Thao Vang Lor

Outer characterization

Thao Vang Lor is an important character in the film Gran Torino (2008) directed by Clint Eastwood. He is played by Hmong-American actor Bee Vang. 

Thao is a sixteen-year-old Hmong boy who lives with his sister Sue, his mother Vu, and his grandmother Phong. His father does not appear, and he likely abandoned the family. It is unclear whether Thao is still in school or not, but he does not have a job. 

Inner characterization

Thao has to be the man in his family

In one of the first scenes, Thao is doing the washing up at his house during the family gathering, while his grandmother Phong comments that Thao could never “become the man of the house” (00:10:34). Although Thao has stepped in to help, his relatives do not seem to appreciate his efforts, and can even be seen piling more dishes in the sink for Thao to wash, because they consider doin...