Kimy/Mrs. Kim Character Analysis in The Time Traveler’s Wife

Kimy is the landlord of the apartment building Henry grew up in. Kimy and Mr. Kim were close friends of the DeTamble family when Henry was young, and they often spent holidays and birthdays together. After Mr. Kim and Annette’s deaths, Kimy becomes a mother to Henry and offers extra support to Richard. Kimy knows about Henry’s time travels early in his life—due to the significant role she plays in his life, he often ends up in her apartment during his travels. Kimy continues to keep a watchful eye on Richard after Henry grows up and moves out. She is the one who informs Henry about Richard’s deteriorating health. After Henry brings Clare home to meet Richard and Kimy, Kimy and Clare form a friendship. When Henry expresses the difficulties he and Clare are having as they struggle to have a child years later, Kimy tells him about her daughter, Min, who died from cancer prior to Henry’s birth. When Henry suffers frostbite and has his feet amputated, Kimy is one of his main caretakers alongside Clare. Instead of indulging Henry’s despondency after the accident, she forces him to get out of bed, shower, and be present with his wife and child. Like all the most significant people in Henry’s life, she is also present at the New Year’s Eve party that Henry and Clare throw the night of Henry’s death. After Henry passes away, Kimy remains an important part of Clare and Alba’s life.

Kimy/Mrs. Kim Character Timeline in The Time Traveler’s Wife

The timeline below shows where the character Kimy/Mrs. Kim appears in The Time Traveler’s Wife. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...that evening, he and his parents ate dinner downstairs with Mr. Kim and Mrs. Kim (Kimy), the Korean couple who owned the DeTambles’ apartment building (Kimy also served as Henry’s main... (full context)

...that he must keep his time traveling a secret from everyone but Henry’s mother and Kimy. They continue on, looking at meteorites, bird specimens, and reference books in the library. Young... (full context)

...transported safely home. Though he is relieved, he is also nauseated and throws up on Kimy’s flowers. (full context)

...anniversary of Annette’s death. He and Richard mutually avoid seeing each other on this day, Kimy is out of the country visiting family, and Ingrid has her own family Christmas plans.... (full context)

...Henry takes the subway to his father Richard’s apartment. Richard won’t answer the door, but Kimy immediately comes from her apartment to greet Henry. They discuss Clare, and Henry tells her... (full context)

Henry uses Kimy’s master key to let himself into his Richard’s flat, which is in horrible disarray. Richard... (full context)

...is 21, Henry is 28). After becoming engaged, Henry takes Clare to meet Richard and Kimy. Kimy greets Clare warmly and exclaims at her beauty. Meeting Richard is more fraught. Though... (full context)

...the tension in the room. After they leave, Henry assures Clare that his father and Kimy loved her. They go to a nearby park to swing. As they do, Clare feels... (full context)

...(6:00 a.m.). Henry wakes in a bed and breakfast in town. Richard, Henry’s grandparents, and Kimy are staying in the inn’s other rooms. It is raining heavily, which makes him wonder... (full context)

...know where Henry is. Gomez tells her that he will be there any moment, and Kimy adds that she saw Ben taking clothes to the bathroom. Clare is worried that both... (full context)

Sunday, December 17, 1995 (Clare is 24, Henry is 8). Clare goes to Kimy’s apartment to visit. While she is there, a young boy (eight-year-old Henry) appears under Kimy’s... (full context)

A time-traveling episode suddenly interrupts Henry’s contemplative walk. He finds himself suddenly in Kimy’s kitchen. Kimy, sensing he is upset, offers him food to comfort him. Henry insists he’s... (full context)

Later. Charisse has joined Clare in the hospital cafeteria. Kimy is upstairs keeping watch over Henry, who is asleep. Clare tries to eat but has... (full context)

...that Annette is sitting on his bed, but when he opens his eyes, he sees Kimy. Kimy insists that Henry get out of bed and into his wheelchair, then she takes... (full context)

(8:05 p.m.). Clare and Henry reemerge from their bedroom dressed as guests begin to arrive. Kimy and Richard are first to come in from the snowstorm outside. As Henry greets his... (full context)

Kimy comes into Clare’s room to tell her Alba is home from school. Alba joins Clare... (full context)