The Legend of Hulan River was a long novel written by Ostrovsky of Russia. It was set in the Hulan River area of Northeast China in the 1920s. It described the dark side of society and the suffering of the people through the story of the bandit leader Ma Dasan. The following is an analysis and comment on the characters in the novel: 1 Ma Dasan Ma Dasan was a bandit leader. His image had distinct bandit characteristics of boorish, barbaric, greedy, and brutal. He treated the bandits and the people under him unfairly and often used violence and oppression. He was also extremely cruel to his wife and children, often using domestic violence and physical punishment. His actions and words were full of selfishness, greed, and cruelty. He was a despicable villain. 2 Blacksmith Blacksmith Zhang was a poor, kind, and brave farmer. Although he was born poor, he had always been diligent and eager to change the fate of himself and his family. Under Ma Dasan's oppression and exploitation, in order to protect his family, he risked his life to fight with Ma Dasan. His actions showed his courage and kindness. He was an admirable figure. 3 Little Phoenix Goddess Little Phoenix Goddess was a beautiful, kind, and intelligent woman. She was Blacksmith Zhang's wife. She fell in love with Blacksmith Zhang and had been silently contributing to him. Under Ma Dasan's oppression and exploitation, she sacrificed her life to protect her husband and family. Her actions showed that she was beautiful, kind, and intelligent. She was a pitiful figure. 4 Gao Gang Gao Gang was a righteous, upright, and kind young man. He and Blacksmith Zhang shared a common interest. In order to protect Blacksmith Zhang and his family, he was willing to risk his life.