Analysis of Characters (1st part)

In this sixth chapter, we are introduced (in some detail) to Kumiko’s family. We have, to begin with, her father; Kumiko’s father who is dedicated to always win, in every way possible. In his description (pages 72-73) we are exposed to this obsession he has with competition. In fact, he is described as a man who always wanted, “to earn the highest possible marks and to shove aside anyone and everyone standing in your (his) path to the top.” (72-73) After being introduced to a man like this, we are then exposed to his wife, Kumiko’s mother, who is a symbol of oppression. So much so that she, “possessed neither the opinions nor the character to oppose her husband’s opinion.” (73) Then again, after seeing how her husband was, how could she?

Next, Noboru Wataya is introduced. Noboru, who is the first member of Kumiko’s family being revealed his surname, is an intelligent and devoted man, who found his way right to the top of society. As I mentioned earlier, the author deliberately chose not to mention the names of Kumiko’s: mother, father, and sister, however we are granted her brothers name. Further more, the whole sixth chapters name is (partially) devoted to Noboru, as his name is in fact the chapter’s title. The cat that is also an important symbol holds the same name as Kumiko’s brother. With these details, we can conclude that Noboru will be of greater importance, in relation to the rest of his family.