Sadanosuke Makioka Thirty-six years old. Possesses an urban, sophisticated, and youthful appearance. A public accountant with considerable wealth. The son-in-law and adopted husband of Guest in the Makioka "branch house." He has one daughter with Guest. A patient, intellectual gentleman filled with kindness and tolerance. In contrast to his stiff brother-in-law (Tatsuo) at the main house, he has a flexible and refined sensibility. He warmly watches over the whims and particularities of his wife, Guest, and her sisters, Yukiko and Taeko. It is only through Sadanosuke's financial means and broad-mindedness that Yukiko and Taeko are able to live comfortably in his home. He happily accompanies the women on their annual spring cherry-blossom viewing trips to Kyoto, to Kabuki performances, and to modern Western-style restaurants without a single complaint, taking pleasure in providing for the family's happiness.

Yukiko Makioka Thirty years old. A traditional Japanese beauty with a slender face. The most beautiful of the sisters, her sloping shoulders make her exceptionally suited for wearing kimono. Her beauty is striking enough to startle Sadanosuke and other men. An extremely shy, quiet, and classical woman. She is poor at speaking in front of others, often speaking in a voice like the buzzing of a mosquito even during formal marriage interviews. She dislikes answering the telephone and immediately hides behind her sister Guest whenever forced to make a decision. While she appears submissive and frail at first glance, she possesses a surprisingly stubborn and proud side. She is skilled in traditional arts such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and waka poetry. She also possesses the education of an upper-class lady, having studied French and playing Mozart on the piano. As she has reached thirty without a successful marriage match, Guest and the others are deeply concerned for her.

Taeko Makioka Twenty-seven years old. Taeko has a modern appearance that looks exceptionally well in Western clothing. Compared to her sisters, she is slightly more full-figured, with a round face and a healthy, active beauty. She is a woman at the cutting edge of her time. Passionate and proactive, she possesses the strength to follow through on her own will. She has a talent for doll-making, reaching a professional level where she sells her work and holds solo exhibitions. She leads a turbulent life, falling in love with various men.

Eighteen years old. A comical, charming, and loyal young maid working at the branch house where Guest and the others live. The daughter of the owner of "Hariso," a fabric cleaning and stretching shop. At fifteen, she grew tired of attending girls' school and volunteered for domestic service. Because of her cute features, Guest took a liking to her and hired her into the Makioka household. A talkative girl with a loose tongue who secretly steals Guest's high-end cosmetics to beautify only her face. She is a somewhat lazy and humorous girl who is hard to dislike.