The Bae Brothers’ Rivalry

The Sun is Also a Star

Daniel’s relationship with Charlie evolves from childhood rejection and adult bullying toward a first act of resistance and an unexpected brotherly kindness.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Childhood Rejection The Childhood Rejection from "The Sun is Also a Star". A Younger Brother Left Behind Following the Older Boy Daniel chases Charlie and his new friends, believing he has simply been forgotten.

The Childhood Rejection from "The Sun is Also a Star". A Younger Brother Left Behind Following the Older Boy Daniel chases Charlie and his new friends, believing he has simply been forgotten.

A Younger Brother Left Behind Following the Older Boy Daniel chases Charlie and his new friends, believing he has simply been forgotten. A Public Rebuke Charlie rejects him, teaching Daniel that their closeness has been replaced by social embarrassment.

Harvard’s Disruption Harvard’s Disruption from "The Sun is Also a Star". The Golden Son Falls Required Withdrawal Charlie is required to leave Harvard temporarily after years of effortless achievement.

Harvard’s Disruption from "The Sun is Also a Star". The Golden Son Falls Required Withdrawal Charlie is required to leave Harvard temporarily after years of effortless achievement.

The Golden Son Falls Required Withdrawal Charlie is required to leave Harvard temporarily after years of effortless achievement. Family Pressure Shifts With the family’s model son faltering, expectations intensify around Daniel instead.

Charlie Mocks Natasha Charlie Mocks Natasha from "The Sun is Also a Star". Bullying Continues Racist Taunts Charlie ridicules Natasha, implying she is a shoplifter and mocking Daniel’s attraction to her.

Charlie Mocks Natasha from "The Sun is Also a Star". Bullying Continues Racist Taunts Charlie ridicules Natasha, implying she is a shoplifter and mocking Daniel’s attraction to her.

Bullying Continues Racist Taunts Charlie ridicules Natasha, implying she is a shoplifter and mocking Daniel’s attraction to her. Daniel Hesitates The encounter exposes how easily Daniel’s wish to avoid family conflict can injure someone he cares about.

Daniel Fights Back Daniel Fights Back from "The Sun is Also a Star". The Pattern Breaks Naming the Harm Daniel challenges Charlie about years of cruelty and learns that Charlie resents his Korean identity and social ease.

Daniel Fights Back from "The Sun is Also a Star". The Pattern Breaks Naming the Harm Daniel challenges Charlie about years of cruelty and learns that Charlie resents his Korean identity and social ease.

The Pattern Breaks Naming the Harm Daniel challenges Charlie about years of cruelty and learns that Charlie resents his Korean identity and social ease. Physical Resistance When Charlie turns his prejudice toward Natasha, Daniel punches him and refuses to keep absorbing the abuse.

A Brother’s Small Kindness A Brother’s Small Kindness from "The Sun is Also a Star". Unexpected Assistance Charlie’s Choice Natasha asks Charlie for Daniel’s phone number, and he gives it despite his usual hostility.

A Brother’s Small Kindness from "The Sun is Also a Star". Unexpected Assistance Charlie’s Choice Natasha asks Charlie for Daniel’s phone number, and he gives it despite his usual hostility.

Unexpected Assistance Charlie’s Choice Natasha asks Charlie for Daniel’s phone number, and he gives it despite his usual hostility. An Ambiguous Good Deed The act does not repair their relationship, but it is a rare moment when Charlie helps his brother rather than undermining him.

the summer Daniel is six and Charlie is eight

the summer before Daniel’s senior year

early afternoon, at Black Hair Care

late afternoon, after Daniel returns to the store

late afternoon, while Daniel searches for Natasha