Lin

Lin looks about 14 years old.

She has the appearance of a human girl.

While at work, she wears an apron around her waist.

She looks like other bathhouse apprentice girls, who also appear human.

Lin is rough in how she speaks, often calling herself "Ore" or "Atai", which both mean "I."

She uses "you" in a blunt way with others, like "Omae" or "Anta."

Even though she sounds harsh, Lin is cheerful, honest, and acts like an older sister to others.

She is straightforward, takes care of new workers, and is always willing to help.

Lin admits when she judges others too quickly and is not afraid to apologize or praise them.

Lin’s past is unknown.

She works in the bathhouse even though she does not truly want to be there.

She dreams of leaving the bathhouse one day and going to the town across the sea.

She feels stuck in her current situation and often wishes for freedom.

Lin does not have respect or strong feelings toward her employer Yubaba or others in charge.

Lin teaches new workers how to do their jobs, including how to clean bath boilers and use special tokens.

She knows all about the hidden workings of the bathhouse, such as how to get special water or supplies needed for work.

At first, Lin is surprised and unsure about Chihiro Ogino, the human girl.

Once Chihiro Ogino joins the bathhouse, Lin becomes her mentor and friend.

She teaches Chihiro Ogino important jobs and helps keep her out of trouble.

Lin does not look down on Chihiro Ogino for being human, even when others do.

She calls Yubaba and Haku by name, without using titles, showing she is not afraid of them.

She also has a normal, equal attitude with her coworkers.

Lin’s favorite food is grilled newt, which is a very rare treat in the bathhouse.

Everyone in the bathhouse really likes grilled newt because it is a special delicacy.

It is said that grilled newt is actually a love potion in the story.

There are several other bathhouse apprentices that look just like human girls, but most are shown to be slightly different, maybe even amphibian spirits.

"Don’t get careless. If you don’t know something, ask me, okay?"

"I’ll go to that town someday. I’ll quit this place for sure."

"Chiiro! I called you clumsy, but I take it back!"

First Meeting Chihiro Ogino

When Lin first sees Chihiro Ogino in the bathhouse, she is startled and confused.

She is a little harsh to her because Chihiro Ogino is a human.

Becoming Chihiro Ogino’s Mentor

After Chihiro Ogino is allowed to work there, Lin helps her learn the job.

She shows Chihiro Ogino how to clean the boilers and get special bath tokens.

Lin also teaches her how to use the bathhouse tools and pull the right ropes for hot water.

Standing Up for Chihiro Ogino

Lin does not treat Chihiro Ogino any worse than anyone else.

She stands up for her, especially when Kaonashi (No-Face) is becoming dangerous.

Lin shouts, "If you do anything to Chihiro Ogino, I won’t forgive you!"

The Dream of Escape

Throughout her time in the bathhouse, Lin keeps saying she wants to leave and go to the faraway town.

She feels she is forced to work there, but always talks about running away someday.

In some early versions of the story, Lin was designed as either a white fox or a weasel.

In official notes, her true background is never fully explained, so some fans think Lin may have been human once.