Song is a Chinese singer and actor. Although he is a man, he plays female roles in Chinese
opera, which is a traditional practice in China. When Song and Gallimard first meet, Song
allows him to think that he, Song, is really a woman. Song pretends to fit the stereotype that
Western men have of the submissive Oriental woman: he appears modest and retiring in a
way that Gallimard finds enticing. However, Song can also be assertive in his views about
how women are treated in Chinese society and of the West's prejudiced attitude to China. But
all the time he is with Gallimard, Song is merely acting a part. In reality, he is using Gallimard
to obtain sensitive political information, which he passes on to the Chinese government. Song
shows no qualms about his deception of Gallimard, and even goes as far as acquiring a baby
(supplied for him by his communist masters) and telling Gallimard the baby is theirs. When
Song reveals himself as a man and testifies against Gallimard at the trial, he relates his story
in a detached and unemotional manner, as if he has no real feelings in the matter. At the end
of the play, he toys with the distressed Gallimard and tries to reassert his control over him