What geographic feature has an influence on one of the characters?

Nature's power is on full display in this novel. She is constantly revealing herself in the crashing of the waves, the pouring rain, the heaving seas, the tumultuous skies. The storms often take place at moments of heightened action or emotion in the novel, such as when Shinji must commit his act of valor on the freighter and when Shinji and Hatsue meet to express their love in the tower. Nature is supportive of the lovers' quest and makes no attempt to impede the fruition of their love; indeed, she can even be said to be guilty of subverting the forces of evil and immorality, as when a hornet stops Yasuo from raping Hatsue. Nature informs all aspects of life on Uta-jima and provides a daily living for nearly all of its inhabitants. As Chiyoko observes, the people of the island "enthusiastically entered into an alliance with nature and gave it their full support" (80). Nature is a mostly benevolent force that rewards hard work and morality. It provides, protects, and nurtures the island dwellers.