Anna Sasaki is the main character of the 2014 Japanese animated film When Marnie Was There, known in Japan as Omoide no Marnie. The story revolves around Anna, a thoughtful and introspective 12-year-old girl who feels deeply out of place and carries a quiet burden of loneliness and self-doubt. As she adjusts to life in the peaceful countryside of Hokkaido, far from her usual surroundings, Anna begins a journey that’s both mysterious and deeply personal. In the original Japanese version, Anna is voiced by Sara Takatsuki, while Hailee Steinfeld brings her to life in the English dub—both performances capturing the emotional depth of Anna Sasaki with remarkable sensitivity.

At the start of the film, Anna is sent to stay with relatives of her foster mother, hoping that the fresh air and slower pace of rural life will help improve her health. She’s naturally reserved, often retreating into her sketchbook, drawing scenes from her imagination or jotting down private thoughts. It’s clear early on that Anna Sasaki isn’t just physically isolated—she’s emotionally distant too, unsure how to connect with others. But things begin to shift when she spots a striking mansion across the marsh, shrouded in mist and mystery. It looks abandoned, yet something about it calls to her.

Soon, Anna starts having vivid dreams about a girl named Marnie who lives in that grand house. These dreams feel so real that Anna becomes obsessed, drawn not just to the mansion but to the idea of Marnie herself. Her curiosity grows stronger every day, and eventually, she meets a local girl named Sayaka, who shares her fascination. Together, they start piecing together fragments of the past, slowly uncovering secrets tied to Marnie—and, unexpectedly, to Anna Sasaki’s own hidden history.

As the plot unfolds, Anna discovers that Marnie isn’t just a ghost from another time; she’s also a reflection of parts of Anna’s own identity that she’s long buried. This revelation marks a turning point for Anna Sasaki, who must confront painful truths about her family, her sense of belonging, and who she really is. Through this emotional reckoning, Anna gradually learns to open up, to trust others, and most importantly, to accept herself. Her growth throughout the film is subtle but powerful, making Anna Sasaki a character audiences find both relatable and inspiring.

In many ways, Anna Sasaki embodies the challenges of adolescence—the search for identity, the ache of loneliness, and the desire to be seen for who you truly are. Her journey resonates because it’s not about grand adventures, but about inner transformation. Viewers watch Anna navigate grief, confusion, and hope, all while holding onto her creativity and quiet strength. And through it all, Anna Sasaki remains at the heart of the story—a gentle soul learning to heal.

Looking deeper into her personality, Anna Sasaki seems to fit the INFP profile—Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving. She’s clearly introverted, comfortable in solitude and often overwhelmed in social situations. Her intuition plays a big role too; she doesn’t rely on logic alone, but on feelings, dreams, and emotional insights—especially her deep connection to Marnie. Anna is also highly sensitive, experiencing emotions intensely, whether it’s sadness, longing, or moments of joy. And as a perceiving type, she tends to go with the flow rather than plan everything out, adapting as new truths come to light.

This INFP nature shows up in Anna’s love for art, her rich inner world, and her need for authenticity. She struggles with anxiety and self-worth, yes—but finds peace through creative expression and meaningful relationships. Empathy defines her, and she values genuine connections over surface-level interactions. Her imagination fuels both her drawings and her dreams, reinforcing how central creativity is to Anna Sasaki’s identity.

Beyond MBTI, Anna Sasaki also displays strong traits of an Enneagram Type Four, often called “The Individualist.” Fours crave authenticity and often feel different or misunderstood, which fits Anna perfectly. She senses a void inside her, a yearning for belonging she can’t quite name. Art becomes her outlet, a way to express what words cannot. And her bond with Marnie? It starts as fantasy but evolves into a symbolic reunion with the lost pieces of herself.

Ultimately, Anna Sasaki’s story is one of self-discovery and emotional healing. Whether viewed through the lens of personality types or simply as a coming-of-age tale, her journey speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider. While labels like INFP or Type Four aren’t absolute, they do help highlight why Anna Sasaki feels so real—her quiet courage, her sensitivity, and her slow but steady path toward self-acceptance. In the end, Anna Sasaki isn’t just a character in an animated film—she’s a reminder that even in our loneliest moments, we’re never truly alone.