Well, Loung Ung is the most significant character as she tells the story from her perspective. Her father, who is a symbol of strength and family values in the early part of the story, is important. Her mother, who is loving and tries to protect the children, is also a key character. Additionally, there are other children in the family who add to the sense of family and the shared experiences. There are also the Khmer Rouge leaders, though not as fully developed characters, but they are the ones whose actions drive the whole tragic situation in the novel.
The main character is Loung Ung. She is the narrator and the one who experiences all the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime. Her father is also an important character. His presence is felt even after he is killed as his memory and the values he instilled in the family play an important role. Her mother is also crucial as she tries her best to keep the family together during such difficult times.