The character roles in Beijing Opera are divided into four main types according to the sex, age, social status, and profession of the character.

Sheng refers to male roles. Shengis subdivided into lao sheng (middle-aged or old men), xiao sheng (young men )and wu sheng (men with maritial skills).

Dan refers to female roles. Like sheng, dan is also subdivided into various types. Qing yi is a woman with a strict moral code; hua dan is a vivacious young woman; wu dan is a woman with martial skills and lao dan is an elderly woman.

Jing refers to the roles with painted faces. They are usually warriors, heroes, statesmen, or even demons. Jing can be further divided into wen jing (civilian type) and wu jing (warrior type ).

 Chou, or clown, is a comic character and can be recognized at first sight for his special make-up (a patch of white paint on his nose). Chou is subdivided into wen chou (civilian clown)and wu chou (clown with martial skills).

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