American Born Chinese

by

Gene Luen Yang

An engineer who emigrated from China during graduate school. He wears thick glasses and, according to Jin’s mother, has an impressive work ethic—which made him a desirable partner for her. He and his wife are extremely strict and ban Jin from dating until he has a master’s degree. Due to the fact that Jin and Danny are the same person, Jin’s father is also Danny’s father—he just never appears as anything but a voice from the next room in those chapters.
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Jin’s Father Character Timeline in American Born Chinese

The timeline below shows where the character Jin’s Father appears in American Born Chinese. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 2
Identity and Prejudice Theme Icon
Storytelling and Universality Theme Icon
...until a year later in graduate school. Jin’s mother worked at a cannery, while Jin’s father sold wigs to pay for school. His father became an engineer and his mother became... (full context)
Chapter 8
Pride, Stubbornness, and Humility Theme Icon
Jin’s mother once said she married Jin’s father because he had the thickest glasses. His thick glasses, to her, meant that he spent... (full context)
Chapter 9
Identity and Prejudice Theme Icon
Pride, Stubbornness, and Humility Theme Icon
Storytelling and Universality Theme Icon
...a Chinese bakery and restaurant. Jin catches it and then heads home. He asks his father to borrow the car keys. Jin’s father asks if he’s taking Chin-Kee out, but Jin... (full context)