〈조씨삼대록〉의 보조 인물의 양상과 서사적 효과

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The present study reviews supporting characters of the classical Korean novel Three Generations of the Jo Family (Jossisamdaerok), in which these characters assist either the protagonist or the antagonist in their respective endeavors. The purpose is to examine their characteristic deeds, and consider the narrative effect they create in the story.
The magician who helps the evil antagonist uses magic tricks or potions. The Buddhist nuns who help the protagonist get prophecies and revelations in their dreams. Some court maids and wet nurses conspire to assist the antagonist by devising meticulous schemes with an aid of their families and relatives. Some other court maids and ladies-in-waiting are so loyal to the good-hearted heroine that they risk their lives and use their wisdom to help her.
Some other characters offer written memorials to the king or to the related authorities, bringing the matter at hand into public attention. These various supporting characters, each playing important roles, add to the fantasy and entertaining quality of the story, and increase the reality and plausibility of the incidents. The diverse roles of the supporting characters contribute to adding depth and detail to both the characters in general and the narratives of the story. They also make the storyline complicated enough to evolve into a full-length novel.
The features mentioned above are not found in earlier works such as: A Dream of Two Dragons (Hyeonmong ssangnyonggi), the earlier sequel of this novel, and The Story of So Hyeon-seong (Sohyeonseong-rok), a novel of the preceding era. Therefore, it is concluded that the detailed description of the supporting characters and their contributions to the story are advanced characteristics of the Korean “Three-Generation Novels” written relatively later in time.