Gou Hauyou
One of the principal characters in the novel, Guo appears as a young boy fascinated by what his father does as a job. He has to fight against the novel's antagonist and defend his family for what is right.
Guo Pei
Pei is Hauyou's father, who works as a sailor. After he dies, Hauyou must ensure that no harm comes to the family from one of Pei's ex-colleagues.
Gou Mipeng
Mipeng is Hauyou's cousin. They work together to stop harm coming to the Gou family and eventually run off together to join the Jade circus to work as performers.
Di Chou
Pei's colleague and the antagonist of the novel. He attempts to marry Hauyou's mother after Pei's death. He and Hauyou don't have a good relationship.
Gou Qing'an
Qing'an is a very pretty woman and Hauyou's mother. After her husband Pei's death, she is instructed by male relatives - mainly Great Uncle Bo - that she must marry Di Chou.
Great Uncle Bo
Hauyou's uncle, Bo assumes a significant role after the death of Pei, as the most senior male member of the family. Other family members, especially women, must follow his orders.
Mo
Hauyou's aunt and wife of Bo
Miao
The man in charge of the Jade Circus where Mipeng and Hauyou run off to work. He later marries Mipeng.
