"When Marnie Was There" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Character Name	Role
Anna	Protagonist
Marnie	Mysterious girl
Setsu Oiwa	Caretaker
Toichi	Marnie's guardian
Hisako	Toichi's wife
Nobuko	Anna's foster mother
Mrs. Pegg	Local shopkeeper
Kiyomasa	Anna's friend

Role Identification

Anna

Anna is the protagonist of the story. She is a 12-year-old girl who is sent to live with foster parents in a rural village due to her poor health. Anna is a lonely and introverted girl, struggling with feelings of isolation and insecurity.

Marnie

Marnie is a mysterious girl who lives in a grand mansion near the marshes. She becomes Anna's closest friend and confidante. Marnie appears to be around the same age as Anna but possesses an air of elegance and sophistication.

Setsu Oiwa

Setsu Oiwa is the caretaker of the mansion where Marnie lives. She is a kind and gentle woman who takes care of Marnie's well-being. Setsu Oiwa becomes a motherly figure for Anna.

Toichi

Toichi is Marnie's guardian and the owner of the mansion. He is a wealthy and respected man in the community. Toichi loves Marnie deeply and tries to provide her with a happy life, despite her troubled past.

Hisako

Hisako is Toichi's wife and Marnie's stepmother. She is a graceful and elegant woman who cares for Marnie's well-being. Hisako becomes a source of comfort for Anna.

Nobuko

Nobuko is Anna's foster mother. She is a caring and understanding woman who tries her best to support Anna. Nobuko is patient with Anna's emotional struggles and encourages her to explore her feelings.

Mrs. Pegg

Mrs. Pegg is the local shopkeeper. She is a friendly and warm-hearted woman who becomes a source of advice and guidance for Anna. Mrs. Pegg helps Anna uncover the secrets of the past and understand her own emotions.

Kiyomasa

Kiyomasa is Anna's friend from the village. He is a curious and adventurous boy who befriends Anna and supports her throughout her journey. Kiyomasa brings a sense of excitement and joy to Anna's life.

Character Descriptions

Anna

Anna is a pale and thin girl with long, dark hair. She often wears plain and practical clothing, reflecting her reserved nature. Her eyes carry a sense of sadness and longing, mirroring her feelings of isolation.

Marnie

Marnie is a beautiful and ethereal girl with golden hair and bright blue eyes. She always dresses elegantly in flowing dresses, giving her an otherworldly appearance. Marnie exudes an air of mystery and enchantment.

Setsu Oiwa

Setsu Oiwa is a middle-aged woman with a kind and gentle face. She has graying hair and wears simple, traditional clothing. Setsu Oiwa's warm smile and maternal nature make her a comforting presence for Anna.

Toichi

Toichi is a tall and distinguished man with silver hair and a kind expression. He often wears formal suits, showcasing his status and wealth. Toichi's eyes hold a mix of sadness and love for Marnie.

Hisako

Hisako is an elegant and graceful woman with a slender figure and long, flowing hair. She dresses in fashionable attire that reflects her refined taste. Hisako's gentle demeanor and caring nature make her a calming presence.

Nobuko

Nobuko is a warm and nurturing woman with a motherly appearance. She has short, curly hair and wears simple, practical clothing. Nobuko's bright smile and comforting presence create a sense of stability for Anna.

Mrs. Pegg

Mrs. Pegg is an older woman with a friendly face and kind eyes. She dresses in colorful clothing, reflecting her vibrant personality. Mrs. Pegg's warm and jovial nature make her a trusted confidante for Anna.

Kiyomasa

Kiyomasa is a lively and energetic boy with short, spiky hair and a mischievous smile. He dresses in casual clothing that allows him to explore and play freely. Kiyomasa's boundless enthusiasm brings a sense of adventure to Anna's life.

Character Traits

Anna

• Introverted
• Insecure
• Lonely
• Observant
• Creative

Marnie

• Mysterious
• Elegant
• Sophisticated
• Enchanting
• Vulnerable

Setsu Oiwa

• Kind-hearted
• Nurturing
• Maternal
• Supportive
• Calm

Toichi

• Loving
• Protective
• Wealthy
• Respected
• Sad

Hisako

• Graceful
• Caring
• Compassionate
• Refined
• Comforting

Nobuko

• Nurturing
• Patient
• Understanding
• Supportive
• Stable

Mrs. Pegg

• Friendly
• Wise
• Jovial
• Helpful
• Trustworthy

Kiyomasa

• Adventurous
• Lively
• Energetic
• Curious
• Supportive

Character Background

Anna

Anna had a difficult childhood and grew up in various foster homes. She struggles with a sense of abandonment and doesn't feel like she belongs anywhere. Anna's poor health leads her to a coastal village, where she embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Marnie

Marnie is a girl from the early 20th century who lived in the grand mansion near the marshes. She experienced a tragic past and has been trapped in a state of loneliness and longing. Marnie's story intertwines with Anna's as they uncover the truth about her past.

Setsu Oiwa

Setsu Oiwa has worked as the caretaker of the mansion for many years. She witnessed Marnie's struggles and has been a source of support and love for her. Setsu Oiwa's dedication to Marnie's well-being stems from her deep affection for the girl.

Toichi

Toichi became Marnie's guardian after her parents' death. He is a wealthy and respected man in the village. Toichi's love for Marnie drives him to provide her with a comfortable life, despite his own grief and sadness.

Hisako

Hisako married Toichi and became Marnie's stepmother. She cares deeply for Marnie and offers her love and support. Hisako's graceful presence brings a sense of stability and comfort to Marnie's life.

Nobuko

Nobuko and her husband became Anna's foster parents when she was sent to live in the village. Nobuko is a nurturing and understanding woman who provides a safe and loving home for Anna. She encourages Anna's emotional growth and supports her throughout her journey.

Mrs. Pegg

Mrs. Pegg is a longtime resident of the village and serves as a source of advice and guidance for Anna. She has a deep knowledge of the village's history and helps Anna uncover the secrets of the past. Mrs. Pegg's wisdom and warmth make her a trusted ally for Anna.

Kiyomasa

Kiyomasa is a local boy who befriends Anna. He brings a sense of joy and adventure to Anna's life, encouraging her to explore and embrace the world around her. Kiyomasa's friendship provides Anna with a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Character Arcs

Anna

Anna's character arc revolves around her journey of self-discovery and finding a sense of belonging. Initially withdrawn and isolated, Anna gradually opens up as she forms a deep connection with Marnie. Through her friendship with Marnie and the support of others, Anna learns to embrace her emotions and accept herself for who she truly is.

Marnie

Marnie's character arc focuses on her past and her journey towards acceptance and closure. As Anna uncovers the truth about Marnie's tragic history, Marnie is able to confront her own pain and find peace. Through her friendship with Anna, Marnie learns to let go of her loneliness and embrace the present.

Relationships

Anna and Marnie

Anna and Marnie form a deep and transformative friendship. They share a bond that transcends time and space, providing each other with love, support, and understanding. Their relationship allows both girls to heal and grow emotionally.

Anna and Setsu Oiwa

Setsu Oiwa becomes a motherly figure for Anna, offering guidance and support. She helps Anna navigate her emotions and provides a sense of stability and love. Setsu Oiwa's presence brings comfort to Anna's life.

Anna and Toichi

Toichi's love for Marnie extends to Anna as well. He becomes a father figure for Anna, offering her warmth and protection. Toichi's presence helps Anna feel secure and loved.

Anna and Hisako

Hisako's graceful and caring nature provides Anna with a sense of comfort and stability. Their relationship allows Anna to explore her emotions and find solace in Hisako's presence.

Anna and Nobuko

Nobuko serves as Anna's foster mother and offers her a safe and loving home. She supports Anna's emotional growth and provides a sense of belonging. Nobuko's nurturing nature helps Anna navigate her journey of self-discovery.

Anna and Mrs. Pegg

Mrs. Pegg serves as a mentor and guide for Anna, helping her uncover the secrets of the past. Her wisdom and warmth create a bond of trust and friendship. Mrs. Pegg's support allows Anna to understand her own emotions and find her place in the world.

Anna and Kiyomasa

Kiyomasa's friendship brings joy and adventure to Anna's life. He supports her throughout her journey and provides a sense of belonging. Kiyomasa's presence helps Anna break free from her isolation and embrace the world around her.

In Joan G. Robinson's "When Marnie Was There," the characters undergo profound transformations, forming deep connections and finding their place in the world. Through their relationships and personal growth, Anna and Marnie uncover the power of friendship, love, and self-acceptance.