In "The Joy Luck Club," a character explains that each individual embodies five elemental qualities that can influence their personality. A balance among these elements is essential; for instance, excessive fire can lead to aggression and a harsh temperament, as illustrated by her father, who often clashed with her mother due to his smoking and defensive nature. On the other hand, a deficiency in wood can make a person overly accommodating and unable to assert themselves, as seen in her Auntie An-mei.

Furthermore, an abundance of water can cause one to be indecisive and swayed by external forces, reflecting the narrator's own struggles. This exploration of elemental balance serves as a poignant metaphor for understanding the complexities of individual character and familial relationships within the narrative, as each character deals with their unique elemental influences.