Wittman Ah Sing is the protagonist in Maxine Hong Kingston’s novel Tripmaster Monkey. He is a young Chinese American man who dreams of becoming an actor and finding success in the world of theater. In chapter one, Wittman is introduced as a charismatic and confident young man who has a passion for Shakespearean plays.
The first sentence of the novel sets the tone for Wittman’s character: “I am Chinese.” This simple statement reveals his identity as an Asian American and sets him apart from the majority culture around him. However, Wittman does not let this define him. Instead, he embraces his heritage while also striving to find his place in American society.
Throughout chapter one, we see Wittman’s passion for acting and his desire to be recognized as a talented performer. He spends hours rehearsing lines from Shakespeare’s plays and imagines himself on stage, captivating audiences with his performances. This shows that he is dedicated and hardworking in pursuing his dream.
Despite facing racism and discrimination due to his race, Wittman remains optimistic and determined to succeed. He refuses to let others’ opinions hold him back and instead uses their negative remarks as fuel for his ambition. For example, when a white woman tells him he will never make it as an actor because he is “too oriental,” he responds by saying that he will become so good at acting that people won’t even notice his race.
Wittman also has a playful side to him, which adds depth to his character. He enjoys making jokes and teasing others, showing that he doesn’t take life too seriously all the time. This can be seen when he jokes around with his friend Stony about wanting to play all the male roles in Shakespeare’s plays.
In conclusion, Wittman Ah Sing is a dynamic character who embodies both determination and lightheartedness. His passion for acting drives him forward despite facing obstacles due to his race. He is confident in his abilities and refuses to let anyone else define his potential.




