# On a Chinese Screen — Character guide

> Key figures in On a Chinese Screen by W. Somerset Maugham.

- [The Taipan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/the_taipan.md): The Taipan runs Jardine's, gives generously to charity, plays a decent round of golf, and has never once set foot in the Chinese city beyond his own compradore's office. He is a bachelor by policy — marriage, he says, is
- [Mr. Wingrove](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/mr_wingrove.md): Mr. Wingrove lives among missionaries who call the Chinese lying, cruel, and dirty; he alone insists on their good-nature, their devotion to parents, their love of children. But when a Chinese teacher steps into the room
- [Robert Webb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/robert_webb.md): Robert Webb is the peacemaker and promotion-marked official every treaty port likes: a good table, a pleasant piano, better-than-average bridge, blue friendly eyes, and the tact to be His Britannic Majesty's Consul witho
- [The Mongol Chief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/the_mongol_chief.md): A Mongol leader encountered during the narrator's travels.
- [The Consul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/the_consul.md): The Consul belongs to the closed circle of number ones and managers — Jardine's, the Hong-Kong and Shanghai Bank, the A.P.C., the B.A.T. — who dine together in evening clothes worn more from duty to country than comfort.
- [Captain Boots](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/captain_boots.md): A sea captain, likely a rough and experienced mariner.
- [Dr. Macalister](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/dr_macalister.md): A doctor, possibly a missionary or colonial physician.
- [Mr. Pete](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/mr_pete.md): A consul or official, possibly a distinct character from the consul.
- [The Doctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/the_doctor.md): A medical doctor, possibly the same as Dr. Macalister or a separate figure.
- [Henderson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/henderson.md): A character featured in a chapter, possibly a colonial resident.
- [Vicomte de Steenvoorde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/vicomte_de_steenvoorde.md): A French aristocrat traveling or residing in China.
- [Miss Lambert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/miss_lambert.md): A young woman, possibly a love interest or social figure.
- [The Stranger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/the_stranger.md): A mysterious figure encountered in a chapter.
- [Dr. Saunders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/dr_saunders.md): A doctor, possibly a separate character from Dr. Macalister.
- [The Judge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/the_judge.md): A judge, likely in a colonial or local court setting.
- [The Sea-Dog Captains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/the_sea_dog_captains.md): A group of sea captains, possibly a collective character.
- [Fanning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/fanning.md): A married couple, the Fannings, part of the expatriate community.
- [The Harbour Master](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/the_harbour_master.md): The official in charge of the port.
- [Jardine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/jardine.md): A reference to the trading company or a person, likely historical.
- [The Officer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/the_officer.md): A military or police officer encountered in the narrative.
- [Higgins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/higgins.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or clerk.
- [Little Mrs. Turner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/little_mrs_turner.md): A married woman, part of the social circle.
- [The Sultana Fatima](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/the_sultana_fatima.md): A Sultana, possibly a historical or legendary figure mentioned.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters