Tran is a character on FOX comedy New Girl. He is portrayed by Ralph Ahn.
Character
Tran is a friend of Nick and the two are often seen in the park where Nick is asking Tran for advice. Tran does not talk, usually he just listens to Nick talk and nods, laughs or simply looks at Nick. The only time Tran's spoken to Nick is in the episode Menzies, when Tran tells Nick he's a "huge baby." He seems like a calm, friendly person, albeit with possibly questionable culinary skills[1].
Tran and Nick
Nick considers Tran to be a grandfather figure, but Tran is very vague about his emotions, as he has the same facial expression and body language for the whole time he's appeared on New Girl.
Nick and Tran in a pool.
Tran and Nick's conversations usually happen when Nick is in distress about something that's happening in his life that he can't talk about with anyone else. Nick tells Tran about his issue, he might ask what he should do, come up with an idea himself, and thank Tran for helping him. Tran keeps the same expression the whole time and doesn't speak.
Trivia
- It is unclear where exactly he is from, but the actor, Ralph Ahn, is Korean-American, and Tran is a common Vietnamese name.
- Kai tells Nick that while Nick considers Tran his best friend, Nick is not Tran's best friend.