O’Brien plays here with the reader’s established knowledge of history, culture, and literature. He’s hoping that your mind will associate Sarkin Aung Wan consciously or unconsciously with Sacajawea, thereby not only creating her personality and impact but also establishing the nature and depth of Paul Berlin’s need. If you require a Sacajawea, you’re really lost.
So basically an author tries to create a character that is similar to a familiar character; the audience can therefore make assumptions as to why the character is present due to their knowledge on the similar character.
