Yamada family

Nonoko Yamada (山田のの子, Yamada Nonoko)

Nonoko is the main character and a very easy-going 3rd grade elementary school student. She is constantly battling to keep the lowest spot in the class (for grades).

Matsuko Yamada (山田まつ子, Yamada Matsuko)

Nonoko's mother, a housewife. She is always worrying about what to cook for dinner (usually something that goes with rice, and it usually turns out to be some sort of curry). She is a somewhat sloppy housekeeper as well as being forgetful.

Takashi Yamada (山田たかし, Yamada Takashi)

Nonoko's father, an ordinary salaryman. Unlike his wife and daughter, Takashi is a very diligent worker. His car is a piece of junk, and his hobbies include pachinko and golf.

Noboru Yamada (山田のぼる, Yamada Noboru)

Nonoko's older brother, a junior high school student. He's very good at sociology, but has poor study skills and doesn't do as well in other subjects.

Shige Yamano (山野しげ, Yamano Shige)

Nonoko's grandmother and Matsuko's mother. She is 70 years old. Shige is very energetic, but a very stubborn and hard boiled grandmother.

Pochi (ポチ)

The Yamada family's pet dog. He generally has a sullen, grumpy mood.