From Chronicle to Screen: Reimagining Untung Surapati Across Literary and Visual Narratives

Abstract

This research consists of two objectives: (1) to examine the characterization of Untung Surapati in the media of an ancient manuscript (babad), a novel, and an animation; and (2) to analyze the process of alih wahana (media transformation) on the characterization elements of Untung Surapati across these different media. The main theoretical frameworks applied are Nurgiyantoro's theory of characterization to dissect the character structure and the theory of alih wahana to analyze the transformation process through the concepts of convention, deviation, and innovation. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method, in which data were analyzed through five stages: character identification, role analysis, analysis of characterization dimensions (physic, psychological, sociological), character development in relation to the plot, and classification as a round or static character. The results indicate that although Untung Surapati is consistently portrayed as a round character, a significant transformation occurs due to alih wahana. This transformation encompasses three main aspects: (1) adherence to the conventions of each medium; (2) deviation in the character's identity, such as the name change to "Jaka Untung" and the addition of visual attributes in the animation, as well as the addition of the character Robert in the novel which deepens the psychological conflict, and the reduction of characters in the animation; and (3) an innovation that explores Untung's vulnerable side, revealing his personal vengeance and doubts, alongside the addition of another female character besides Nona Gendhak in the novel. It is concluded that each medium not only reproduces but also reconstructs the characterization of Untung Surapati according to its specific conventions and communicative goals, thus proving the dynamic nature of a historical narrative.