* Yeh-Shen: The kind and beautiful young girl who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. She is the protagonist of the story.
* The Magic Fish: A magical fish who grants Yeh-Shen wishes and helps her overcome her hardships.
* The Old Woman: A mysterious old woman who helps Yeh-Shen and her fish. This character is often referred to as "the fish-seller" or "the kind old woman."
* Yeh-Shen's Stepmother: The cruel and selfish stepmother who mistreats Yeh-Shen and favors her own daughters.
* Yeh-Shen's Stepsisters: Two jealous and arrogant girls who bully and try to sabotage Yeh-Shen.
These characters are the most prominent in the story, and their interactions and actions drive the plot forward.