Shelley Zheng
Shelley is the protagonist of the Chinese Groove and a yearning for a better life. He lost his mother when he was young and moved from China to pursue the American dream. He is a driven and optimistic character that is willing to take chances and embrace opportunities to make his ambitions a reality. He is also extraordinarily empathetic and generous, frequently putting others ahead of himself. He is willing to make sacrifices and go out of his way to aid those he cares about. He is also incredibly loving, as evidenced by his care of Henry.
Shelley is never scared to speak his thoughts or stand up for what he believes in. Shelley is also a diligent worker who is willing to work long hours and complete arduous tasks to provide a better life for himself and his family. He is extremely devoted, as seen by his dedication to caring for his father and family in China. Finally, Shelley believes strongly in the power of the Chinese Groove and uses it to guide his actions throughout the story.
Ted
Ted is Shelley's uncle and represents the concept of the "Chinese Groove," a sense of brotherhood that transcends borders. He is an American-born Chinese (ABC) man with a Jewish wife and a low economic standing, yet he nevertheless offers Shelley a place to stay and remains a supportive role in his life. Ted is generous and friendly, but he also believes in the power of the Chinese Groove. He helps Shelley negotiate cultural differences and teaches him the value of family, loyalty, and hard work.
Ted also demonstrates to Shelley what it's like to be an immigrant in a new nation and how to make it on his own. Ted is an example of how the Chinese Groove can transcend cultural and economic boundaries and he is a strong influence on Shelley in his journey to success.
Aviva
Aviva is Ted's wife and a scary persona to Shelley at first. She is an accomplished lawyer with a strong personality. Aviva is not your normal lawyer, despite her strong credentials. She is a tender-hearted woman who is sympathetic and understanding. For example, when Shelley is in the hospital following an accident, Aviva is concerned for her well-being. She also shows her compassionate and kind side when caring for her father-in-law, Henry, who has dementia. She adores him and comforts him by reading him stories.
Aviva is also a source of advice and support for Shelley. For instance, when Shelley is uncertain about his career path, Aviva provides him with advice to help him make a decision. She is also able to see through Shelley's facade of pride and bravado and recognize when he needs help. This is evident when she discovers that Shelley has been living in squalor and she immediately offers him a place to stay.
Shelley's Father
Shelley's father is an essential character in the narrative because he decided to send Shelley to America in the first place. Despite the loss of his wife when Shelley was a youngster, he is a diligent and caring father who has done his best to provide for Shelley and his family. He is a thoughtful, compassionate, and giving man who adores his son and his family.
He serves as a role model for Shelley, instilling in him the value of family and the strength of the "Chinese Groove" - a sense of connection and belonging among compatriots that transcends borders. He is also a strong believer in hard work and encourages Shelley to pursue his dreams and never give up. He is the source of Shelley's optimism and perseverance and serves as a reminder to him of the importance of family, loyalty, and kindness.
Eddie
He is a scruffy Chinese immigrant who takes Shelley under his wing and helps him thrive in America. Eddie is a hustler and a gambler, but he also has a great heart and is always willing to help Shelley out. He lives in an apartment that he rented without any legal documentation. He also knows how to get the greatest discounts, such as locating cheap food and clothing and even receiving free drinks from local establishments. Eddie is a tough-guy character who knows how to survive in a harsh city.
Despite his street smarts, Eddie is also a nice and generous person. He takes Shelley in and assists him in finding work and a place to live. He also teaches Shelley the Chinese Groove and urges him to embrace his ancestry and recognize the power of brotherhood. Eddie also teaches Shelley the value of family and how to accept his culture and others around him. Eddie's influence is crucial to Shelley's success.
Henry
Henry is an elderly man who is the father of Ted, Shelley’s uncle. Henry is a difficult figure to comprehend since he is reserved and distant. He's depressed all the time, and his relationship with his son is tense and distant. He is characterized as a recluse at the start of the story, rarely leaving his bedroom and having little presence in the family. Shelley's presence in the family, on the other hand, has a great impact on Henry.
As Shelley shows Henry warmth and care, he gradually opens up and becomes more active in the family. He even manages to form a great friendship with Shelley, with whom he has many sensitive chats about their separate lives. Henry is also a fantastic source of wisdom for Shelley, providing him with career advice and leading him on his path to success.
