# With the Empress Dowager of China — Character guide

> Key figures in With the Empress Dowager of China by Katharine A. Carl.

- [Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/empress_dowager_tze_hsi.md): The powerful and fascinating ruler of China, central figure of the court and the author's main subject.
- [Katherine A. Carl](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/katherine_a_carl.md): The author and narrator, an American artist invited to paint the Empress Dowager's portrait.
- [Emperor Kwang-Hsu](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/emperor_kwang_hsu.md): The young, reserved Emperor, nephew of the Empress Dowager, who lacks her charm and magnetism.
- [Mrs. Conger](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/mrs_conger.md): An American diplomat's wife at the Chinese court, a companion and fellow foreigner to the author.
- [Lady Yu-Keng](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/lady_yu_keng.md): A Manchu lady of the court, part of a family closely associated with the Empress Dowager.
- [Prince Ch'un](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/prince_chun.md): The Emperor's father, a prince of the seventh rank, whose palace is described in the book.
- [Prince Ching](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/prince_ching.md): A high-ranking Manchu prince and official at the Chinese court.
- [Grand Secretary Yung Lu](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/grand_secretary_yung_lu.md): A powerful Grand Secretary and trusted advisor to the Empress Dowager.
- [Sir Robert Hart](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/sir_robert_hart.md): The British Inspector-General of China's Imperial Maritime Customs, a notable foreign figure.
- [Late Emperor Tung-Chih](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/late_emperor_tung_chih.md): The deceased predecessor of Kwang-Hsu, mentioned in historical context.
- [Emperor Hsien-Feng](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/emperor_hsien_feng.md): The late husband of the Empress Dowager, a historical figure referenced in the narrative.
- [Wang](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/wang.md): A servant or attendant in the palace, mentioned by name in the narrative.
- [Hailo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/hailo.md): A person mentioned in the narrative, possibly a servant or minor court figure.
- [Young Prince Adalbert of Prussia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/young_prince_adalbert.md): A visiting German prince who appears at a court function.
- [Confucius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/confucius.md): The ancient Chinese philosopher, referenced in relation to sacrifices and literary traditions.
- [Buddha](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/buddha.md): The religious figure, mentioned in the context of Chinese religious rites.
- [Kang-Yu-Wei](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/kang_yu_wei.md): A reformer mentioned critically in the narrative, associated with political events.
- [Whar-Mou-Lahn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/whar_mou_lahn.md): A legendary Chinese female warrior, referenced as a historical example.
- [Sih-Gerga](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters/sih_gerga.md): A person mentioned in the narrative, possibly a servant or minor character.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/characters