A US Navy lieutenant and the male lead of the opera, he is characterized by his handsome appearance and financial success, with his international travels and eventual return to America shaping his interactions with Butterfly.

The US Consul in Nagasaki, Sharpless is portrayed as serious and emotional, serving as a voice of reason and compassion amidst the unfolding drama between Butterfly and Pinkerton.

Butterfly’s devoted servant, Suzuki is supportive and practical, sharing a deep bond with Butterfly while maintaining her own religious beliefs.

A marriage broker in the opera who facilitates Butterfly’s marriage to Pinkerton, Goro often uses gestures to communicate and is looked upon unfavorably by the women in the story.

Prince Yamadori is a wealthy divorcee who briefly appears to propose marriage to Butterfly despite her current marital status.

The American wife of Pinkerton, she appears briefly in the narrative and discusses plans to raise Butterfly’s child.

Butterfly’s uncle and a figure of authority, the Bonze arrives at the wedding to condemn Butterfly for her abandonment of her family’s religion.