Mr. Ralph Chang is a first-generation Chinese immigrant who runs a successful pancake house. He operates his business with a patriarchal mindset inspired by his grandfather in China, preferring to act as a benevolent but demanding authority figure to his employees. He disregards American social norms, often wearing grubby clothes and dismissing laws as mere speed bumps.

Mrs. Chang is a first-generation Chinese immigrant who actively tries to assimilate into American society. She works as a supermarket manager and values American status symbols, such as a country club membership and a minivan with air conditioning. She respects traditional family dynamics but discreetly attempts to guide her husband toward American social customs.

Callie Chang is the first-person narrator of the story and a second-generation Chinese American currently in junior high. She helps out at her family's restaurant and fluently understands American culture. She maintains a deep understanding of her parents' Chinese background and motivations, allowing her to act as an observer of their adaptation process.

Mona Chang is the younger daughter of the Chang family who shares her sister's comfort with American culture. She sometimes challenges her parents' traditional boundaries, such as openly discussing her mother's desire to join the local country club with a friend.

Booker is a Chinese immigrant who takes a job at the Chang family's restaurant despite lacking legal immigration status. He is a diligent worker who respects his employer but remains wary of the American legal system due to his risk of deportation to Taiwan.

Cedric is an undocumented immigrant and friend of Booker who begins working at the pancake house as a cook. He is highly capable in the kitchen but quickly develops tension with the existing restaurant staff.

Mrs. Lardner is the mother of Mona's friend and a member of the local country club. She speaks with flowery, proper language and attempts to help the Chang family integrate socially, though she quietly conceals her own Jewish heritage to maintain her standing.

Jeremy Brothers is a white American man who attends a country club party as the guest of honor. He considers himself knowledgeable about Asia because of his time in the Navy, leading him to objectify Mrs. Chang and demand translation assistance from Mr. Chang.

Fernando is the established head cook at Mr. Chang's restaurant. He resents the new hires and aggressively protects his position, eventually getting into a physical altercation over stolen supplies.

Skip is a busboy at the restaurant who struggles to keep up as other employees quit. He loses his job after Callie and Mona stuff the customer complaint box to prompt changes from their father.

Gertrude is an employee at the restaurant who resigns due to Mr. Chang's demanding management style, comparing his expectations to slavery on her way out.