Laura Haruna, Hamtaro's owner and the primary human character in the franchise, is a ten-year-old girl living with her parents, Forrest and Marian Haruna, and their family dog, Brandy. After moving to a new city, Laura initially struggled with shyness around other children. Meeting Kana Iwata, who shared her love for hamsters, sparked a friendship that helped Laura overcome her timidity. This connection opened the door to forming numerous friendships with peers at school and in the community. Laura maintains a deep bond with her hamster, Hamtaro, actively caring for him. Hamtaro reciprocates, often assisting Laura during challenges. However, Laura's focus can sometimes shift away from Hamtaro, particularly during significant events like her birthday, where distractions may cause her to overlook him. This inattention once led Hamtaro to leave for Ham-Ham Land with the other Ham-Hams. Her personality blends charming traits with moments of emotional volatility. She has been known to pout or react strongly when her desires are unmet, like running away from home after her parents declined to buy a CD player she wanted. Academically, Laura enjoys school but frequently struggles, resulting in poor grades and failed assignments. Laura harbors a significant crush on her classmate, Travis Kimura, facing competition from many other girls at school who share similar feelings for him. She practices daily reflection, often ending her day writing in her diary while Hamtaro enjoys a treat nearby.