"Shortcomings" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the graphic novel "Shortcomings" by Adrian Tomine, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall narrative. The protagonist, Ben Tanaka, drives the story as he navigates his personal relationships and explores his own insecurities. Miko Hayashi, Ben's love interest, serves as a catalyst for his self-reflection and growth. Alice Kim and Greg Kim, Ben's friends, provide contrasting perspectives and advice. Sandra, Ben's co-worker, adds an element of tension and complexity to the story.

Character Descriptions

Ben Tanaka

Ben Tanaka is a complex character who struggles with his identity and relationships. He is a second-generation Japanese American living in California. He is in his late twenties and works at a movie theater. Ben is depicted as introspective and cynical, often questioning societal norms and expectations. Physically, he is of average height with messy dark hair and wears glasses. He tends to dress casually and has an unassuming appearance.

Miko Hayashi

Miko Hayashi is a Japanese American woman who becomes Ben's love interest. She is intelligent, ambitious, and confident. Miko is described as attractive, with shoulder-length hair and a stylish fashion sense. She works as a film programmer and shares Ben's passion for movies. Miko's character is portrayed as assertive and independent, often challenging Ben's views and pushing him to confront his own shortcomings.

Alice Kim

Alice Kim is one of Ben's close friends. She is a Korean American woman who works at the same movie theater. Alice is depicted as outgoing and sociable. She is supportive of Ben but also blunt and honest with him. Alice's character provides a different perspective on relationships and cultural identity, often challenging Ben's views.

Greg Kim

Greg Kim is another one of Ben's friends, also of Korean descent. He is portrayed as laid-back and easygoing. Greg is a source of comic relief in the story, often making sarcastic remarks and providing lighthearted moments. Despite his light-hearted nature, Greg provides valuable insights and advice to Ben, offering a different perspective on relationships and personal growth.

Sandra

Sandra is Ben's co-worker at the movie theater. She is a white woman and serves as a source of romantic tension in the story. Sandra is friendly and outgoing, but also flirty and somewhat manipulative. Her character adds complexity to Ben's personal journey, as he grapples with his attraction to her while navigating his feelings for Miko.

Character Traits

Ben Tanaka

Ben Tanaka is introspective, cynical, and insecure. He often overthinks situations and struggles with commitment and vulnerability. Ben's cynicism is evident in his views on relationships and his tendency to question societal expectations. Despite his flaws, Ben is also intelligent, passionate about movies, and has a dry sense of humor.

Miko Hayashi

Miko Hayashi is confident, assertive, and independent. She challenges Ben's preconceived notions and encourages him to confront his own insecurities. Miko is passionate about films and has a deep understanding of the industry. She is also open-minded and willing to engage in conversations about cultural identity and racial dynamics.

Alice Kim

Alice Kim is outgoing, honest, and supportive. She provides a grounded perspective and offers advice to Ben throughout the story. Alice is unafraid to confront Ben about his flaws and push him to self-reflect. She is a strong advocate for open communication and emphasizes the importance of honesty in relationships.

Greg Kim

Greg Kim is laid-back, humorous, and insightful. He often uses humor to diffuse tension and provides a different perspective on relationships. Greg is supportive of Ben and offers advice based on his own experiences. He challenges Ben to step outside his comfort zone and embrace personal growth.

Sandra

Sandra is friendly, flirtatious, and somewhat manipulative. She adds a layer of complication to Ben's journey as he grapples with his attraction to her while being in a relationship with Miko. Sandra's character highlights the complexities of romantic relationships and the potential for infidelity.

Character Background

Ben Tanaka

Ben Tanaka is a second-generation Japanese American who grew up in California. He has a strained relationship with his parents, who have high expectations for him. Ben's cultural background plays a significant role in his identity struggles and his conflicted feelings about dating outside his race. He has had previous relationships but has difficulty committing due to his own insecurities.

Miko Hayashi

Miko Hayashi is also a second-generation Japanese American. She grew up in California and has a strong sense of her cultural identity. Miko is ambitious and has a successful career in the film industry. Her background influences her perspectives on relationships and her willingness to challenge societal norms.

Alice Kim

Alice Kim is a Korean American who also grew up in California. Her cultural background provides a different perspective on relationships and identity. Alice is comfortable with her Korean heritage and embraces it fully. She offers advice to Ben based on her own experiences navigating cultural expectations and interracial relationships.

Greg Kim

Greg Kim, like Alice, is also of Korean descent and grew up in California. His cultural background is integrated into his character, providing a unique perspective on relationships. Greg is more laid-back and carefree, contrasting with Ben's introspective nature. He offers support and guidance through his own experiences.

Sandra

Sandra is a white woman, and her background is less explored in the story. However, her character represents a different racial dynamic in Ben's relationships. Her presence creates tension and forces Ben to confront his own biases and assumptions about attraction and commitment.

Character Arcs

Ben Tanaka

Throughout the story, Ben Tanaka undergoes a significant character arc. Initially, he is cynical and insecure, struggling with commitment and vulnerability. As the story progresses, Ben is forced to confront his own shortcomings and insecurities, particularly in his relationships with Miko and Sandra. Through self-reflection and conversations with his friends, he begins to understand the importance of communication and honesty in relationships. By the end of the novel, Ben shows growth and a willingness to confront his own biases.

Miko Hayashi

Miko Hayashi serves as a catalyst for Ben's character growth. She challenges his preconceived notions and pushes him to confront his insecurities. Miko's character arc is less pronounced compared to Ben's, but she exhibits strength and independence throughout the story. She remains true to herself and does not compromise her values, ultimately making decisions that prioritize her own happiness.

Alice Kim and Greg Kim

Alice and Greg's characters offer support and guidance to Ben throughout the story. While their character arcs are not as prominent, they contribute to Ben's growth by providing contrasting perspectives and challenging his views. They both encourage him to embrace personal growth and challenge societal expectations.

Sandra

Sandra's character arc intersects with Ben's as he navigates his attraction to her while being in a relationship with Miko. Her character highlights the complexities of romantic relationships and the potential for infidelity. Sandra's actions force Ben to confront his own desires and make choices that shape his character growth.

Relationships

Ben and Miko

Ben and Miko's relationship serves as the central focus of the story. They are initially portrayed as a couple facing a crossroads in their relationship. Their interactions highlight the challenges faced by interracial couples and the impact of cultural expectations. As the story progresses, their relationship becomes strained due to Ben's insecurities and his attraction to Sandra. Ultimately, their relationship undergoes significant changes, leading to self-reflection and personal growth for both characters.

Ben and Alice

Ben and Alice have a close friendship that spans many years. Alice serves as a supportive friend, offering advice and challenging Ben's perspectives. Their friendship adds depth to the story and provides a contrasting perspective on relationships. They have a strong bond based on shared experiences and cultural understanding.

Ben and Greg

Ben and Greg have a longstanding friendship built on humor and mutual support. Greg serves as a sounding board for Ben and provides a different perspective on relationships. Their friendship adds lighthearted moments to the story and contributes to Ben's personal growth.

Ben and Sandra

Ben's dynamic with Sandra is fraught with tension and attraction. Their relationship represents a potential betrayal of Ben's commitment to Miko. Sandra's character challenges Ben's loyalty and forces him to confront his own desires. Their interactions highlight the complexities of romantic relationships and the potential consequences of infidelity.

Conclusion

In "Shortcomings" by Adrian Tomine, the characters play crucial roles in exploring themes of identity, relationships, and personal growth. Ben Tanaka's character arc, supported by Miko, Alice, Greg, and Sandra, delves into the complexities of interracial relationships, cultural expectations, and personal insecurities. Through their interactions and individual journeys, the characters offer a nuanced exploration of human connections and the struggles faced in navigating modern relationships.