The monkey known as all these names starts out as a divine being, becomes a monster, and then a prisoner—all through his selfish pursuit of immortality and pride. He represents man, in part for his duality: He possesses both yin and yang.

The Jade Emperor rules Heaven and represents law and order. Initially, he tries to be lenient with Wukong, but Wukong’s many wrongs against Heaven force his hand so that he must act to prevent the monkey from destroying the Heavens.

Patriarch is an immortal who trains the Monkey King in the Way and names him Sun Wukong. However, he’s also the one who banishes Wukong after he catches Wukong showing off. Patriarch does not want Wukong to tell anyone that Patriarch taught him the Way.