Red Cranes Build Character

Elements to Build a Character

After analyzing the different approaches the authors take to develop these characters in “Red Cranes” and “The Firefly Hunt” the reader can see the authors using different elements to develop the characters. The reader will see the author use the character interactions, thoughts, and feelings towards other characters to develop the characters. Without these three elements the reader will not get to know the characters. These three elements will help build and shape the characters.

The biggest way the authors developed the characters what through their interactions. Readers can notice this when Yuki comments, “‘Oh, Mie’ said Yuki, ‘all your talk of red cranes. Dreams, just dreams’” (Choy 5). With the character commenting this to Jiro, it builds her character. Even though people are calling her dreams silly, she still dreams and wishes to one day see a red crane. Another place readers are able to see this is when Sachiko was notified, “If you are going to play in the fields you had better change your clothes” (Tanizaki 1). Whoever is reading “The Firefly Hunt” is able to see that the mother encourages Sachiko to play and look at fireflies. That build Sachiko’s character, it makes her want to be outside and have fun.
However interactions were used to build the characters, their thoughts were also used to build them up.
In “Red Cranes”, readers are able to notice this when Mei thinks, “at the peak and, like a red crane, flying in to the sky” (Choy 14). The read is able to see that Mei is constantly thinking about red cranes, this helps build the character. Readers are able to witness this when Sachiko imagines, “the firefly hunt would be pleasant to remember” ( tanizaki 1). Having Sachiko thinking about fireflies shows the reader that she only wants to have fun. That she does not really care for much
else. Even though both the characters interactions and thoughts are both important for building the characters, their feelings are very important. The reader is able to notice the importance are the characters feelings when the narrator mentions, “Sachiko felt a wild, romantic surge, as though she were joining them” (Tanizaki 2). This shows the reader that Sachiko just wanted to be free and have fun running around all day. Another time you are able to notice this is when the narrator comments, “She admired Yuki, a strong woman and a gentle mother” (Choy 8). With The narrator commenting this, it shows the reader that Mei admires her mother a lot. Even though she might not agree with everything she believes. Although each element is important to build their characters, all three are important. Characters interactions are very important because they let the reader see how they are able to interact with people. Another important element was the characters feelings. Their feelings are important to the reader because it lets the reader understand the character more. It lets the reader build a bond to the character. Finally, the characters thoughts are important to the reader. Allowing the reader to see what the character thinks helps build the character. Without all three elements you will never be able to know the characters at all.