Zenchi is a high-ranking Buddhist priest associated with the imperial court. Despite his spiritual station and religious merit, he fixates intensely on his six-inch-long nose, which dangles over his mouth and interferes with his daily meals. He actively tries various methods to conceal or shorten his nose, secretly inspecting his reflection in the mirror while trying to maintain a public facade of spiritual indifference.

The Disciple is an earnest student of Zenchi Naigu who travels between the temple and the outside world. He acts as a catalyst for his master's physical transformation by proposing a bizarre treatment involving boiling water and physical pressure. He pays close attention to Zenchi's unstated desires, cleverly giving the priest an excuse to undergo the embarrassing procedure without losing face.

The Page is a young servant at the temple who assists Zenchi Naigu with practical difficulties. His primary duty involves holding up the priest's heavy nose during meals, a delicate task he famously failed once when a sneeze caused the nose to drop directly into a bowl of hot rice gruel.