The Good Person of Szechwan

Main Characters and Their Development

• Shen Te – The protagonist, a kind and honest woman trying to survive in a harsh world. She opens a tobacco shop to help people but faces exploitation and deceit. To protect herself and her business, she creates an alter ego – her ruthless and calculating cousin Shui Ta, who makes tough decisions and defends her interests.
• Shui Ta – Shen Te's alter ego, representing her more ruthless and pragmatic side. He appears when Shen Te cannot cope with difficulties. Shui Ta becomes a successful businessman, but his methods raise questions about morality and justice.
• Wang – A water seller who helps Shen Te and supports her in difficult times. He symbolizes ordinary people who strive for justice and kindness but often find themselves powerless against injustice.
• The Three Gods – Deities searching for a good person on Earth. They place their hopes on Shen Te, but their idealism clashes with the reality of human nature and society. Their presence underscores the conflict between ideals and reality.