Rather than for oneself, I think it's so much more meaningful to be cheerful for others. The source of my happiness is something everyone always gives me.

Tohru was orphaned after her mother died in a traffic accident. She was taken in by her paternal grandfather (who usually calls her Kyoko - her mother's name) and was supposed to move back with him after his home was renovated. However while his home was being renovated, Tohru set up a tent on land that was owned by the Sohma family. After a landslide buried her tent, she moved into Shigure's home where she now takes care of the housework in exchange for room and board. She has a part time job cleaning an office building to pay for her high school fees.

As a child, Tohru was often teased by other kids. She also has the habit of speaking using very formal language; a habit she picked up from her father who died when she was very young from an illness.

Tohru's gentle words have helped to ease the pain that Yuki, Kyo and the other members of the 12shi carry which has closed their hearts to others. Lost within themselves, she helps them find their way out of the darkness. However, Tohru herself will not speak of her own weaknesses such that she would collapse from exhaustion or fever first. And so Yuki and Kyo both tell her that "Tohru should be herself and do things at her own pace."

Tohru's mother was a central figure to her existance. Her mother worked hard for Tohru's sake. Kyoko even told Tohru to go to high school in her stead (Kyoko left school after junior high.) Kyoko taught Tohru the true meaning of kindness. However, on the morning of her mother's death, Tohru was unable to see her mother off for the day and tell her "Have a nice day"...