Inao, known in Thai as อิเหนา, stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most cherished pieces of classical literature. Its tale blends love, fate, royal duty, and political intrigue, captivating Thai audiences for generations. Rooted in the Javanese Panji stories, the narrative traveled to the Siamese court in Ayutthaya and was refined by royal poets of the Rattanakosin era. To truly understand its drama, readers should become acquainted with the main characters—their motives and how they reflect social ideals of their time.
The epic unfolds in a mythical Southeast Asian realm filled with princes, princesses, kings, and trusted advisers. The central plot follows Prince Inao of the Kurepan kingdom and Princess Bussaba of Daha. Betrothed since childhood, their romance faces chaos from misunderstandings, political maneuvering, and the schemes of rival suitors. As tensions rise and kingdoms teeter on the brink of war, the story examines loyalty, pride, forgiveness, and the meaning of true love.
Here are the leading figures you should know in this grand tale.
King Kurepan (ท้าวกุเรปัน) As ruler of Kurepan, King Kurepan is Inao’s father. He is portrayed as just and wise, upholding royal propriety and the duties of kingship. His decision to arrange Inao’s betrothal to Bussaba fuels the plot, placing the drama in motion. He embodies the archetype of a paternal, principled king, yet he wrestles with balancing his son’s happiness against state interests.
Princess Jintara Wati (จินตหราวาตี) A significant but secondary figure, Princess Jintara Wati is a consort of King Kurepan and Inao’s mother. She represents classical virtues—gentleness, loyalty, and prudence—and provides steadiness in the royal household, offering counsel during tense moments.
Princess Bussaba (บุษบา) Princess Bussaba, daughter of King Daha, is Inao’s beloved and the focal point of the romance’s conflict. Renowned for beauty, wit, and dignity, she embodies ideal Thai womanhood. The misunderstandings and heartbreak she endures highlight emotional resilience, and she often demonstrates agency through quiet strength and determined responses to pressure.
Prince Inao (อิเหนา) The protagonist, Prince Inao, is a figure of legendary charm and complexity. He is brave, poetic, and impulsive, torn between love and duty. Although betrothed to Bussaba, his affections waver, and romantic intrigues pull him from his expected path. His inner struggles make him both a tragic hero and a symbol of the tension between tradition and personal longing.
Prince Charka (จรกา) Prince Charka is a rival suitor from a neighboring realm. Seen as less refined than Inao, he is persistent and ambitious, often employing underhanded tactics. His pursuit of Bussaba adds friction to the plot and contrasts virtue with mere persistence or status.
Prince Wihayasakha (วิหยาสะกา) A dignitary within the court, Prince Wihayasakha serves as a trusted advisor. He appears in pivotal decisions, underscoring the importance of wise counsel in Thai royal culture.
Princess Madevi (มะเดหวี) Princess Madevi is another of King Kurepan’s wives and Inao’s stepmother. While not central, she completes the royal family portrait and underscores themes of blended families and strategic alliances common in courtly literature.
The tangled relationships and shifting fortunes illuminate not only personal dilemmas but also the broader world of Thai court duties, social hierarchy, and the power of destiny. Inao mirrors Thai values—loyalty to parents and rulers, balancing personal desire with social obligation, and the pursuit of virtue amid adversity.
For Thai readers, Inao’s enduring appeal lies in its rich fusion of human passion with cultural ideals. Although rooted in Javanese legend, the story has been reimagined across the Thai stage—from Khon dance and puppetry to contemporary media—cementing its place in the nation’s cultural memory. According to research from Thai cultural institutions, these characters continue to appear on school reading lists and in performances, reinforcing timeless lessons about duty, humanity, and love’s costs.
Understanding the roles of King Kurepan, Princess Jintara Wati, Princess Bussaba, Prince Inao, Prince Charka, Prince Wihayasakha, and Princess Madevi invites a deeper appreciation of the epic’s significance. Their names resonate in classrooms and theatres, inviting readers and audiences to reflect on Thai society’s enduring questions about duty, loyalty, and the true cost of love.
For readers exploring Thai culture, engaging with Inao’s cast offers a meaningful link to the nation’s poetic heritage and its ongoing balance between tradition and change. Whether reading the original work or watching a performance, let a thoughtful guide to these characters accompany you for a richer experience.