The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea

Shin serves as both a romantic interest and a mentor figure to Mina. Initially enigmatic and aloof, Shin is a complex character with a multifaceted personality. As the story progresses, layers of his character are revealed, showing him to be a conflicted and tormented individual. His role as the guardian of the Sea God’s palace and his past actions contribute to his internal struggle, reflecting themes of guilt and redemption.

Shin’s characterization is primarily indirect; clues to his inner personality and issues are most often revealed through his actions, speech, and interactions with Mina and other characters. For example, his cutting of the Red String of Fate initially positions him as an antagonist to Mina’s goals, but this act also sparks a deeper connection between the two. Shin’s transformation is gradual, and he slowly shifts from a character who is burdened by his past and responsibilities to become someone who finds renewed purpose and hope through his relationship with Mina. His acceptance of the lotus pebble as his soul symbolizes his journey toward self-acceptance and emotional openness.

The Sea God is an important character in the narrative, embodying the archetype of a tragic hero. He is initially perceived as a distant and wrathful deity, but as the story unfolds, he is revealed to be a deeply lonely and sorrowful figure. His character serves as a mirror to Mina’s journey, highlighting themes of loneliness, longing, and the burdens of divine responsibility.

Characterized indirectly through Mina’s interactions and observations, the Sea God’s complexity is gradually unveiled. His interactions with Mina in the palace reveal his vulnerability and the weight of his curse. The Sea God’s transformation is subtle, seen in his growing attachment to Mina and his eventual realization of his true identity and purpose. Because the author presents him as a deity who is as flawed and capable of suffering as humans are, his role in the story is to challenge the traditional perceptions of divine beings.

Dai, a secondary character, embodies themes of familial love and sacrifice. His decision to leave heaven to be with his great-granddaughter Miki in the spirit world illustrates the novel’s exploration of love that transcends the boundaries between life and death. Dai’s character is a blend of the mentor and the guardian archetypes, for he provides guidance and protection to Mina during her journey in the Spirit Realm.

Dai’s characterization is primarily revealed through his actions and the emotional connections that he forms with Mina and Miki. His nurturing nature and wisdom provide a grounding presence in the story, offering a perspective that balances the fantastical elements with human emotion. Dai’s character remains relatively consistent throughout the narrative, but his interactions with Mina and his role in the Spirit Realm highlight the enduring impact of familial bonds and the sacrifices made for loved ones.

Shim Cheong is a significant character whose journey parallels and intersects with Mina’s. Initially a sacrificial bride to the Sea God, Cheong’s story represents the traditional role and expectations placed upon women in her society. Her character undergoes a notable transformation from a passive figure to one who actively seeks to understand her fate and contribute to the resolution of the story’s central conflict.

Cheong’s growth is reflected through her interactions with Mina, for she evolves from a figure of pity to one of strength and resilience. Her decision to willingly sacrifice herself for her village, and her later confrontation with the Goddess of Moon and Memory, both demonstrate her newfound courage and agency. Cheong’s character arc explores self-sacrifice, resilience, and the power of agency in a world governed by divine and societal rules.

Namgi is a playful and charismatic character who provides comic relief as well as deeper insights into the world of the Spirit Realm. He initially appears as a lighthearted figure but gradually reveals a more complex and empathic side. Namgi’s loyalty to Shin and his protective nature toward Mina are key aspects of his character.

Namgi’s transformation is less about personal growth and more about revealing the depth of his character to Mina. He serves as a foil to Shin’s more serious and brooding nature, offering a different perspective on the events unfolding in the Spirit Realm. Namgi’s character adds depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of loyalty, friendship, and the importance of striking a balance between lightness and gravity in life.