Rachel Chu is a fictional character from the novel series "Crazy Rich Asians" by Kevin Kwan. She is an American-born Chinese woman who works as a professor in New York City. Rachel is known for her intelligence, independence, and strong sense of identity, which she navigates throughout the story. In the series, Rachel travels to Singapore to attend her boyfriend Nick Young's family wedding. There, she discovers that Nick comes from an extremely wealthy and influential family, leading to various cultural and social challenges. Rachel's journey explores themes of love, family, and the clash between different lifestyles.