Botchan

Botchan, originally from Tokyo, becomes a mathematics teacher on the island of Shikoku. Known for his impetuous nature and naiveté, he struggles with local politics and gossip, leading to his resignation from the junior high school within a year. Despite his youth and inexperience, which render him incapable of maintaining discipline, Botchan retains his honor and innocence. His clash with the school's headteacher, Red Shirt, and the sycophantic Clown culminates in a physical confrontation. Throughout these trials, Botchan's forthright candor, physical courage, and readiness for confrontation exemplify his samurai lineage. His relationship with Porcupine, a senior teacher who becomes his ally, further emphasizes his integrity. Botchan's Tokyo background, or "Edokko" heritage, influences his language and demeanor—marked by exaggeration, disdain for intellectual pretension, and a straightforward nature.

Kiyo

Kiyo, Botchan's devoted family servant, assumes a maternal role, providing him with advice and financial support. Her steadfast loyalty and nurturing presence ground Botchan, serving as a moral compass and reinforcing his values. Her affection and guidance are invaluable to Botchan, especially as he navigates the challenges of his new environment.

Red Shirt

Red Shirt, the school's head teacher, embodies deceit and manipulation. A narcissist who thrives on discord, he orchestrates the transfer of Koga, his romantic rival for Miss Toyama, and attempts to sow distrust between Botchan and Porcupine. Red Shirt's machinations extend to inciting student unrest, aiming to force the resignations of Botchan and Porcupine. His actions highlight his duplicitous nature and penchant for intrigue, aligning with the Western sophistication he espouses.

Porcupine

Porcupine, or Hotta, is the senior mathematics teacher known for his gruff demeanor and strong sense of honor. Initially suspicious of Botchan due to Red Shirt's deceit, he eventually becomes a steadfast ally. Porcupine's rugged exterior belies a warm, supportive nature, which is revealed during a faculty meeting and through Mrs. Hagino's testimony. His friendship and support are crucial to Botchan's survival in the hostile school environment.

Badger

Badger, the principal of the school, is a pompous, condescending figure who envisions himself as an idealist. However, his indecisiveness and susceptibility to Red Shirt's influence expose his ineffectual authority, akin to the animal's traditional Japanese characterization. Badger's inability to uphold the standards he expects of others renders him a tool for Red Shirt's schemes.

Yoshikawa

Yoshikawa, also known as Clown, is the art teacher characterized by his sycophantic behavior. Eager to align with power, he attempts to recruit Botchan into Red Shirt's circle. His moniker reflects both his jester-like conduct and potential alternate translation as "pimp," underscoring his role as a lackey within the school hierarchy.

Koga

Koga, the English teacher nicknamed Squash, is engaged to Miss Toyama. His mild-mannered disposition and unfortunate fate are manipulated by Red Shirt, who orchestrates his transfer to a remote school to pursue Miss Toyama himself. Koga's plight exemplifies the destructive impact of Red Shirt's ambition on both personal and professional fronts.

Ikagin

Ikagin, Botchan's first landlord, is a dealer in antique art. His persistent yet futile attempts to sell counterfeit works to Botchan and Porcupine reflect his opportunistic nature. Ikagin's dealings with art highlight his unscrupulous character within the novel's satirical context.

Mrs. Hagino

Mrs. Hagino, an aristocratic landlady recommended by Koga, is a source of local gossip for Botchan. Her revelations about Koga's broken engagement and dissatisfaction with his transfer provide insights into the personal lives of the characters, further illustrating the small-town intricacies Botchan must navigate.