Ichiro is a twenty-five-year-old Japanese American who answered "no" to the loyalty questionnaire, resulting in two years of prison time rather than military service. He returns to Seattle deeply conflicted, facing an identity crisis and searching for a place in a society marred by prejudice. He desperately wants to understand whether he belongs in America and struggles with the heavy social and familial consequences of his past decisions.

Kenji is an old friend of Ichiro who served in the US military and lost a leg to a machine gun, requiring him to walk with a cane. Despite facing a terminal infection from his war wounds, he maintains a warm relationship with his family and holds an inclusive vision of America's future. He remains entirely non-judgmental of Ichiro's path, actively encouraging him to find happiness.

A fiercely traditional Japanese immigrant who stubbornly refuses to accept that Japan lost World War II. She immigrated to America solely to make money before returning home, and she actively attempts to prevent her sons from absorbing American culture. Her deep denial creates a suffocating environment for her family and fuels a profound rift between her and her eldest son.

A passive, weary immigrant who drowns his sorrows and worries in whiskey. He clearly cares for his family but feels entirely powerless against his wife's delusions and dominant personality. His quiet nature leaves him struggling to connect with his Americanized sons, though he harbors a sincere desire to keep his family together.

Ichiro's eighteen-year-old younger brother, who drops out of high school to enlist in the military. He completely rejects his parents' immigrant heritage in favor of a staunch American identity. Eager to atone for the stigma of Ichiro's refusal to serve, he harbors deep resentment toward his older brother.

Another young man who spent time in prison for refusing the draft. Unlike Ichiro, he responds to the intense social alienation by embracing fatalism, recklessness, and self-destructive habits. He spends his time gambling and pursuing destructive vices, illustrating a chaotic path for those rejected by society.

A young, attractive woman who shares a deep understanding of the difficulties inherent in balancing Japanese and American identities. She lives alone while her husband, Ralph, serves in the military, having signed up for a second tour without consulting her. She provides companionship and emotional support to Ichiro during his lowest moments.

A brash and aggressive Japanese American military veteran who frequents local nightclubs. He harbors intense anger toward those who refused the draft, regularly taunting or attempting to physically harm them. He channels his own combat-related trauma into cruelty against his peers.

The stout, convivial owner of an engineering firm who strongly opposes the Japanese internment. Warm-hearted and eager to offer Ichiro a fresh start, representing a tolerant facet of white American society.

Ichiro's former engineering professor who expresses disgust over the internment camps. Well-meaning but operating under the assumption that Ichiro served in the military, he encourages Ichiro to resume his education and insists on his equal status as an American.

The director of the Christian Rehabilitation Center who speaks some Japanese. While he offers employment to those in need, he clearly projects judgment regarding the draft refusal, believing that draft resisters have brought their suffering upon themselves.

A fellow draft-resister who works at the Christian Rehabilitation Center. He views his time in prison as a transformative experience that motivated him to pursue his true passion of making art, offering Ichiro a more optimistic perspective on their shared history.

A loving and supportive patriarch who maintains a respectful relationship with his son. He quietly bears the sorrow of Kenji's deteriorating health, creating a nurturing home environment that differs sharply from Ichiro's tense household.

Emi's absent husband who serves in the United States military. He signs up for a second tour of duty without consulting his wife, driven by a need to atone for his older brother's vocal protests against the internment camps.

A family friend of Ichiro's parents who shares his mother's controversial views. She firmly believes that Japan won the war and maintains that any Japanese American who fought for the United States should be ashamed.

An old friend of Ichiro from before his time in prison. Dressed in army fatigues, he is initially thrilled to see Ichiro, but his demeanor shifts violently when he discovers Ichiro's draft status.