A male role, usually a leading one, can be divided into several categories: Laosheng (the old), Xiaosheng (the young), Wusheng (the martial arts expert), Hongsheng (with red face) and Wawasheng (characters of children) according to the age and social status of the characters. This role appears in operas in all historical periods.            
     Laosheng, it’s called like that because the actors are middle-aged or elderly men. They always wear artificial beards. Most are honest and resolute characters. They sing in their natural voices and their actions are serious ones.
     Xiaosheng represent young male characters. They don't need to wear artificial beards.

 Reference
     Wusheng stands for all of the male characters who appear in battle scenes. They sometimes carry long pikes. Wusheng is good at martial arts skill.
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