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The Ugly American Character Analysis

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The book, The Ugly American, is a great example of U.S. representatives exerting influence while working abroad. Special Operations Forces (SOF) also hold the same power of influence when deployed. Many of the characters portray SOF imperatives, either positively and/or negatively. This paper examines the three character vignettes of Coronel Hillandale, Father Finian, and Major Monet and my personal experiences to show how the SOF imperatives apply in today’s environment. The book, The Ugly American, is a great example of U.S. representatives exerting influence while working abroad. Special Operations Forces (SOF) also hold the same power of influence when deployed. This paper examines the three character vignettes of Coronel Hillandale, Father Finian, and Major Monet, and I compare them with my own personal experiences to show how the SOF imperatives apply in today’s environment. SOF imperatives are the values, morals and guidelines operators use for planning and executing operations. Within The Ugly American, many characters portray SOF imperatives, either positively and/or negatively. The first vignette examines Air Force Colonel Hillandale’s relationships with the Country Team and Sarkhanese Government and his display of the SOF imperative, "Facilitate …show more content…

objectives. His relationships within the US Embassy in Sarkhan allowed him access to Sarkhanese officials. An event that highlighted his interagency connections was when the Philippine Ambassador invited him to an Embassy party. At the party COL Hillandale used his knowledge of palmistry to impress the guests and also gave a palm reading to the Sarkhanese Prime Minister. Through discreet questioning, disguised as palmistry, Hillandale was able to acquire official secrets. Hillandale’s ability to facilitate interagency relationships allowed him to gain valuable information and insight, staying true to the SOF

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