Minli is an adventurous and quick-thinking young girl who wishes to change her family's poor fortune. Pained by her mother's frequent sighs and inspired by her father's folklore tales, she bravely sets out on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon. She feels a deep sense of duty toward her parents but cannot ignore her curiosity about the wider world.

Ma is Minli's mother, a cynical and world-weary woman who deeply feels the burden of her family's poverty. She views her husband's stories as foolish fantasy and frequently sighs with discontent. Despite her harsh exterior, her underlying motivation is a deep, protective love for her family.

Ba is Minli's father, a hardworking and optimistic man who counters the bleakness of their poverty with rich, fantastical storytelling. He encourages Minli's imagination and possesses a generous spirit, making quiet sacrifices to support his family's hopes and dreams.

Dragon is a large, flightless dragon originally brought to life from a painting. Living a lonely life in the forest, he is insecure about his own nature but proves to be a fiercely loyal companion. When Minli frees him, he joins her on her quest in hopes of asking the Old Man of the Moon how he can learn to fly.

Magistrate Tiger is a selfish, power-hungry ruler whose terrible temper causes immense suffering across the land. His legacy of anger and cruelty acts as a destructive force throughout the region, pitting him against innocent villagers and directly threatening Minli's survival.

The Old Man of the Moon is a powerful Immortal being who resides atop Never-Ending Mountain. He possesses the Book of Fortune and ties the red strings of destiny between people, answering only one question every ninety-nine years for those who manage to reach his domain.

The Buffalo Boy is an orphaned youth living in a humble hut in the Outer City. Despite his poverty and solitary life, he is remarkably content with his circumstances. He serves as a helpful, generous guide to Minli when she attempts to locate the king.

The King of the City of Bright Moonlight is a wise, humble, and generous ruler who often sneaks out of his palace to interact with his people. He prioritizes his moral compass over wealth and power, ultimately providing Minli with essential guidance on her journey.

A-Fu is a brave young girl dressed in bright red who, alongside her twin brother Da-Fu, seeks to protect her village from a terrifying beast. She is clever and audacious, utilizing her enemy's own anger as a weapon against him.

Da-Fu is A-Fu's twin brother, a cheerful and courageous boy who helps execute a dangerous plan to save his village. Together with his sister, he relies on family loyalty and cleverness to outsmart brute force.

A-Gong is the protective grandfather of A-Fu and Da-Fu. He possesses ancient wisdom about defeating enemies by using their own anger against them, and he carries a special medicine bag to heal the wounded.

Amah is the warm, hospitable grandmother of the twins A-Fu and Da-Fu. She cares for guests as if they were her own children, demonstrating incredible generosity by providing comfort, medicine, and warm clothing to travelers in need.

The goldfish man is a traveling peddler with a magical past. He once had his fate altered by the Old Man of the Moon and now brings a sense of possibility and faith to the impoverished villagers he visits, directly inspiring Minli's journey.

The talking goldfish is a magical creature Minli buys to bring her family luck. Grateful for being released back into the river, the goldfish repays Minli by giving her the exact directions she needs to start her quest to Never-Ending Mountain.

The Weaver Girl is a mysterious, delicate young woman who lives under strict supervision. She sneaks away on full moons to visit the Buffalo Boy, bringing him immense joy and hinting at her own secretive, magical origins.

Jade Dragon is a prideful mythological mother whose actions cause a severe drought for the villagers. Her sadness over losing her four children transforms the landscape and sets the high stakes for Minli's village.