Monica’s father, a first-generation immigrant from Japan who is proud of his heritage and runs the Carrollton Hotel. He faces numerous hardships, including the loss of his dream to continue legal training, and endures the family’s internment experience.

Monica’s mother, who emigrated from Japan at seventeen, has a lively, spontaneous nature and enjoys engaging with American culture. She retains her interest in beauty and literature and supports her family during internment.

Monica’s older brother, and her childhood playmate, who excels in his studies to be a doctor. He shares Monica's ambition and patriotism and later works as a doctor.

Monica’s younger brother, notable for his brief role in the memoir, who is fearful of going to Japan due to the earthquakes he has heard about.

Monica’s younger sister, who is delicate and easily influenced, develops into a starstruck teenager and later becomes a nurse.

The principal of Seattle’s Nihon Gakko Japanese school, who values Japanese customs and etiquette and is a strict enforcer of cultural norms among Japanese American children.

A family acquaintance who closely monitors Benko and advocates for traditional Japanese customs, while also advising the destruction of Japanese artifacts during hostile times.

Monica’s best friend in the sanitarium, whose humor, resilience, and sensitive handling of topics related to ethnicity greatly support Monica during difficult times.

A Scandinavian couple who rents an apartment to the Itois near Lake Washington and provide friendship and support during the family’s ordeal with internment.

Henry’s fiancée, a young woman embodying American fashion and sensibilities who becomes a nurse and resourcefully organizes her wedding in the internment camp.