A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MALE PROTAGONISTS IN REALISTIC THAI AND CHINESE TELEVISION DRAMAS

Abstract

This article aims to comparatively study male protagonists in realistic Thai and Chinese television dramas, broadcasting on Free TV of the two countries, and study representations of ideal males in Thai and Chinese societies.  The works studied include Two Thai dramas, namely Kra-chao-sri-da (Dutchman’s Pipe) and Sa-mee-sure-keun (The Overnight Husband), and two Chinese dramas, namely He-yi-sheng-xiao-mo (My Sunshine) and Qin-ai-de, Re-ai-de (Go Go Squid).  Textual analysis is applied to study the works.  Research findings are reported as a descriptive analysis. The research finds both similar and different aspects in the works studied. Three common characteristics found in both Thai and Chinese male protagonists include 1) good looking; 2) successful in professions and stable in love; and 3) warm-hearted to their love, honest and faithful in love, gratitude and participating in family affairs. Two different characteristics are found, including 1) Chinese male protagonists are patriotic, ambitious for frame dedicating to the nation; hard-working; and developing their love together with careers, while Thai male protagonists are outstandingly dedicated to their family or love. 2) Chinese male protagonists are discreet and profound, while the Thai are warm-hearted, polite, and more open. The found characteristics of male protagonists studied reflect representations of both ideal Thai and Chinese males. The ideal Thai males emphasizes family. For ideal Chinese males emphasizes nation and collective goals.