Chihiro is the story’s protagonist and the character who experiences the most growth, struggle, and change. She begins the story as a disgruntled and listless girl leaving her home behind to move to a new place. She clutches a bouquet of flowers, which were a goodbye gift from her best friend, and as the family car draws closer and closer to the amusement park, Chihiro’s flowers begin to wilt. She recognizes this as a sign that something is wrong, but her mother writes it off, saying, “I told you not to smother them like that” (10). Chihiro’s instincts are sharp and unbiased; she can sense danger when her parents cannot and notice details they seem unaware of. As Father appears to be lost, he only drives faster and more recklessly, and Chihiro notices strange things like a discarded pile of Hokora and a Dosojin in the woods. When Chihiro’s parents want to pass through the tunnel and explore the park, Chihiro is extremely resistant: “I’m not going. It gives me the creeps” (34). However, she follows her parents because she feels she has no other option. In fear, she clutches her mother’s arm tightly.  

Chihiro reacts strongly once more when her parents smell

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