A Single Shard characters

Appears from the start

An orphan boy living beneath a bridge in twelfth-century Korea with his older friend Crane-man. Curious, honest, and hungry to learn, he spends hours watching the potters of Ch'ulp'o and dreams of making the graceful celadon ware for which the village is known.

Appears from the start

Tree-ear's elderly companion and teacher, named for the disabled leg that leaves him standing like a crane. Though they survive with very little, he insists on honesty, dignity, and gratitude, giving Tree-ear the moral foundation that guides his choices.

First appears in chapter 2

The finest potter in Ch'ulp'o, admired for the exactness and quiet beauty of his celadon vessels. Gruff, impatient, and sparing with praise, he guards his craft closely but allows Tree-ear to work off a debt after the boy accidentally damages a piece.

First appears in chapter 3

Min's warm and generous wife. She feeds Tree-ear, gives him clothing, and asks him to call her Ajima, an affectionate name for an aunt. Her kindness makes Min's household feel like the home the orphaned boy has never had.

First appears in chapter 4

A Ch'ulp'o potter and Min's chief rival for royal attention. Less accomplished in conventional work, he experiments with placing contrasting designs beneath a celadon glaze, a new inlay method that interests the royal emissary.

Also known as Emissary Kim

First appears in chapter 6

A royal emissary sent to inspect the potters' work and award a valuable palace commission. Discerning and fair, he values both innovation and mastery, and he gives Min another chance to demonstrate his skill after the first inspection.