Jing-Mei is a nine-year-old Chinese-American girl living in a Chinatown apartment. Raised by immigrant parents, she initially embraces the idea of becoming a famous child prodigy, trying out different talents to please her mother. However, as the daily demands increase, she grows frustrated with the constant testing and pressure. She begins to intentionally underperform to assert her independence, preferring to be ordinary rather than strain for impossible perfection.

Suyuan is a first-generation Chinese immigrant who works diligently cleaning houses to support her family. She carries unspoken trauma from losing her first family in China before moving to the United States in 1949. Believing entirely in upward mobility and limitless opportunity, she invests significant energy into finding and cultivating a special talent in her daughter.

Mr. Chong is a retired piano instructor who agrees to take on a new student in exchange for cleaning services. He is completely deaf, a fact he keeps hidden from his employers but which his student quickly discovers. He teaches piano by relying on visual cues, rhythm, and hand positioning, maintaining an enthusiastic attitude during lessons.

Waverly is a young Chinese-American girl growing up in the same community as the Woo family. She holds the title of "Chinatown’s Littlest Chinese Chess Champion" and serves as the benchmark against which other children are measured. She is highly successful and confident in her abilities.

Lindo is a first-generation Chinese immigrant and a member of the Joy Luck Club. She is deeply proud of her daughter's chess championships and frequently complains about having to dust so many trophies. This humble boasting fuels the competitive tension between her and her friends within their local church community.