The Bonesetter's Daughter had a plethora of different characters, nevertheless one character set the whole book into focus. She distinctly showed Tan's theme through her separation from society. This significant character was Precious Auntie. Without her additive part into the story, none of the other characters would have been set into motion and the meaning of the book would not have progressed as it did. Through her alienation, Tan shows that the arts of communication between mothers and daughters can be affected greatly.

To secure a strong mother and daughter relationship, communication between the two of them has to be intact. Because Precious Auntie could not speak, she and Luiling had their own special way to communicate with each other. Precious Auntie had the nickname Doggie for Luiling, and when she would call to her, she would sniff. She also used grimaces and groans, dancing eyebrows, darting eyes...