One of the characters that really got my attention was Creta Kano. One reason obviously is that she not only has a verbal connection, but also sexual (and also kind of subconscious, through the wet dreams) to Toru, the main character. Also, in the meetings with Toru, when she comes to his house, she seems much more friendly than her sister, and also is a lot more open. On both occasions, Creta shares parts of her story doing with Noburu Wataya, and how he defiled her, and about her quest in being reborn, as she defines it. The fact that she is so open and honest with Toru, a complete stranger initially, highlights the importance of him to her, and the strength of the relationship. Furthermore, Creta at one poin invites Toru to go to Crete with her. Although both characters agree that this is both abrupt and spontaneous, this bold action does everything to underline the important connection between the two. This invitation also foreshadows that perhaps their relationship will go even further, as the two will now spend a great deal of time by themselves, alone. Maybe Creta is Murakami's character that helps Toru the most, or plays a more important role that other characters, in the sense that she affects Toru more.
Do you guys think that other characters are more important? If so, why? Do you think Creta will have an important role? I have only read until book 2, so I can't know for sure.
I like the way Muarakami describes Creta with her 1960's look, and her high heels. When she visited him he said he almost wanted to congratulate her on having made it so far on foot wearing these heels (reminding me that he can be quite funny). He also keeps drawing attention to the 'wisps of hair' that move a little in the breeze. It's quite filmic in its use of close-ups sometimes. Anyway, I agree Nelso, that her long story about pain and defilement creates a bond between Creta and Toru, an intimacy that is confirmed in his dream life, where their connection is more spiritual than sexual. However, she retains her mystery and I wonder if all these women are projections of the missing Kumiko. As Majdouline said earlier, the essential "unknowability" of others seems to be a theme in the novel. As to importance, I suspect all the minor characters that orbit Toru are important for different reasons. My favourite though, is May Kasahara. I really like her 'down to earth' humour, her abrupt rebelliousness, her cynicism, and her obvious concern for Toru's well-being. She is another 'damaged' person, and she seems unable to function conventionally, but she is smart and determined. I think she helps Toru a lot in different ways.
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