Ever since you were a boy, you've dreamt of being Kung Fu Guy.
-- Narrator (Act I: Generic Asian Man)

Importance: The novel begins with this declaration from second person narrator Willis Wu. Iterations of the line repeat throughout the narrative, thus illustrating Willis's inability to dispel his dream, even when it proves either impossible to achieve or detrimental to his relationships and state of mind. The line also speaks to Willis's profound determination to abide by the rules of the cultural system by which he is entrapped. He is convinced that earning the Kung Fu Guy role will grant him a sense of validation and visibility. It is not, however, until the end of Act IV that he realizes how unfulfilling this role is.

But the template works, and you don't mess with a working template.
-- Narrator (Act II: Int. Golden Palace)

Importance: As Willis attempts explaining the rules of the Black and White production, he acknowledges the ways in which the plot line...