When Marnie Was There - Characters & Cast

Anna's primary motivation is to find a sense of belonging and to understand why she feels so disconnected from everyone else. She craves a genuine connection with someone who understands her, a role that Marnie initially fills. Subconsciously, she is driven to uncover the truth about her past and resolve her feelings of being unwanted.

Anna begins the film as a deeply insecure and introverted girl, consumed by self-hatred and a feeling of being an outsider. Her journey is one of profound internal change. Through her connection with Marnie, she explores her repressed family history, confronts her abandonment issues, and learns the truth of her lineage. This knowledge empowers her to forgive the past, accept the love of her foster family, and form genuine friendships. She transforms from a closed-off, lonely child into an open, happier young person who finally sees herself as part of the 'magic circle'.

As a spirit or memory, Marnie's motivation is to guide Anna towards the truth and help her heal. She seeks forgiveness for the generational trauma that began with her and for ultimately 'leaving' Anna by dying. She provides Anna with the love and acceptance she needs to begin her journey of self-discovery.

Marnie, as encountered by Anna, is a blend of a real historical figure and a spiritual guide. Her own story is one of tragedy; she was a wealthy but neglected child who endured abuse from her caretakers. Her life was marked by loss, including the death of her husband Kazuhiko and a strained relationship with her daughter, Emily. Through her connection with Anna, her granddaughter, Marnie's spirit finds peace. The 'arc' is for her memory and story to be understood and for her to receive the forgiveness from Anna that she couldn't get from her own daughter, thus bringing closure to her troubled life.

Yoriko's motivation is simple and powerful: she wants her daughter to be happy and healthy. She is driven by a deep, unwavering maternal love for Anna, even when that love is not returned. She struggles to understand Anna's pain but never stops trying to provide her with a loving home.

Yoriko is Anna's loving foster mother who is deeply concerned about Anna's emotional distance and health. Her arc involves learning to bridge the gap that has grown between her and Anna. Initially, she is hurt by Anna's coldness and doesn't know how to reach her. The turning point is when she reveals the truth about the government subsidies but reassures Anna of her unconditional love. By the end of the film, their relationship is healed, and Anna is able to call her 'mother' for the first time, signifying a new beginning for their family.