My Life in China and America · Character
Rev. Mr. Roberts
American missionary in China, teacher of Hung Siu Chune.
minor
Also known as Mr. Roberts, the Rev. Icabod J. Roberts, the Rev. Mr. Icabod J. Roberts
First appearance: My Visit to the Taipings
Rev. Mr. Roberts's tie to Hung Siu Chune is one of the pressures that moves My Life in China and America—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
Missionary seen in Nanking, dressed in yellow satin, whose role is unclear; Yung Wing recognizes him from Macao.
Rev. Mr. Roberts first appears in 0012 x my visit to the taipings.
With Hung Siu Chune (psychological): Hung Siu Chune was influenced by Rev. Mr. Roberts' Christian teachings, which shaped his religious ideology and messianic claims.
In My Visit to the Taipings: Missionary seen in Nanking, dressed in yellow satin, whose role is unclear; Yung Wing recognizes him from Macao.
Later, in XI: Reflections on the Taiping Rebellion: American missionary who befriended and taught Hung Siu Chune in Canton.
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Character Web
11 connectionsA slice of how Rev. Mr. Roberts sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Psychological
- Other
Character groups
- Early Mentors and Educators
- Chinese Officials and Associates
+6 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Yung Wing’s emotional peak is the collision between his personal honor—the joint ministership to Washington—an…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Hung Siu Chune
psychological · ambivalent
Hung Siu Chune was influenced by Rev. How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Rev. Mr. Roberts in My Visit to the TaipingsIn the story
Rev. Mr. Roberts appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Rev. Mr. Roberts unlock in the free preview.
See Rev. Mr. Roberts in My Visit to the Taipings