From Ove to Otto: chatacter transformation and cultural shift in Swedish novel by Fredrik Backman to American film adaptation

This research examines the character differences in Fredrik Backman's novel, A Man Called Ove, and Marc Foster's film adaptation, A Man Called Otto, as influenced by cultural differences. The research focuses on the main characters appearing in both works. Therefore, this study focuses on describing the character changes influenced by these cultural differences. The researcher used a comparative approach and adaptation theory to collect and analyze data from narratives depicting character changes in both works. In this
study, the researcher used a qualitative descriptive method to collect data in a clear
and systematic manner. The results show that the transformation from Ove to Otto is closely related to cultural adaptation from a Swedish to an American context. Ove's characterization reflects Swedish values of social responsibility, rule-following, and collective welfare, while Otto's portrayal emphasizes themes of individual resilience, multicultural interaction, and community diversity that are more relevant to contemporary American society. These cultural adjustments are reflected through changes in character relationships, supporting characters, occupations, and social interactions. Therefore, the study argues that adaptation functions as a form of cultural translation, enabling the story to remain meaningful for different audiences while preserving its central themes.