducted and raped by Khmer Rouge soldiers. After the ceremony, Laine is sent to a labor camp with Khouy. When Vietnamese soldiers topple the Khmer Rouge, Laine runs away in search of her own family and the Ungs do not see her again.

Laine Character Timeline in First They Killed My Father

The timeline below shows where the character Laine appears in First They Killed My Father. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Genocide, Racism, and Propaganda Theme Icon

Women’s Treatment in Times of War Theme Icon

Ma and Pa force Khouy to marry a girl from a nearby village, Laine, to decrease the likelihood of his being recruited to the Khmer Rouge army; with a... (full context)

The Unbreakable Bonds of Family Theme Icon

Laine and Khouy are married and sent to a labor camp. The soldiers also force Meng... (full context)

...and Chou’s, and also has propaganda meetings. Meng still lives with Khouy and his wife Laine, though no one asks about her, having learned that under the Khmer Rouge some things... (full context)