Mei Xiang
Mei is a 15-year-old girl from a rural village who is selected to join a prestigious dance troupe in Beijing during the 1960s. Initially naive and idealistic, she becomes closely involved with Chairman Mao, gradually shifting from an eager young dancer to a woman deeply entangled in the political turbulence of the Cultural Revolution.
Chairman Mao Zedong
The powerful leader of the Chinese Communist Party, Mao is depicted as both a compelling and mysterious figure. In the story, he forms a personal connection with Mei, and his influence shapes the course of events, reflecting the broader political struggles and contradictions of the time.
Madame Mao (Jiang Qing)
The wife of Mao, Jiang Qing is portrayed as an ambitious and influential figure in the Communist Party, especially during the Cultural Revolution. Her role in the Forbidden City and her interactions with the young women in the dance troupe reveal her political acumen and personal rivalry with those around her.
Teacher Fan
A mentor to Mei and the other dancers, Teacher Fan guides them with a sense of duty and care. She balances her allegiance to the Party with her concern for the well-being of the girls, offering a complex perspective on loyalty and sacrifice during this politically charged era.
Comrade Lin
An official within the Communist Party, Comrade Lin is responsible for overseeing the recruitment and management of the dance troupe. He symbolizes the Party’s control over the girls’ lives, representing the larger power structures at play in the Forbidden City.
Mei's Parents
Mei’s parents remain in their rural home, living a life shaped by traditional values. Their expectations and views on Mei’s path contrast with her new experiences in the city, highlighting the divide between rural and urban life during the Cultural Revolution.
