Characters
Aoyama Harima
Originally a high-ranking samurai. In love with his chambermaid despite her low social status, he refuses other marriage proposals. His devotion leads eventually to tragedy.
Okiku
Chambermaid in Harima’s household. In love with Harima, she becomes jealous when she hears mistakenly he is engaged. She decides to test him by breaking one of the household’s precious dishes.
Shirobei
A leader of professional gamblers. He appears when his gang is fighting Harima’s group and challenges the short-tempered Harima. He retreats at the urging of Harima’s aunt.
Harima Mayumi
The hero’s aunt. She emerges to break up a fight involving her nephew and urges him to settle down with a wife.
Osen
Okiku’s fellow chambermaid. She witnesses Okiku’s intentional breaking of the dish and reports that to her superior.
