Sopeap is introduced as a grotesque, spiteful old woman with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. This is important for establishing both Sang Ly and the reader’s initial impression of her as a character, from which she will develop into a kind and generous figure, thus arguing that first impressions are often not accurate. However, at this moment, she is still foul, likely causing the reader to sympathize with Sang Ly and Ki over Sopeap.