Chorus of Mushrooms - Characters

Chorus of Mushrooms features a cast of compelling characters, each embodying different facets of the Canadian Nikkei immigrant experience. The novel primarily revolves around three generations of women, their intertwined lives, and their individual struggles with identity, cultural adaptation, and familial relationships.

Muriel (Murasaki)

The protagonist of the novel, Muriel, also known as Murasaki, is a young Canadian Nikkei girl growing up in rural Alberta. She is a third-generation Canadian Nikkei (Sansei), caught between her grandmother's traditionalism and her mother's desire for assimilation. Muriel's journey is one of self-discovery and cultural exploration. She yearns to connect with her Japanese heritage, seeking knowledge of the language, folklore, and traditions that her mother has largely abandoned. Muriel's coming-of-age experiences, including her exploration of sexuality and her growing independence, are mixed with her quest to understand her cultural identity.

Naoe

Naoe, Muriel's grandmother, is a first-generation Japanese immigrant (Issei) who embodies the resilience and struggles of the older generation. She clings steadfastly to her Japanese identity, refusing to speak English and maintaining strong ties to her cultural roots through storytelling and traditional practices. Naoe's character is complex and multifaceted. She is at times stubborn and resistant to change, yet also deeply loving and protective of her granddaughter. Her vivid narratives of Japanese folklore and her own life experiences become a powerful source of connection for Muriel, shaping her understanding of her heritage.

Keiko (Kaye)

Keiko, Muriel's mother, represents a second-generation Canadian Nikkei (Nisei) who has chosen to assimilate fully into Canadian society. She changes her name to Kaye, embraces Christianity, and distances herself from her Japanese roots. Keiko's actions are driven by a desire to fit in and escape the prejudice and discrimination she faced as a young immigrant. However, her rejection of her heritage creates conflict within the family, particularly with her mother, Naoe. Keiko's journey is one of internal struggle and eventual reconciliation as she begins to reconnect with her Japanese identity later in the novel.

Other Notable Characters

• Shinji: Keiko's husband and Muriel's father, Shinji, is a quiet and hardworking man who represents the silent struggles of many immigrants. He has successfully adapted to Canadian life but carries the weight of cultural displacement and the loss of his homeland.

• Hank: Muriel's boyfriend, Hank, introduces a layer of cross-cultural interaction and highlights the complexities of navigating relationships in a multicultural society. His fascination with "Oriental sex" exposes the problematic stereotypes and fetishes associated with Asian cultures.

• Patricia: Muriel's friend, Patricia, represents the Canadian perspective and provides a contrast to Muriel's experiences of cultural identity and belonging.

The characters in Chorus of Mushrooms are richly drawn and relatable, each contributing to the novel's exploration of identity, family, and cultural adaptation. Their individual struggles and triumphs create sympathy towards them and are easy for readers to resonate with.

Discussion question

Choose one of the main female characters in Chorus of Mushrooms.  

How do each of the following factors affect their identity?

(a) where they grew up (Japan, Canada); (b) what they do now (work, study, etc.); (c) the language they speak (English, Japanese); (d) food; (e) their relationships with other family members; (f) their age; (g) anything else of your choice.