A bright and responsible 6th-grade girl. She is a hard worker who supports her father and looks after her younger sister, Mei, while their mother is away.

An energetic and highly curious 4-year-old. She is always working hard to keep up with Satsuki. Mei is the first one to encounter Totoro.

Satsuki and Mei's kind father. He works as a part-time university lecturer while supporting the family and their hospitalized mother.

The girls' mother, currently in the hospital for medical treatment. She is a warm presence and the emotional pillar for the family, who all look forward to her discharge.

A large, fluffy, mysterious creature living in the forest. He is rarely visible to humans. He is like a giant forest spirit that can only be seen by children.

A boy living near Satsuki's house. Though a bit clumsy, he is kind-hearted. He tends to act shy and awkward around Satsuki.

A small, white creature with pointy ears and a translucent quality. It runs very fast, and it is the one Mei finds and chases, leading her into Totoro's world.

A kind and motherly old woman living right next to Satsuki's house. She is Kanta's grandmother. She watches over the Kusakabe family as if they were her own grandchildren, helping with the kids and farm work.

Small creatures that look like balls of soot, living in dark, old houses. They have round eyes and scurry together when moving from bright areas to dark ones.

A blue-grey Totoro, slightly larger than the Small Totoro. It is always seen carefully carrying a large sack filled with acorns.