Character Relationship Map: Given

Characters

• Akihiko Kaji (played by Takuya Eguchi) — protagonist

  Talented drummer and vocalist of Given, grappling with a difficult past relationship and growing feelings for Haruki.

• Haruki Nakayama (played by Masatomo Nakazawa) — protagonist

  Bassist of Given, emotionally complex, deeply in love with Akihiko while navigating band dynamics.

• Ugetsu Murata (played by Shintaro Asanuma) — supporting

  Renowned violinist and mentor, provides guidance and a pivotal opportunity for Mafuyu's future.

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Akihiko Kaji → Haruki Nakayama (Complicated Romantic Feelings) — Haruki's feelings for Akihiko are strained by Akihiko's conduct and absence; Haruki sets a boundary but continues to wait for him.

  Haruki tells Akihiko to leave after Akihiko's involvement with someone else comes to light, then cuts his hair and waits for him to return. Akihiko's...

• Akihiko Kaji → Ugetsu Murata (Former Romantic Partners) — Their relationship is shaped by Akihiko's admiration for Ugetsu's musical genius, resentment, and a painful romantic entanglement that ends when Akihiko says goodbye.

  Akihiko says he has been staying with Ugetsu, and Ugetsu realizes Akihiko is about to end their relationship. Akihiko apologizes for the hurt he cause...

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Haruki Nakayama → Ugetsu Murata (Conflict Indirect Romantic Rival) — Ugetsu's relationship with Akihiko is the circumstance behind Haruki's painful decision to make Akihiko leave; the plot describes no direct encounter between Haruki and Ugetsu.

  Haruki tells Akihiko to leave after Akihiko's involvement with someone else comes to light. The plot identifies Ugetsu as the person with whom Akihiko...

Story Analysis

The story follows music, painful romantic entanglements, and the possibility of moving forward after change.

Plot Progression

1. A Genius in the Audience — Akihiko watches Ugetsu perform and recalls how their meeting damaged his confidence. Meanwhile, Given learns that it has advanced to the contest's final screening.
2. A Home That Cannot Hold — Akihiko reveals the instability of his living situation and how he hid its severity from Haruki. After Akihiko's involvement with someone else is exposed, Haruki tells him to leave and withdraws his h...
3. A Song for What Changes — Haruki prepares lyrics about uncertainty, longing, and carrying on after painful change. Given reaches the final screening and performs.
4. The Farewell and Its Aftermath — Akihiko finds Ugetsu, apologizes, and ends their relationship while affirming that his devotion to the violin was real. Ugetsu accepts the goodbye, and the band fails at the final stage despite the si...