Estimated read time: 4 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role in Story |
|---|---|
| Naomi | Protagonist's love interest |
| Joji | Male protagonist |
| Naomi's Father | Supporting character |
| Naomi's Mother | Supporting character |
| Joji's Mother | Minor character |
Role Identification
Naomi
Naomi is the central female character whose transformation and relationship with Joji drive the narrative. She symbolizes modernity and Western influence in 1920s Japan.
Joji
Joji is the male protagonist, a middle-aged man fascinated by Western culture. His obsession with Naomi reflects his desire to reshape his life.
Naomi's Father and Mother
They represent Naomi's traditional background, contrasting with her Westernized persona.
Joji's Mother
A minor character, she provides insight into Joji's familial background and traditional upbringing.
Character Descriptions
| Character Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Naomi | A young woman from a humble background, she evolves from innocence to a confident Westernized woman. |
| Joji | A 25-year-old man captivated by Western culture, he works as a salesman and seeks excitement in life. |
| Naomi's Father | A traditional man, he initially disapproves of Naomi's Westernized behavior. |
| Naomi's Mother | Supportive but concerned, she reflects the older generation's views on cultural shifts. |
| Joji's Mother | Represents conventional Japanese values and family expectations. |
Character Traits
| Character | Traits |
|---|---|
| Naomi | Ambitious, manipulative, modern, independent |
| Joji | Obsessive, romantic, naive, insecure |
| Naomi's Father | Traditional, protective, authoritative |
| Naomi's Mother | Caring, cautious, conservative |
| Joji's Mother | Traditional, strict, concerned |
Character Background
Naomi
Naomi comes from a lower-class family but quickly embraces Western culture. Her transformation is influenced by Joji's fascination with all things Western.
Joji
Joji grew up in a traditional Japanese family but feels disconnected from his roots. His middle-class status allows him to indulge in fantasies about Western life.
Naomi's Parents
They represent the older generation's resistance to Westernization and the changes affecting Japanese society.
Joji's Mother
Her strict upbringing shapes Joji's initial worldview, which he seeks to escape.
Character Arcs
Naomi
Naomi's arc moves from naive girl to a confident, Westernized woman who ultimately asserts control over her life, challenging traditional norms.
Joji
Joji begins as a man infatuated with Western culture and Naomi. Over time, he becomes disillusioned as his idealization clashes with reality.
Naomi's Parents
Their arc is mostly static, symbolizing traditional resistance to societal changes.
Joji's Mother
Remains a figure of traditional values, influencing Joji's initial mindset.
Relationships
| Characters | Relationship Description |
|---|---|
| Joji & Naomi | A complex romantic relationship marked by power struggles and cultural contrasts. |
| Naomi & Parents | A strained relationship due to Naomi's rejection of traditional values. |
| Joji & Parents | Traditional, distant relationship that motivates Joji's fascination with Western culture. |
| Joji & Naomi's Parents | Tension exists as Naomi's family disapproves of Joji's influence on her Westernization. |
Joji and Naomi
Their relationship is central to the story. Joji's obsession with Naomi leads him to mold her into his ideal woman. However, Naomi grows beyond his control, challenging his fantasies and highlighting cultural tensions.
Naomi and Her Parents
Naomi's adoption of Western habits causes conflict with her parents, who embody traditional Japanese values. This tension illustrates the generational and cultural shifts of the era.
Joji and His Parents
Joji's traditional upbringing contrasts with his desire to escape into Western culture. His relationship with his mother reflects societal expectations he tries to evade.
Joji and Naomi's Parents
Joji feels judged by Naomi's family, which adds tension to his relationship with Naomi and underscores societal divisions.
Conclusion
The characters in Naomi by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki embody the cultural and generational conflicts of early 20th-century Japan. Naomi represents the allure and complexity of Westernization, while Joji personifies the conflicted Japanese man caught between tradition and modernity. Their evolving relationship sheds light on issues of identity, control, and cultural transformation. The supporting characters enrich the narrative by highlighting societal expectations and resistance to change. Through nuanced character development and interactions, Tanizaki explores the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing world.
