Lily
She is the narrator, an eighty year old long-suffering widow who is resigned to life. She feels desolate due to her husband’s absenteeism, and is disinterested in bodily nourishment. Her contemplation elucidates experiences of her all-inclusive girlhood and womanhood.
Lily’s Mother
She is an essential figure who heartens her to weather excruciating experiences such as “footbinding and childbearing but the more torturous pain of the heart, mind, and soul.” Lily’s mother bids her motherly affection which is denoted as teng ai.
Lily’s Son
He educates Lily regarding the undertones of ‘men’s writing’ which allude to ‘pain and love’ for he is a man who is privy to the male subjects.
Peony
She is Lily’s grandson’s son’s spouse who takes care of Lily by cooking for her. Besides, Peony convinces Lily that when Lily deceases she will burn all of Lily’s literatures (which she bestows to the individuals in ‘the afterworld’), so that Lily’s narrative ‘will reach them’ promptly.
Snow Flower
She is Lily’s “Laotong (old same)” who familiarizes her with "nu shu- women’s secret writing.” At the time of Lily’s inscription Snow Flower is departed; hence Lily devotes the script to Snow Flower.
Madame Wang
She is the intermediary who acquaints Lily to Snow Flower to each other. She is also helpful in the transmission the presents between the two.
Beautiful Moon
She is Lily’s age mate and cousin. They expend most of their childhoods and girlhoods together. Moreover, they are trustworthy associates whose destinies are analogous.
