The second artillery focused on lively little people in the anti-Japanese war. The whole play shows the lives of many small people, from ordinary people in the war years to soldiers after the battlefield, and even female characters.
Whether it is the protagonists Zhang San and Li Si, or the miserly rich man Li Dabanzi, the hateful traitor Liu Degui, and the head who loves talents like life, all the characters have distinct personality characteristics.
The Second Artillery Corps is a major breakthrough and attempt by Director Kang in exploring new methods of shooting war dramas. For the first time, the play incorporates comedy elements, creating a brand-new story tension through the brutal conflict between war and comedy.
For example, in the shaping of characters and relationships, the cartoon-like treatment highlights the tragic fate of small people who have been bullied by war, such as Li Dabanzi (ornaments) and Li Christina. At first glance, Li Fu's timidity and haggle over every ounce are quite funny, but after being integrated into the war background, his caution in protecting his family and villagers is really sad and touching.