Chow Mo-wan
Chow is one of the main characters of the film. He works at a newspaper and enjoys reading and writing martial arts serials. His interest in these serials reflects his more traditional view of romance and chivalry. Chow responds to his wife's affair by pursuing his neglected interests and falling in love with his neighbor, Su.
Su Li-zhen
Su is the other main character of the film. She works as a secretary for a businessman named Mr. Ho. Su feels hemmed in by her marriage, specifically to a man who neglects her needs and leaves her alone for long stretches of time. She wears beautiful, intricate qipaos and shares Chow's interest in martial arts serials, both of which reflect her more traditional disposition. She enjoys seeing movies at the theater by herself and frequenting noodle stalls. Her response to her husband's affair is grief, feeling her loneliness deepen, but she is not as prepared to move on and be with Chow as Chow is to be with her.
Mrs. Suen
Mrs. Suen owns the apartment where Su and her husband live. She loves to play mahjong and has an active social life with her neighbors. Mrs. Suen is very familiar with Su and critiques Su's tendency to eat dinner alone and stay out late. Ironically, Suen is suspicious of Su being unfaithful in her marriage, when in fact it is Su's husband who is the unfaithful one. Mrs. Suen eventually moves to the United States and rents the entire apartment to Su and her husband.
Mr. Ho
Mr. Ho is Su's boss. He's an older man who has a wife and a mistress, and he relies on Su to organize his social calendar.
Ping
Ping is Chow's friend and associate at the newspaper. Ping rejects Chow's traditional morals and values and lives for pleasure. He is a regular at a brothel, drinks, and recklessly gambles.
Su's Husband
Su's husband is a travelling businessman. Though we never see his face, from his dialogue we can hear that he is distant and doesn't say very much.
Chow's Wife
Like Su's husband, Chow's wife also never makes a full appearance on screen. She is charming, but what few lines she has in the film tend to be misleading or deceitful.
Amah
Amah is Mrs. Suen's servant and housekeeper. She often implores Su to eat with the group rather than go by herself to a noodle stall.
Ming
Ming is Chow's boss at the newspaper in Hong Kong.
