The narrator and second-born son of the Oyama family, often called Kiyo. He is an observant boy growing up on a Hawaiian sugar cane plantation. He manages the heavy expectations of his Japanese heritage while developing his own American perspective, often finding himself caught between his older brother's vocal rebellion and his parents' strict demands.

The eldest son of the Oyama family, widely known as Tosh. A good student and talented boxer, he bears the crushing burden of his parents' massive debt. He openly resents the traditional system that forces him to sacrifice his personal ambitions to labor in the cane fields.

The patriarch of the Oyama family. He immigrated to Hawaii to clear his father's debts and now struggles to support a large family on a fisherman's meager income. He enforces traditional Japanese values of face and filial duty, directing his highest expectations and harshest discipline toward his eldest son.

The hardworking mother of the Oyama family. She accepts her difficult life on the plantation without complaint. She views her hardships through the lens of traditional superstitions and constantly pressures her sons to prioritize the family's financial survival over their personal desires.

An older boy whose family lives in the Filipino Camp. He treats the younger children generously but faces total ostracization from the adults because of his parents' disreputable lifestyle.

Oyama Isao's aunt who eloped and fled to Hawaii, making her a permanent social outcast in her own family. She holds deep beliefs in retribution and the spiritual concept of offering oneself as a substitute to pay for another's debts.

A red-haired, well-traveled teacher at the plantation school. He encourages his students to see the exploitation built into the plantation system and actively questions blind loyalty to authority.

The white plantation overseer in Kahana. He maintains the rigid social hierarchy of the camps, using his intimidating physical presence to ensure the workers remain divided and fully compliant.

A Methodist minister who provides essential protection for the Japanese-American community in Kahana. His social status allows him to intercede directly with authorities on behalf of the plantation families.

A language teacher widely viewed as a father figure for the entire Japanese Camp. He demonstrates patience with the younger generation, helping them contextualize their anger at strict traditional customs.

One of the unmarried Oyama sisters. She attends high school while her older brothers labor in the fields, creating ongoing tension over the family's distribution of resources.

A young Japanese woman who works at the local hospital. She represents a future outside the immediate Oyama household for Toshio, causing inevitable friction with his parents.

A neighbor girl in the plantation camps. She reacts with alarm and hostility when approached inappropriately by a classmate under false pretenses.

An older worker heavily praised by the traditional parents in the camp. He delayed his own personal life for fifteen years to support his family, making him an uncomfortable symbol of duty for the younger men.

A local boy who shares carefree summer days near the breakers before adult conflicts complicate their social circles.

A childhood companion who participates in minor mischievous schemes around the neighborhood.

The youngest child of the Oyama family. His birth adds significant strain to the family's debt, further infuriating his older brother Toshio.