Also, I find Kaede's part of the story superior in courage, hope and persistence.

Kaede's name stays the same, concreting her character in my brain and not letting my mind wonder when I read about her, as opposed to Shigeru and Takeo, who's (name) changes make me lose a level of interest in the story. As I have mentioned in a couple of other comments, Shigeru's (constant) and Takeo's (unclear) name changes make it extremely difficult for me to consistently empathise and focus on them. I actually only found it easy to relate to the character Kaede. This was the extent that I was able to relate to the central characters of the plot. It was nice to know that the people made him a demi god. It made me sad that he and Lady Maruyama could never truly be together and angry that his own brothers killed him.

The more he tried to please others, the closer he got to his inevitable death. Shigeru was a very honourable and understanding man, which not surprisingly gained the respect of his people. He saves Takeo from the massacre at his home village. Shizuka is a character who always puts others first and places her life on the line to care for Kaede. I felt sorry for her when Lord Arai wanted nothing to do with Shizukar after they’d been lovers for years. She helps Kaede get through some rough times. Shizuka: Part of the Kikuta clan, disguised as Lady Kaede’s maid. All these traits make Kaede an appealing main character. The annoyance of having no rights and not being able to marry who she pleased. She is able to combat the troubles that rack herself and the tribes by delving deep into her inner strength. However the truth is hidden inside her and quite the contrary. She goes through tough times in the book and appears to be fragile and weak minded. Kaede is one of the most interesting characters in the book. Kaede: The 15 year old who lived as a hostage until she was taken away to be married. Everything Takeo experiences, I can fully relate to.

We can feel his anguish when Shigeru dies.We want him to marry Kaede. We empathise with Takeo when his family his killed. They have a personality, especially Takeo. As with all the four main characters, we really felt like they were real people. Takeo: Since he is the main character, we got to learn the most about him. I was able to relate very much with the characters of the book, especially Takeo, Kaede, Shizuka and Shigeru.

Across the nightingale floor