Character Clues

Character Analysis

Thoughts and Opinions

Manjiro's a thoughtful guy. We know this because his thoughts are exactly that: thoughtful.
After all, who looks at a snail making a trail on a rock and thinks this?

The shadow of Manjiro's face must have seemed like an island of shade in the bright sea. The snail and I, Manjiro thought, are alike. I trace out the length and breadth of this island every day, pacing around and around its face. Like the snail, I have no idea of all that lies beyond. (1.2.87)

Deep, right? Manjiro sure manages to consider a whole lot here, including himself, his experience, the snail, and how the two of them are similar.

Then there are Manjiro's thoughts about others. Since he isn't exactly a judgmental guy, his opinions are more like attempts to understand another person. A key moment is when he's thinking about his bully Tom:

It was odd that Tom was so gentle with his horse, he thought, yet could be so mean to people. He supposed, too, that although everyone had thought the black and blue marks he always wore had come from fighting, they probably were given to him by his own father. (3.22.70)

See what we mean? Manjiro thinks through other people, instead of keeping his thought process just about himself. As a result, Tom isn't just a bully—he's a guy who's being abused by his father. He might torment Manjiro, but Manjiro's capable of seeing beyond his own interactions with Tom to recognize the wounded young man he is.

Speech and Dialogue

How do we know that Manjiro is inquisitive and curious? Because his Japanese pals say that he "asks too many questions" and because Manjiro himself says he "still [has] so many questions" (2.4.1). Since his willingness to ask questions is a key trait, it makes sense that it comes out in dialogue. And every time it does, of course, we're reminded about how open and curious Manjiro is when it comes to the world around him—and when it comes to his friends, how closed they can be.

Pretty much every time Captain Whitfield opens his mouth his awesomeness shines through. He's the one who supports Manjiro's questions, encouraging Manjiro to pursue them. He says:

"How are you going to learn if you don't ask things? Ask all the questions you like whenever you like to whomever you like." (2.4.27)

And this, of course, is only one instance of the Captain showing his unwavering support for Manjiro. Dude doesn't miss a beat when it comes to saying—and doing—the right thing.

Location

Manjiro starts off in Japan, but ends up in America—more specifically, a farm in Connecticut. Why? Because, despite Japan's closed-door policy, Manjiro's completely open and eager to learn about new places and people. But then Manjiro returns to his hometown in Japan—a testament to Manjiro's sense of loyalty and devotion to his family. Pretty cool, right? We think so. Are there other ways location reveals character in this book?