Tree-ear is an orphaned 12-year-old boy named after a mushroom that grows without a parent seed. He survives by scavenging in the village trash heaps alongside his guardian, Crane-man. Despite his impoverished existence, he maintains a hopeful attitude and is fiercely drawn to the art of celadon pottery. He secretly observes master potters at work, hoping to eventually learn the craft.

Crane-man is an elderly, unhoused man who serves as Tree-ear's sole family. He was born with a twisted foot and calf that require him to stand on one leg, earning him his nickname. He is a resourceful survivor and skilled straw weaver who manages to provide shelter and moral guidance for his young companion. He teaches the orphan the value of dignity and honest work.

Min is an elderly, highly respected master potter in the village of Ch'ulp'o. He produces exceptional celadon pottery but works at a painstaking, deliberately slow pace that frustrates his customers. He possesses a notoriously short temper and makes high demands of those who work for him. He harbors an intense desire to secure a royal commission for his work.

Ajima is the kind-hearted wife of the master potter Min. She quietly manages their household and tolerates her husband's irascible temperament with good humor. She pays close attention to the people around her, quickly realizing when workers need extra food or warm clothing. She extends maternal warmth to those outside her immediate family.

Kang is an independent potter in Ch'ulp'o who competes directly with Min. He actively experiments with new methods and develops an innovative technique for incising colored designs onto clay. He works carefully to keep his competitors from copying his methods before he can present them to royal buyers.

Emissary Kim is an official representative of the royal palace sent to evaluate the craftsmen of Ch'ulp'o and Kangjin. He possesses a refined eye for high-quality celadon and understands the subtle differences between various masters' works. He wields significant power over the village's economy, as his decisions determine which potters receive lucrative lifetime appointments.