Hana is a 21-year-old educated woman from Oka Village, Japan, who travels to America as a picture bride. Ambitious and independent, she seeks to avoid the ordinary village life of her older sisters. Upon arriving in America, she is overwhelmed by the foreign culture and disappointed by her new arrangement, yet she is determined to build a successful life for herself.

Taro is a 31-year-old Japanese immigrant living in Oakland who arranges to marry Hana. Pragmatic and disciplined, he runs a small local shop and devotes himself to the Christian church. He actively pursues assimilation into American culture, encouraging his new wife to adopt Western clothing and religious practices to build a respectable standing in their new country.

Mary is the Nisei (second-generation) daughter of Hana and Taro. Born in America, she grows up heavily influenced by her Western environment. Her tendency to lean into American societal norms and the English language creates a cultural gap between her and her immigrant mother, causing tension within the family home.

Kenji is a young seminary student working with the local church in Oakland. He is a sensitive, kind-hearted man who leads Sunday School with deep consideration for his students. Following a betrayal by church leadership, he experiences severe emotional distress, requiring the support and hospitality of the Takada family to recover his confidence.

Kiku is a warm, friendly woman who emigrated to California five years before Hana, also as a picture bride. She quickly befriends Hana upon her arrival, offering her a place to stay and helping her adjust to the realities of American life. Having faced similar isolation, Kiku becomes a reliable source of comfort and solidarity.

Henry is Kiku's husband and a boisterous, cheerful friend to Taro. He originally works as a janitor in the city but harbors a desire to leave the urban environment to work in rural California as a farmer, seeking a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle for his family.

Kiyoshi is a younger, charismatic friend of Taro. Naturally handsome and charming, he lacks the financial discipline of his peers and struggles to hold a steady job. His immediate mutual attraction to Hana creates an unspoken tension within the community.

Dr. Kaneda is a wealthy, prominent leader in the local Japanese American Christian community. Well-respected by the congregation, he acts as a financial supporter for the church and a mentor to newer immigrants, offering a model of established success and serving as a figure of solidarity.

Ellen is a clean, organized white woman in Oakland who hires Hana as a housekeeper to help the Takadas manage their debt. She shows immediate kindness and understanding, bonding with Hana over the shared experience of losing a young child.

Dr. Davis is the husband of Ellen Davis. He lives a quiet, organized life in Oakland alongside his wife and son, maintaining a respectful household that employs Hana.

Victor is the son of Ellen and Dr. Davis. He is a respectful member of the Davis household in Oakland, where Hana works as a housekeeper to earn extra income for her family.

Mrs. Johnson is a white neighbor of the Takadas. She approaches Hana with a patronizing offer of domestic employment, viewing her purely through the lens of a servant rather than an equal member of the neighborhood.

Reverend Okada is the minister at Taro's Christian church in Oakland. He leads the congregation, providing spiritual guidance and praying for the protection of Japanese immigrants facing hardship in America.

Mrs. Okada is the wife of Reverend Okada. She is actively involved in the church community and assists members of the congregation with their daily struggles.

Johnson is one of the white neighbors who initially approaches Taro's home to intimidate the family. When Taro responds with calm hospitality, Johnson is disarmed and eventually shakes Taro's hand.

Joseph is a white American college student and teacher's assistant. He is the child of immigrants himself and sympathizes with the complicated relationship between racial and cultural identity.

Kenny is the adventurous son of Kiku and Henry Toda. Raised in rural California, he enjoys the rough, muddy freedom of farm life, which contrasts sharply with the urban upbringing of his peers.

Jimmy is the younger son of Kiku and Henry Toda. He explores the outdoors alongside his older brother, embracing the independence and natural beauty of their rural farm.

Mrs. Mitosa is a Japanese American woman who becomes a neighbor and acquaintance of the Takadas, facing similar hardships and health struggles within the community.

Sumiko is Mrs. Mitosa's daughter. She becomes acquainted with the local community members and serves as a supportive figure for her ailing mother.