Dhh is a successful playwright and a fictionalized alter-ego of the author. He functions as the central figure in the Asian American theater community. He is ambitious and highly sensitive about his public image. He takes pride in his status as a trailblazer who fights against historical marginalization. He frequently struggles to balance his responsibilities as a cultural representative with his desire for artistic and personal validation.

Marcus is a young, white actor who mistakenly secures an Asian role in the play Face Value. He believes in a colorblind society and eagerly embraces the mistaken identity. He adopts an Asian American persona and finds a sense of belonging in a marginalized community. He benefits from the privilege of choosing his identity without facing its historical burdens.

Hyh is Dhh's wealthy banker father and the founder of Far East National Bank. He is an optimistic, patriotic believer in American capitalism who takes immense pride in his family's success. He longs for a colorblind society where he can be judged solely on his merits rather than his appearance.

Leah is Dhh's ex-girlfriend who remains connected to his social and professional circles. She is observant and highly critical of Dhh's self-centered behavior. She frequently challenges his claims to authenticity and calls out his performative activism directly.

Rodney is an Asian American actor who performs alongside Marcus and later questions Dhh's casting decisions. He is frustrated by the theater industry's tendency to typecast Asian men. He perceptively criticizes Dhh for overlooking him due to conventional masculinity.

Miles is the casting director for Dhh's play Face Value. Constrained by union rules that prevent directly asking about an actor's race, he relies on indirect questions. He ultimately misinterprets Marcus's background during the casting process.

Carla is an Asian American activist who views recent theatrical controversies as crucial civil rights moments. She relies on recognizable figures to bring media attention to her cause.

Jane is an actor who performs in Dhh's play. She inadvertently shatters Dhh's assumptions when she correctly identifies the role Marcus played in a previous production. She exposes his true racial background but does not realize the implications.

Familiarly called Bradd, he is a successful Asian American actor. He keeps Dhh informed about industry news and impending casting controversies.

Margaret is an attorney with the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund. She becomes the target of Dhh's desperate need for professional validation and inappropriate late-night advances.

Nwoaoc is a journalist who investigates campaign finance violations. He frequently conflates Chinese nationality with Chinese American identity. He uses his position in the press to interrogate the loyalties of Asian Americans.

Craver is a theatrical agent who helps his client navigate the fallout of a massive casting mistake. He provides pragmatic, if ethically dubious, advice on how to avoid discrimination lawsuits.

Julia is Marcus's mother. When informed of her son's deception, she remains unfazed. She uses colorblind rhetoric to defend his deep involvement in activism.