1. Yeh-Shen: The protagonist, a kind and gentle young girl who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters.
2. Stepmother: Yeh-Shen's cruel and wicked stepmother who treats her harshly.
3. Stepsisters: Yeh-Shen's two older stepsisters, Ai-Chin and Ni-Chin, who are jealous of her beauty and mistreat her.
4. Father: Yeh-Shen's father who is a weak and ineffectual man who allows his wife and daughters to mistreat Yeh-Shen.
5. Old Woman: An elderly woman who helps Yeh-Shen with her chores and gives her advice.
6. The Fish: A magical fish that Yeh-Shen rescues and later becomes her guide and helper.
7. The Dragon King: The ruler of the sea who helps Yeh-Shen and gives her magical gifts.
8. The Prince: The handsome and kind-hearted prince who falls in love with Yeh-Shen.