Mother

Father

Husband and wife, deeply traditional and supportive of each other within the samurai household.

Hanano

Mother and daughter, with Hanano being a caring and dutiful child to her mother.

Ishi

Servant and mistress, with Ishi being a loyal household helper to the mother.

Matsuo

Son and mother, with Matsuo being a respectful and traditional son.

Chiyo

Daughter and mother, with Chiyo being a younger sibling figure under the mother's care.

Brother

Son and mother, with a close bond of respect and affection.

Mrs. Sugimoto

Acquaintances or neighbors, with Mrs. Sugimoto being a fellow woman in the community.

Goro

Son and mother, with Goro being another child of the mother.

Ishi

Servant and mistress, with Ishi being a loyal household helper to the mother.

Father

Husband and wife, deeply traditional and supportive of each other within the samurai household.

Goro

Son and mother, with Goro being another child of the mother.

Hanano

Mother and daughter, with Hanano being a caring and dutiful child to her mother.

Dedication

One of the two mothers to whom the book is dedicated, representing the author's Japanese heritage.

A Daughter of the Samurai

Portrayed as a figure of quiet strength and duty, upholding family traditions.

I: Winters in Echigo

She burned the family mansion during the Restoration to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

Curly Hair

Scolds Etsu for complaining about her curly hair, reminding her that a samurai's daughter should not resemble a beast.

Days of Kan

She expresses concern about the severity of Etsu-bo's studies, but defers to her husband's samurai philosophy of discipline.

The Old and the New

Appears thoughtful and solemn, giving directions to maids about the meat's arrival.

Falling Leaves

Decorates a farm horse to resemble a war steed for Father; expresses sadness seeing him in his old glory.

A Sunny New Year

Calm and quiet but with a sad smile; fulfills duties during the mourning period and hosts New Year gatherings with dignity.

The Wedding That Never Was

Receives the letter announcing her son's return and shows restrained emotion during his homecoming.

Two Ventures

Gives Sister the mirror-case and speaks the traditional bride's admonition; deeply moved during the ceremony.

The Story of a Marionette

She brings a rare kakemono from the godown and keeps Father's picture in the shrine.

X: The Day of the Bird

Mother prepares Etsu-bo for her betrothal and later discusses the difficult decision to send her to America, showing her calm resignation and care.

XI: My First Journey

Etsu-bo bids goodbye to Mother before departing.

Travel Education

Remembered for her quiet compassion in helping Miyo and her lover escape public disgrace, showing her adherence to duty yet deep kindness.

Lessons

Sent Etsu-bo Japanese books, including Hakkenden, when she requested them.

How I Became a Christian

Initially surprised by Etsu's request to become a Christian, but gives consent after learning it does not require disrespect to ancestors; suffers from asthma and bears hardship with pride.

Sailing Unknown Seas

Reads Matsuo's letter with hidden tears, finds comfort in the thought of a kind American woman guiding her daughter, and insists on traditional bridal preparations despite her son's objections.

First Impressions

Etsu's American mother-in-law, who teaches her about American ways and shares conversations about marriage customs.

Strange Customs

Mentioned as a wonderful source of information about Japanese customs.

XIX: Thinking

Quoted regarding the custom of kissing; her dignified bow and farewell are recalled as expressions of deep love.

XX: Neighbours

Tells Etsu about Mrs. Newton's brave act of shooting a snake to save her birds, illustrating hidden strength.

New Experiences

Engages in a poetry contest with Etsu, plants morning-glory seeds around the well, and agrees to the name Hanano.

Flower in a Strange Land

Sends Buddhist picture-books to warn Etsu against selfish love, showing her gentle guidance.

Flower in a Strange Land

Observes Matsuo's fatherly devotion and remarks on his unselfishness.

XXIV: In Japan Again

Sends the progressive Tokyo uncle to represent Etsu's family at the council.

Our Tokyo Home

Decides to come live with Etsu-bo but sends Taki ahead as an interim chaperon and housekeeper.

XXVII: Honourable Grandmother

Arrives as Honourable Grandmother; she is gentle, traditional, and deeply Buddhist, but open to accompanying Chiyo to church. She prepares her nail clippings for burial and speaks of her impending death.

Sister's Visit

Suffering from asthma; enjoys her daughter's visit and the family stories.

A Lady of Old Japan

Central figure of the chapter; her life story is told from marriage through war, hiding, and her final request for the ceremony for 'The Nameless'.

The White Cow

Referenced as lying buried beside her husband in Nagaoka; her memory is honored during the visit.

Worthless Treasures

Recalled as giving away paper from the saihai for healing, and her funeral is referenced.