May Chang
May Chang is a character from Fullmetal Alchemist. She is the seventeenth princess of the Xing Empire, who secretly travels to Amestris in search of the Philosopher's Stone and the secret to immortality in order to elevate the standing of her politically vulnerable Chang clan. Skilled in Alkahestry—a practice utilizing the flow of chi within the earth—she joins forces with Scar's group and the Elric brothers, playing a vital role in the conflict against the Homunculi.
Overview
May Chang is a character from Fullmetal Alchemist. She is the seventeenth princess of the Xing Empire, who secretly travels to Amestris in search of the Philosopher's Stone and the secret to immortality in order to elevate the standing of her politically vulnerable Chang clan. Skilled in Alkahestry—a practice utilizing the flow of chi within the earth—she joins forces with Scar's group and the Elric brothers, playing a vital role in the conflict against the Homunculi.
Appearance
May Chang is a petite young girl with dark eyes and black hair styled into two top knots accompanied by six trailing braids. She dresses in traditional Chinese-style attire, including Hanfu and Qipao, accented with wrist bracelets. She is almost always accompanied by her tiny pet panda, Xiao-Mei.
Personality
Polite and soft-spoken, May is a kind-hearted girl who treats others with respect. However, she possesses a vivid romantic imagination; she initially idolized Edward Elric as a tall, dreamy hero, only to react with intense disappointment upon discovering his short stature. She subsequently directs her genuine maidenly affection toward his gentle younger brother, Alphonse. May also displays remarkable moral courage, repeatedly putting the safety and healing of others above her own goals.
Abilities
May is a master of Alkahestry, a practice that taps into the natural flow of chi within the earth rather than tectonic power. She excels at long-range transmutations, executing them by throwing darts or blades into specific formations, such as pentagrams, across wide distances. Her Alkahestry remains fully functional even when Amestrian alchemy is blocked. Additionally, she uses her skills extensively for medical treatment and healing, complemented by her agile martial arts and acrobatic maneuvers in close combat.
Background
Faced with the impending death of the Xingese Emperor, May crossed the desert into Amestris to secure the Philosopher's Stone, aiming to protect her small, impoverished clan from political ruin. After being rescued near the mining town of Youswell, she joined Scar, Yoki, and Dr. Marcoh. She traveled north to Briggs, assisting Alphonse in deciphering critical research on Alkahestry. During the final showdown in Central, she provided crucial support against Father, facilitating Alphonse's ultimate sacrifice to restore Edward's arm. Afterward, Ling Yao promised to protect the Chang clan, and May eventually married Alphonse.
Relationships
May develops a deep, romantic affection for Alphonse Elric, culminating in their eventual marriage after years of shared trials. Her relationship with Edward Elric began with dramatic disappointment over his height, though they eventually built a strong mutual trust as allies. She travels extensively alongside Scar, Yoki, and Tim Marcoh, who act as her companions and protectors. While initially distrustful of her half-brother Ling Yao and his bodyguard Lan Fan due to imperial succession rivalries, they reach an understanding when Ling vows to safeguard her family. Her small panda companion, Xiao-Mei, is treated as her close sister.
Trivia
May Chang appears in the original manga and the 2009 anime adaptation (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood), but is absent from the 2003 animated series. She was portrayed by Ron Monroe in the live-action movie adaptations. Much like her half-brother Ling Yao, she has a recurring comedic habit of collapsing from extreme hunger during her travels.
