Tree-ear is an orphan boy who is approximately 12 years old when the story begins. His nickname derives from a species of mushroom that appears to have no parent seed, like the boy himself. Tree-ear’s parents died when he was still a toddler, and the only family he has ever known is Crane-man. Tree-ear is skinny and usually hungry because he has to forage for food in the town’s trash heaps. Despite the hardship of his existence, he keeps a hopeful attitude and rejoices at every small windfall that comes his way. As he grows older, Tree-ear generously tries to help the elderly Crane-man by performing tasks that are beyond the old man’s ability.

Aside from his attachment to Crane-man, Tree-ear’s only other interest is pottery making. Although he is at first rebuffed by Min, the best potter in the village, Tree-ear volunteers to work for Min for free, hoping one day to learn his craft. Over the course of the novel, Tree-ear faces repeated setbacks and moments of disappointment, but he never completely gives up his dream of one day becoming a master potter. His determination eventually pays off when Min formally accepts him as an apprentice and welcomes him into the potter’s home.