The characters in the story "The Burning of the Rice Fields" (sometimes referred to as "The Rice Fields of Aki") by Sara Cone Bryant include:1. The Old Man– The main character, an elderly villager who lives on a hill overlooking the village and rice fields. He demonstrates wisdom and courage by setting fire to the rice fields to save the villagers from an impending tsunami.2. The Old Man's Grandson– The old man's grandson, who helps him during the story. He represents innocence and trust in his grandfather’s wisdom.3.The Villagers – The villagers work in the rice fields and live in the village near the sea. Initially, they are unaware of the tsunami's approach, but they are saved by the old man’s actions.