Anchee Min
The author, also the character of the autobiography who as a young child loved to be on the top academically before randomly ending up in a labor camp in Southeastern China.
Mao Zedong
A Communist dictator of China whose cruel policies left their nation without basic needs met, in a state of paranoia and police oppression.
The teacher
A helpless woman who ends up on the wrong side of the Red Army's authority. Her own students conspire against her to make sure she gets the worst from Mao's forces.
Yan
Anchee's lover from the work camp, the group leader.
The Supervisor
Anchee's manager and agent when she works in Shanghai as an actress. Also, her lover.
