Ichiro is the protagonist of the novel. A no-no boy, he spent two years in jail after two years in an internment camp. He is often ashamed of the decision he made and blames his parents for the identity crisis he currently faces. Ichiro, looking for a fresh start, is held back by his mother’s inability to see his perspective, the prejudice he faces in the Asian community for being a no-no boy, and the racism he faces in larger American culture, as well as his own indecision. Can he start anew? Is there a place for him, other no-no boys, and other minorities, in America? He is desperate to find out. 

Though others judge no-no boys harshly, Kenji, an old friend of Ichiro, does not judge him at all. Kenji served in the military and lost a leg. Recurring infection means he must continually go in for more amputations. Kenji is aware that the infection will eventually kill him and before the end of the novel, it does. Unlike Ichiro, Kenji has a warm and loving relationship with his family, especially his father who doesnot second guess Kenji’s decision to go off to the hospital with Ichiro and prepare to die alone.