The Bonesetter Character Analysis

The Bonesetter is Precious Auntie’s father. He is a famous bonesetter and healer who runs a local shop. After the Bonesetter’s wife and sons die, Precious Auntie becomes his whole world. He funnels all his energy into raising her, teaching her to learn to read and write and letting her help him treat patients in his shop. The Bonesetter’s love leads Precious Auntie to grow into a headstrong, confident, and intelligent young woman. He dies, however, after an embittered Chang attacks Precious Auntie’s wedding party as it travels to the ceremony. Chang also steals the valuable “dragon bones” the Bonesetter included as part of Precious Auntie’s dowry. Precious Auntie sees her father’s death as evidence that her family is cursed. She is so distraught over the Bonesetter’s and Baby Uncle’s deaths that she attempts suicide by swallowing boiling ink. Although she survives, the incident leaves her permanently scarred and mute.