Shen of the Sea portrays a wide variety of Chinese characters. Some are inventive, creative, and optimistic, while others are foolish, contrary, and undisciplined. There are beautiful maidens and overbearing wives, rich rulers and poor peasants, numerous kings, emperors, generals, and soldiers, as well as magical dragons, demons, and a bewitched cat. Several characters have names that provide clues to their personalities: Ah Mee and Ah Fun are mischievous and naughty; Ah Tcha sleeps eleven hours out of twelve; and Hai Low has a brother whose high standards and expectations keep Hai Low in the doldrums.

The themes of the tales focus on the relationship that each character has with his or her family or community.

Within these relationships, misunderstandings arise, challenges are met, and the fate of a person (or even the world) is changed. The tales stress respect for individuality and creativity...