Joan’s older brother who works as a successful hedge fund manager and lives with his family in Connecticut. Unlike Joan, he embraces his Chinese heritage and focuses on financial success as a central goal.

Fang’s wife, who originally immigrated to obtain a graduate degree but chose to focus on family life. Her life choices contrast with Joan’s focus on career.

Joan’s extraverted neighbor known for his lack of boundaries and misinterpretation of Joan’s reserved nature, showcasing the societal and cultural miscommunications between them.

Joan’s emotionally distant mother who prioritized career success over emotional bonds and shares a deep connection to Chinese culture. After living in the United States, she returns to China to continue her life there.

One of Joan’s colleagues, a German attending physician who is less career-driven than Joan and lives with her long-term boyfriend.

Another colleague of Joan’s, he is an outgoing man whose charm and looks influence others’ perception of his competence as a doctor, offering a contrast to Joan’s merit-focused approach.