Character guide

Kitty Fane

major

Also known as Kitty, Dear Kitty, Sister St. Joseph Kitty, ma, Kitty darling

The protagonist, a young woman who travels to China with her husband and undergoes a transformative journey.

Walter Fane

major

Also known as Fane, Walter, poor Walter, Dr. Fane

Kitty's husband, a bacteriologist stationed in Hong Kong and later in Mei-tan-fu.

Charles Townsend

major

Also known as Charlie, Charlie Townsend, Townsend, Mr. Townsend

A charming British colonial official in Hong Kong who has an affair with Kitty.

Waddington

supporting

Also known as Mr. Waddington, LXIX Waddington

A British customs officer in Mei-tan-fu who becomes Kitty's friend and confidant.

Mother Superior

supporting

Also known as Mother, the Mother Superior, The Mother Superior, the Superior

The head of the convent in Mei-tan-fu where Kitty volunteers.

Mrs. Garstin

supporting

Also known as VII Mrs. Garstin

Kitty's ambitious and domineering mother, who pressures her to marry well.

Dorothy Townsend

supporting

Also known as Townsend, Dorothy

Charles Townsend's wife, a dignified and respected woman in Hong Kong society.

Doris

minor

Kitty's younger sister, who marries a baronet and is favored by their mother.

Bernard Garstin

minor

Also known as Bernard

Kitty's father, a lawyer who is overshadowed by his wife.

Colonel Yü

minor

A Chinese military officer who assists in the cholera epidemic in Mei-tan-fu.

Sister St. Joseph

minor

Also known as Sister St. Joseph Kitty, chatty Sister St. Joseph

A cheerful nun at the convent in Mei-tan-fu who works with Kitty.

Dr. Watson

minor

Also known as Watson

A British doctor who works with Walter Fane during the cholera outbreak.

Geoffrey Dennison

minor

Also known as Geoffrey

A young man who flirts with Kitty at a party in Hong Kong.

Madame de Viernot

minor

Also known as Madame

A French woman living in Mei-tan-fu who is acquainted with Waddington.

Pia

minor

A young girl at the convent in Mei-tan-fu whom Kitty becomes fond of.

Mei-tan-fu

minor

Also known as Mei

The plague-stricken Chinese city where Walter and Kitty relocate.