Shoko Nishimiya is a deaf student transferring into Shoya Ishida's elementary school class. She relies on handwritten notes for communication due to her inability to hear or speak clearly. Her hearing loss remains significant despite hearing aids, with one ear permanently damaged after Ishida forcibly removed an aid during childhood bullying. In elementary school, she endures relentless bullying from classmates, especially Ishida, who mocks her speech, destroys multiple hearing aids, and escalates to physical aggression. Initially accommodating classmates grow resentful over perceived inconveniences like classroom delays or losing a choral competition. Nishimiya responds with persistent kindness, apologizing for inconveniencing others and forgiving mistreatment, though she eventually physically confronts Ishida when pushed to her limit. After transferring schools due to bullying, she carries guilt and self-hatred, believing herself a burden. Years later in high school, Nishimiya reencounters Ishida seeking redemption. She cautiously accepts his efforts to communicate via sign language and rebuild their connection. Her personality blends gentleness with quiet determination; she actively mends relationships, like reconnecting with former classmate Sahara Miyoko who defended her. Nishimiya develops romantic feelings for Ishida, confessing "I love you" ("suki") in sign language, which he misinterprets as "moon" ("tsuki") due to communication barriers. Her struggles intensify when past traumas resurface through conflicts with former bullies like Ueno Naoka, who harbors lingering resentment. Overwhelmed by guilt after Ishida's hospitalization (resulting from saving her during a suicide attempt), she nearly jumps from a bridge before Ishida intervenes. This leads to mutual apology and a commitment to support each other's healing. Family relationships are complex: her emotionally distant yet protective mother cuts Nishimiya's hair short to make her "appear stronger," while younger sister Yuzuru acts as fierce defender and caregiver. Grandmother Ito provides maternal warmth and taught Nishimiya sign language. Visually, Nishimiya's expressiveness shifts between subdued public demeanor and private emotional vulnerability, conveyed through body language and facial cues. Her adolescent school uniform reflects an unassuming nature—navy blazer, light brown sweater vest, and pale blue skirt. Symbolically, her name "Shoko" (硝子) means "glass." By the story's conclusion, Nishimiya learns to prioritize her own worth alongside caring for others. She and Ishida reconcile with their peer group, culminating in a graduation scene where they hold hands, symbolizing mutual trust and a forward-looking bond. Her journey centers on finding self-acceptance despite disability and trauma, ultimately choosing to "keep living, even if it's tough."