Character guide

Etsu Inagaki Sugimoto

major

Also known as Etsu, Etsu-bo, Etsu-ko, Etsu-bo Sama, Etsu-ko Sama, little Etsu-bo Sama, Etsu Inagaki Sugimoto, Etsu - bo Sama, Etsu - ko, Etsu - ko Sama, Little Etsu - ko, Little Etsu - bo

The narrator and protagonist, a Japanese woman who travels to America and navigates two cultures.

Mother

major

Also known as Honourable Mother, Poor Mother, Mother Goose

Etsu's mother, a traditional samurai wife who raises her with strict honor and love.

Father

supporting

Also known as Honourable Father, Presently Father

Etsu's father, a samurai who dies early but profoundly influences her values.

Honourable Grandmother

supporting

Also known as Grandmother, Honourable Edo Grandmother

Etsu's strict, traditional grandmother who teaches her samurai etiquette.

Hanano

supporting

Etsu's older sister, who marries and later visits her in America.

Brother

supporting

Also known as Honourable Brother

Etsu's brother, a samurai who supports her education and decisions.

Matsuo

supporting

A loyal family retainer who serves Etsu's household in Japan.

Ishi

supporting

Also known as Kind old Ishi

An elderly servant who cares for Etsu as a child.

Chiyo

major

Also known as little Chiyo

Etsu's daughter, born in America and central to her later life.

Jiya

supporting

Also known as Jiya San, old Jiya

A faithful old servant who accompanies Etsu on her first journey.

Miss Helen

supporting

An American missionary who teaches and befriends Etsu.

Taki

supporting

Also known as Faithful Taki

A devoted maid who serves Etsu in Japan and America.

Mr. Toda

minor

Also known as Brave, unconquered Mr. Toda

A samurai friend of Etsu's father who advises the family.

Miyo

minor

A young girl who becomes Etsu's friend in Japan.

Shiro

minor

Also known as Poor Shiro

A dog belonging to Etsu's family in Japan.

Lady Moon

minor

Also known as the beautiful Lady Moon, the Lady Moon

A poetic personification of the moon in Japanese folklore.

Mrs. Sugimoto

supporting

Etsu's mother-in-law, a traditional Japanese woman.

Kikuno

minor

Also known as the gentle Kikuno, Poor Kikuno

A gentle woman who serves in Etsu's household.

Clara

minor

An American friend of Etsu in the United States.

Mrs. Newton

minor

Also known as delicate Mrs. Newton

An American neighbor who helps Etsu adjust to Western life.

Toshi

minor

A servant in Etsu's Japanese household.

Sudzu

minor

A young girl who plays with Etsu in childhood.

Goro

minor

A servant or retainer in Etsu's family home.

Mistress Rain

minor

Also known as sly Mistress Rain

A personification of rain in Japanese children's stories.

Taro

minor

A common name for a male servant or character in tales.

Kin

minor

A servant in Etsu's household.

Uncle Otani

minor

Etsu's uncle who helps arrange her marriage.

Mrs. Sato

minor

Also known as kind Mrs. Sato

A kind neighbor in Japan who helps Etsu's family.

Satomi

minor

A friend or acquaintance of Etsu in Japan.

Mamma

minor

Etsu's affectionate term for her mother.

Major Sato

minor

A military officer and acquaintance of Etsu's family.

Grandfather

minor

Also known as Honourable Grandfather

Etsu's grandfather, a samurai of the old school.

Mrs. Wilson

minor

Also known as Wilson

An American acquaintance of Etsu.

Mrs. Holmes

minor

An American woman who hosts Etsu.

American Grandma

minor

Also known as Grandma

Etsu's American grandmother-in-law.

Tama

minor

A cat in Etsu's childhood home.

Minty

minor

An American friend of Etsu's daughter Chiyo.

Yoshita

minor

A servant in Etsu's Japanese home.

Mr. Holmes

minor

An American man who assists Etsu.

Susan

minor

An American friend of Etsu.

Minoto

minor

Also known as faithful Minoto

A faithful servant in Etsu's household.

Doctor Miller

minor

An American doctor who treats Etsu's family.

Mr. Omori

minor

A Japanese acquaintance of Etsu's family.