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Michelle Zauner

The narrator and protagonist of the memoir. Michelle grapples with her identity as a Korean-American, artist, and daughter, and often feels cast out of both Korean and American social circles. She is adventurous, smart, and creative, eventually gaining success as an indie-pop musician under the moniker Japanese Breakfast. Michelle is a born problem-solver, often inventing new coping mechanisms and hobbies to keep herself moving forward in the face of struggle.

Read an in-depth analysis of Michelle Zauner.

Michelle’s Mother (Chongmi)

Michelle’s mother, whom she calls Umma. She immigrates to the U.S. from South Korea after meeting Michelle’s father, and travels back to Seoul every year to spend time with her family. She is a tough but loving mother who is more interested in nurturing the lives of her loved ones than following her own passions. Michelle’s mother expresses love for people by making them their favorite foods, and paying close attention to their needs and preferences.

Read an in-depth analysis of Michelle's mother (Chongmi).

Michelle’s Father

The financial provider of the family. His relationship with Michelle is fraught, and he fails to be the support system she needs when her mother dies. He struggles with alcoholism and infidelity, and had a turbulent childhood that Michelle often cites as the possible root of his emotional inconsistency. Michelle struggles to relate to him, and he struggles to relate to her. 

Peter

Michelle’s boyfriend and eventual husband. He is an unfailingly supportive partner to Michelle throughout their relationship and her mother’s illness, often traveling last-minute to be with her when she needs him. Peter is open-minded and easy-going, often surprising Michelle and her family with his willingness to try new things. 

Nami

Michelle’s aunt, her mother’s older sister. Nami is a successful voice actress living in Seoul with her husband and son. She bonds with Michelle over their lost family members and often hosts Michelle when she visits Korea. Nami becomes Michelle’s main living tie to her Korean heritage. 

Eunmi

Michelle’s aunt, her mother’s younger sister. Eunmi is the first in her family to graduate from college; she is youthful and fun, and acts as a playmate for Michelle. Eunmi dies of colon cancer at age forty-eight. 

Seong Young

Nami’s son, Michelle’s only cousin. He is gentle, sweet-natured, and seven years older than Michelle. Though large in stature, he is very sensitive and soft-spoken. He acts as a translator between Nami and Michelle after the death of Michelle’s mother. 

Kye

Michelle’s mother’s close friend. Kye befriends Michelle’s mother when they both live with their husbands for a time in Japan. They lose touch for many years, until Michelle’s mother becomes sick and Kye comes to stay with the family in Oregon to take care of her. She is an adept caretaker, but often at odds with Michelle and her father.

Halmoni

Michelle’s grandmother, the mother of Nami, Michelle’s mother, and Eunmi. She is a hardworking woman, the breadwinner of the family after her husband loses their money through bad investments. As she knows little English and speaks loudly and harshly, Michelle is afraid of her.

Emo Boo

Nami’s husband, Seong Young’s stepfather. He is a Chinese medicine doctor and a kind man. He often supplies Michelle with medicine and medical advice.

Nick Hawley-Gamer

Michelle’s musician friend from high school. Nick encourages Michelle to start playing her music in public, driving her to shows and providing moral support. The two remain friends after high school, and eventually work on her first album together. 

L.A. Kim

Michelle’s mother’s friend from high school. She is an ebullient, energetic woman who comes to stay with Michelle and her mother and father when her mother becomes sick.

Deven

The bassist in Michelle’s first band, Little Big League. He temporarily leaves the band in order to join a different band that seems more likely to get famous, and introduces Michelle to Peter. 

Nicole

One of Michelle’s best friends and bridesmaids. She houses Michelle in high school for a while after Michelle gets in a big fight with her mother. 

Colette

Nicole’s mother. As a child, Michelle often wishes her mother could be more like Colette. Her relationship with Colette makes her mother jealous, and is often a point of contention between them both. 

Maangchi

A South Korean YouTuber who posts videos about how to cook Korean food. Michelle finds Maangchi’s YouTube channel after Michelle’s mother’s death and uses Maangchi’s recipes to learn how to cook the dishes Michelle’s mother used to make for her.  

Corey

One of Michelle’s best friends and bridesmaids.  

Quing

A young woman who bonds with Michelle and encourages her to sing one night at a karaoke bar in Vietnam. 

Choe Young Loo

Michelle’s maternal grandfather. He walks out on Michelle’s grandmother and her family when his children are young, and only reaches out to ask them for money. He is a once-successful voice actor whose career has since plummeted. 

Esther

Emo Boo’s daughter from his first marriage. Esther is five years older than Michelle and the two reconnect later on in their lives. 

Jon

Japanese Breakfast’s local liaison while on tour in Korea. Jon introduces Michelle to old Korean bands that she later discovers her mother loved. 

Fran

Peter’s mother.

Joe

Peter’s father.

Duncan

Michelle’s friend from college.

Ian

Michelle’s roommate in Philadelphia, and the drummer in her band. 

Koki

Jon’s assistant.

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