The Dark Forest discussion

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First let me say I'm amused by the different attitudes Chinese and western have towards characters, specifically Cheng Xin and Zhang Beihai.
Almost every single Chinese reader loathes Cheng Xin, while most English reviews I've read find her okay. As for Zhang Beihai, in most English reviews he's simply not mentioned, and a half of the reviews that do mention him... don't have positive attitudes to say the least. Some question his morals, and one even calls him a psychopath.
So I really feel the urge to tell what I and many, many other Chinese readers think Zhang Beihai is:
He's the father of Starship Earth.
He enables humans to survive and thrive.
He is the fifth wallfacer.
He is a wise, brave and lonely hero.
He is damn sexy.

Dammit i wish i didn't read this spoiler.

Athena wrote: "First let me say I'm amused by the different attitudes Chinese and western have towards characters, specifically Cheng Xin and Zhang Beihai.
Almost every single Chinese reader loathes Cheng Xin, w..."

I guess that depends on your style of ethics. If you have a utilitarian style, Beihai is definitely your man. Ultimately, I took his character as a philosophical question: do we risk becoming monsters and risk being severed from our motherland (view spoiler)[(as Bronze Age was) (hide spoiler)] in order to survive or die knowing that we are still human?

In the third book "Death's End" you will see how Zhang Beihai plan flourish representing the spaceship "Deep Space" who ultimately save earth from the Trisolarans

I don't like giving spoilers, so I restrict this review. The character of Zheng Beihai is very interestingly constructed. Going through the novel, at first, the author presented his role as an enigma of thoughts and as a person who mastered understanding and controlling emotions. As the story proceeds, the author unveils the most rational mind in the book. I loved the characterization and describing his thought process during the crucial decisions. I think he even justified the ending of such an important character. But I felt if his reference is used in after story, then it would be more fantastic.

Chris wrote: "do we risk becoming monsters and risk being severed from our motherland (view spoiler) in order to survive or die knowing that we are still human?"
No, the question is more like "Do you risk becoming a monster to save your people, or do you enjoy staying a human by letting your people die?"

I found Zheng Beihai's character arc extremely interesting. That is not to say I was fond of the character or approved of his actions. But here was a man who looked at humankind's predicament and decided to do something about it. He only saw one way forward and, seeing that no one else was going to take that path opted to manipulate mankind's hand. I think his presence made the novel richer. I found the exploration of escapism through him fascinating.

Recommend you an animation of three body problem on Youtube:
The Legend of Zhang Beihai《my three body season 3》

I'm an overseas Chinese, grew up with all subjects taught in English. English is the main language here. We follow the British law. I grow up watching more Chinese programs than English. I'll like to think of myself being traditional yet futuristic and open minded at the same time.

Zhang Bei Hai is a hero. He's the typical type of traditional and stern fatherly figure who speaks and displays very little daily affection but has the biggest heart for his children and would self sacrifice quietly. He shoulders responsibility alone so others won't be burdened by it. On peaceful days, people like him won't shine. You may even secretly hate him for being critical and solemn.

Its easy for me to understand why he's sexy and charming. Maybe its got to do with growing up and embracing Chinese ideologies as if they're already been written in my DNA. I've never thought favourably of Western heros. They seem to walk around carrying billboard advertisements, screaming for attention all the time. Vain and symbolically egocentric.

I arrived late to this conversation, but I concur with someone earlier who labeled him the fifth Wallfacer. His motives were so well-concealed that even the Trisolaris Organization was in the dark. He's not a psychopath; I see him as the most grounded character in the series. Initially, I admired his unapologetic optimism. When I found out he was actually an escapist, my initial disappointment turned to admiration for his skill at keeping his plans under wraps. The most remarkable part: he succeeded in his mission. Alongside Luo Ji, he was one of the only Wallfacers to achieve his goal. Arguably, he did more for the survival of humanity than any other character. It's thanks to him that galactic humans outlived those in the Solar System.