Master Guan
A terrifying, abusive troupe-leader whose absolute discipline leads the opera to success.
Douzi
A young actor whose mother, a prostitute, gave him to the opera troupe, cutting off a mutated sixth finger from Douzi's hand before turning him over to his fate. He begins to fall in love with his friend, maybe because Douzi plays women, and Shitou, his friend, often plays Douzi's character's love interest and hero.
Shitou
Another actor in the opera, the lead man. His performances with Douzi are typically regarded as spectacular, but off the stage, there is tension between them, and ultimately, Shitou takes a prostitute for his wife.
Juxian
Juxian is Shitou's lover, allegedly a prostitute, who meets an untimely fate when she becomes the subject of public ridicule.
Zhang
A eunuch and a sexual deviant, Zhang's sword collection is useful to the troupe for props, and the two stars are invited to Zhang's house, but Zhang forcibly sexually assaults Douzi during their visit.
