Later on, the other characters of the novel are set and Monkey King's protection and accompany of Monk Xuan Zhuang to the West form its plot and structure.

又以主角孙悟空结构全书或曰以孙悟空保护唐僧取经这一主干事件笼罩全书，形成有机鲜明的结构线索。

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Aside from a ridiculous, tear-jerking plot twist that I won't type for fear of debasing my fingertips, the other characters are just there to have their floundering spirits lifted by Patch, or to angrily stand in his way while he tries to soak the vicinity with his unbridled wonderfulness.

CNN: Review: Sick humor in 'Patch Adams'