The male character is an aging Samurai warrior journeying across the Japanese countryside. The reasons for his wandering remain unspecified, but it is clear that he feels compelled to keep moving. He experiences deep loneliness and fears aging, particularly the loss of his martial skills. It is implied that he has visited the woman’s home with the intention of killing her, as the villagers suspect her of being a witch who captivates men and ensnares their spirits. The locals wish to be rid of her.

Despite his initial mission, the man gradually opens his heart to the woman. He finds himself captivated by her music, and eventually, her beauty and kindness. Over time, he transitions from a mere visitor to a companion, assisting her with daily tasks and enjoying her company. However, when the woman outmaneuvers him in a sword fight and later humiliates him by taking his sword during a perilous meditation, he decides he cannot remain with her. Yet, as he tries to leave, his feelings draw him back to her home. Unfortunately, he returns too late, as the woman has taken her own life amid his indecision. In an attempt to honor her, he tries to play the flute, an instrument she had mastered, which she described as a substitute for the human voice. The play concludes with the man struggling to produce a sound from the flute, symbolizing his failure to step into her role and replace her presence.

The woman is an independent older female living alone in the forest. She has honed many skills, yet struggles with loneliness. She longs for the companionship of a man, someone to care for. Her intense love and exceptional abilities often intimidate men, driving them away. When the man arrives, she makes a final attempt to open her heart, striving to present herself as genuinely as possible. However, she fears that by fully revealing herself, she will once again lose the chance to share love with a man.

Initially, she is reserved, gradually unveiling her true beauty and talents. She assumes the role of a servant to the man and then retreats to her private quarters, where she can express herself more openly, though only in the solitude of her room. It is here that she truly flourishes, and eventually, the man catches a glimpse of her beauty. This glimpse encourages her to share her feelings with him. However, as she showcases her abilities and gains confidence in her affection for the man, she unintentionally humiliates him. She is stronger and more skilled than he is. Despite her strength, she is also more vulnerable, having experienced heartbreak numerous times before. Faced with his uncertainty, the man rejects her, which she cannot bear. She would rather die than miss yet another opportunity for love. Ultimately, she takes her own life.