Michelle Zauner
Michelle Zauner is the author, narrator and protagonist of the memoir. She leads the band Japanese Breakfast, singing lead vocals and playing guitar. In the book, she details her close and sometimes difficult relationship with her mother. She also touches on her estranged relationship with her father. She describes her early interest in food and the cultural and emotional tether it created between her and her mother.
Chongmi Zauner
Chongmi was Zauner's mother. She is portrayed as having been both intense and loving, as she was frequently blunt but always seemed to have Zauner's best interests and well-being in mind. Zauner depicts their relationship as having various ups and downs, particularly during her adolescence. Much of the book centers around her illness and death, as Zauner struggles to cope with the enormous loss she left behind. Their bond makes up the emotional core of the book.
Zauner's Father
Zauner's father is never named in the book. Early on, he is framed as being distant and troubled. Zauner notes that he now lives in Thailand and they almost never speak. As she gets older, Zauner begins to see that some of the qualities she found charming as a girl are signs of his instability and unreliability. When her mother gets sick, he proves to be largely incapable of supporting her emotionally. Their relationship only becomes further strained after her mother dies.
Peter
Peter is Zauner's husband. She writes about him with great affection throughout the book, referencing the understanding and care he gives her while she is grieving. He plays lead guitar in her band.
Nami
Nami is Zauner's aunt. Zauner remains very close with her after her mother and other aunt pass away.
Eunmi
Eunmi is another of Zauner's aunts. She is described as being serious about her career and academic work.
Halmuni
Halmuni is Zauner's grandmother. Zauner describes her as being surprisingly fond of smoking, drinking, and gambling.
Kye
Kye is a friend of Zauner's mother. She moves in with their family and takes on the role of a caretaker. Zauner and her father quickly begin to find her presence off-putting.
Seong Young
Seong Young is Zauner's cousin who she is close with as a child.
Emo Boo
Emo Boo is the second husband of Nami, Zauner's aunt.
