A Chinese immigrant who arrives in New York City fleeing a highly restrictive marriage. She possesses a valuable carved jade hairpin passed down through generations, which connects her to her family history. To survive and repay her debts, she works at Opium, a club catering to Chinese businessmen, where she faces intense pressure and exploitation. Her primary motivation for immigrating is to locate her biological daughter, who was adopted by an American family.

An executive at a prominent New York publishing house trying to salvage her career after a major plagiarism scandal. Born into a wealthy family, she prides herself on her intellect and professional success. Her heavy workload causes tension in her marriage, and she frequently feels disconnected from her adoptive daughter's growing interest in Chinese culture.

A Chinese immigrant who moved to the United States three years ago and is studying accounting to please his family. He volunteers at an animal shelter and still wears a red string bracelet given to him during his youth. He remains devoted to his past connection with Jasmine despite the years they spent apart.

A professor of East Asian languages at Columbia University and Rebecca's charismatic husband. He is a former child language prodigy who speaks fluent Chinese. He takes an active role in teaching his adoptive daughter about her heritage, creating a cultural bond that his wife does not share.

A five-year-old girl adopted from a rural Chinese village. She takes ballet classes and has a natural talent for visual art. She is highly observant and begins asking difficult questions about her biological origins and adoption.

A wealthy, well-connected official in China and Jasmine's much-older husband. He views his wife as property and employs his parents to monitor her movements. Driven by a preference for male heirs, he orchestrates the secret adoption of his infant daughter without his wife's consent.

A waitress at Opium who guides new employees through the club's harsh environment. She relies heavily on drugs and alcohol to endure the exploitative conditions of her workplace.

The demanding manager of Opium. She pushes the waitresses and dancers to maximize earnings by catering to the demands of the club's affluent patrons.

An editor at a competing publishing house and Rebecca's primary rival. He is opportunistic and possesses damaging information about Rebecca's past professional conduct, which he uses as leverage in contract negotiations.

An acclaimed author whose upcoming novel addresses race and identity within immigrant communities. She is highly sought after by multiple publishing houses.

A Korean American literary agent representing high-profile authors. She bonds with other mothers over their daughters' shared activities while fiercely protecting her clients' interests.

The head of the publishing house where Rebecca works. She expects her staff to secure prominent titles to recover from recent public relations disasters.

An author whose plagiarized, inaccurate memoir caused a crisis for his publisher. He manipulates editors to distract from the severe flaws in his writing.

Gina's daughter. She takes ballet classes and occasionally interacts with other children in her mother's professional circle.

A student at the martial arts studio who trains alongside Anthony and interacts with newcomers.

A bouncer at Opium with connections to the Triad organized crime syndicate. He maintains order at the club and assists with illicit requests.