On a Chinese Screen · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in On a Chinese Screen by W. Somerset Maugham.
The Taipan
major
Also known as taipan
A powerful Western merchant and central figure in the treaty port society.
Mr. Wingrove
supporting
Also known as Wingrove
A British official or businessman, often interacting with the narrator.
Robert Webb
supporting
Also known as Webb
A recurring character, possibly a traveler or colonial figure.
The Mongol Chief
minor
Also known as III The Mongol Chief Heaven
A Mongol leader encountered during the narrator's travels.
The Consul
supporting
Also known as consul
A British consul in China, a figure of authority and diplomacy.
Captain Boots
minor
Also known as Boots
A sea captain, likely a rough and experienced mariner.
Dr. Macalister
minor
Also known as Macalister
A doctor, possibly a missionary or colonial physician.
Mr. Pete
minor
Also known as The Consul Mr. Pete
A consul or official, possibly a distinct character from the consul.
The Doctor
minor
Also known as doctor, The doctor—he
A medical doctor, possibly the same as Dr. Macalister or a separate figure.
Henderson
minor
A character featured in a chapter, possibly a colonial resident.
Birch
minor
A minor character, possibly a trader or official.
Vicomte de Steenvoorde
minor
Also known as The Vicomte, M. de Steenvoorde
A French aristocrat traveling or residing in China.
Miss Lambert
minor
Also known as Bertie
A young woman, possibly a love interest or social figure.
The Stranger
minor
Also known as stranger
A mysterious figure encountered in a chapter.
Dr. Saunders
minor
A doctor, possibly a separate character from Dr. Macalister.
The Judge
minor
Also known as judge
A judge, likely in a colonial or local court setting.
The Sea-Dog Captains
minor
Also known as LIII The Sea - Dog Ships ’ captains
A group of sea captains, possibly a collective character.
Fanning
minor
Also known as Mrs. Fanning, The Fannings
A married couple, the Fannings, part of the expatriate community.
The Harbour Master
minor
Also known as harbour master, harbour - master
The official in charge of the port.
Jardine
minor
A reference to the trading company or a person, likely historical.
Willard B. Untermeyer
minor
An American or European traveler or businessman.
The Officer
minor
Also known as officer
A military or police officer encountered in the narrative.
Elizabeth
minor
A woman, possibly a relative or acquaintance of a character.
Higgins
minor
A minor character, possibly a servant or clerk.
Little Mrs. Turner
minor
A married woman, part of the social circle.
Mrs. Wingrove
minor
The wife of Mr. Wingrove.
The Sultana Fatima
minor
A Sultana, possibly a historical or legendary figure mentioned.
George
minor
A minor character, possibly a servant or friend.
