Amy is a 14-year-old Chinese American girl dealing with her cultural identity during the Christmas season. She feels intensely self-conscious about her family's traditional Chinese customs, especially when placed in proximity to her white American guests. Her internal conflict manifests as a deep desire to assimilate into mainstream American culture and change her physical appearance.

Tan's mother is a first-generation Chinese immigrant who maintains a strong connection to her heritage. Rather than serving a typical American holiday meal, she prepares a complex traditional Chinese feast for their guests. She observes her daughter's discomfort and attempts to impart a lesson about maintaining cultural pride, eventually gifting her a beige tweed miniskirt while reminding her to stay Chinese on the inside.

Robert is a minister's son and the object of Amy's affection. Described by Amy as being as white as Mary in the manger, he represents the mainstream American culture that she wishes to join. During the Christmas Eve dinner, he appears awkward and unfamiliar with the Chinese customs and foods presented to him.

Tan's father is a Chinese immigrant who embraces his family's traditions with enthusiasm. During the meal, he actively participates in the customs, such as pulling the soft meat of the fish's cheek to give to his daughter and burping after the meal to show appreciation for the cook.

Robert's father is a minister who attends the Christmas Eve dinner at the Tan household. He attempts to politely participate in the evening's unfamiliar customs, even trying to replicate the traditional post-meal burp demonstrated by Tan's father, though he only manages a small one.