Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

The vivacious, brave, and hopeful Sadako Sasaki is the novel’s protagonist. She is 11 years old when the story begins and is “tall for her age” (13). Her long legs come in handy with her favorite hobby, racing. Sadako’s active, energetic behavior on Peace Day quickly establishes the enthusiasm for life she exudes. Even her name indicates her joie de vivre; the first character in Sadako, “sada,” means “happiness.” She bravely holds onto this cheerfulness after she is diagnosed with leukemia. Even when she’s going through a painful ordeal, she tries to offer comfort and hope to others, such as Kenji and Mrs. Sasaki. Her courage and care for others lead her to conceal her pain from everyone around her. She keeps her dizzy spells a secret from her friends and family members until she collapses at school and can no longer deny to herself or her loved ones that something is wrong. Through all of her struggles and sufferings, Sadako’s belief in miracles and wishes gives her strength. As she fights physical pain and “the bigger pain” of the fear of dying, the paper cranes remind her that “there was always hope” (56).