This study sought to discover the principles of characterization governing the Sheng and the Dan roles in the Chinese opera. Seven Dan role divisions and three Sheng role divisions were studied. It was discovered that throughout its long history the Chinese opera had adhered to its original singing and dancing styles; that the creative activities involved in the opera's staging were subordinated to singing and dancing styles; that the actors in the Chinese opera perform only one role category in their career; that years of rigid training were required before the actors were allowed to perform on stage; that each role division had its peculiar method of characterization that was shown through their performances, their costumes, and their acting techniques.