Shen of the Sea unveils a dazzling tapestry of Chinese characters, each ripe with distinctive traits. Among them burst forth the imaginative, the inventive, and the perpetually hopeful, while others stumble as the foolish, the contrary, and the untamed. The narrative is adorned with graceful maidens and domineering wives, alongside opulent rulers and impoverished villagers. Kings, emperors, generals, and soldiers march through the tales, joined by mythical dragons, fearsome demons, and a mysterious feline under enchantment. Names often hint at nature: Ah Mee and Ah Fun embody mischief and naughtiness; Ah Tcha slumbers through life, while Hai Low lags under the shadow of a brother whose lofty ideals keep him in perpetual gloom.

The stories weave intricate themes around each character's bonds with family or community. These connections challenge and transform, birthing misunderstandings that shift destinies, even altering the fabric of the world itself. The tales extol the value of individuality and creativity, underscoring how the absurd can captivate. Foolish antics and childish whims stand in stark opposition to acts of courage, wisdom, and loyalty.