Unnamed narrator in 'The Wind-Up Bird and Tuesday's Woman'
He is unemployed and takes care of his house, while his wife works. He is wary of the woman who calls him and tries to have phone sex with him.
Narrator's Wife in 'The Wind-Up Bird and Tuesday's Woman'
She works long hours while her husband stays at home. Even though, she asks him to stay at home and focus on his writing, she is unhappy about having to work. She is also utterly devastated by the disappearance of her cat.
Unnamed Mysterious Girl in 'The Wind-Up Bird and Tuesday's Woman'
She is a teenager who is staying at home due to an injury. She doesn't take off her glasses and is very mysterious. She also seems fascinated by death.
Unnamed Narrator in 'The Second Bakery Attack'
He is a newly-married man in his late twenties. He is a submissive person and follows his wife's instructions. He is also scared of confrontations and looks up to his wife for directions.
Narrator's Wife in 'The Second Bakery Attack'
She is the leader in the relationship. She is methodical and determined. She makes her mind after careful deliberation, and likes to prepare for all sorts of scenarios. She also has a sense of morals, which is evident when she decides to pay for cold drinks in the restaurant, since they were only stealing hamburgers.
Unnamed Narrator in 'The Kangaroo Communique'
He is a lonely man, who becomes obsessed with a woman who sends a letter of complaint. He also has OCD-like tendencies, since he has detailed rituals for mundane tasks.
Unnamed Narrator in 'Sleep'
She is a home-maker, while her husband works as a dentist. She used to be an avid-reader, but gave up on it and other things due to her marriage. When she fails to fall asleep, she decides to se that time to read and realizes how she has forgotten her own self and begins to revolt against her mundane life with small activities.
Unnamed Mother in 'Lederhosen'
She is a dutiful wife and mother. As she is buying a pair of pants for her husband, she realizes that she had been so engrossed by her duty as a wife, that she never realized how she hated her husband and decides to leave him then.
Unnamed Narrator in 'Barn Burning'
He is a writer, who takes fancy to a girl he meets at a party. He is smitten by her, even though she shows little interest.
Girl in 'Barn Burning'
She is learning pantomiming and uses a number of boyfriends to support her. She goes on a trip to Africa and finds a rich, mysterious boyfriend. She is a good listener, but doesn't show any affection towards the narrator.
Mysterious boyfriend in 'Barn Burning'
The girl meets him in Africa and returns back to Japan with him. He drives expensive cars but seems to have no job or business. He confesses to have a liking to burn barns.
Unnamed Narrator in 'Family Affair'
He is an irresponsible, careless brother. He is also jealous of her sister's boyfriend, since he seems to be more sorted in his life.
Sister in 'Family Affair'
She is a hard-working student, and is conflicted with her feelings to her fiance and with her brother.
Noboru Watanaber in 'Family Affair'
He is the fiance of the sister. He seems to be the perfect man, is allergic to alcohol and is hated by the brother.
