Subtle dramatic changes in lyrics and melodies are an outstanding feature of cheo. Classical cheo musicians are skilful at modifying melodies to suit each presentation. Cheo actors use melody and words to portray a range of emotions from anger to sorrow to joy in order to evoke feelings from the audience.
A cheo song may have many verses with only one melody or vice versa. A song may differ when sung by different characters since the traditional cheo performer adjusts the melody for the character. While Western opera singers learn lyrics by heart, classical cheo artists and musicians modify melodies depending on the mood of the circumstances and on their interpretation of each character and of the story.