Obasan: She is gentle and warm towards others. She saves everything that is attached to any memory, even down to pieces of string tied on a parcel. Becomes the mother figure in Nomi's life during mother's absence.

Uncle: Stubborn and set in his traditions. Exemplified in his refusal to try a new recipe for his rock hard bread.

Grandma Kato: She is also gentle, caring, and traditional. She enjoys scorching hot baths.

Stephan: He is rebellious, and off balance with his traditions and native culture.

Aunt Emily: She is extremely revengeful and feels deprived from the years she lost. She separates from her culture when all her attention is focused on revenge.

Mother: She is strong, and silent.

Father: He is supportive and caring as a single father.

Noami: She is confused with life, she feels like it has been wasted and that she has accomplished nothing. She has no self-assurance.