# Fanning — On a Chinese Screen character guide

> Fanning in On a Chinese Screen by W. Somerset Maugham.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mrs. Fanning, The Fannings

**First appearance:** 0035-xxxii-the-fannings

## Who they are

A married couple, the Fannings, part of the expatriate community.

## Relationships

### [The Taipan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/the_taipan)

_professional_

Fanning is a business associate or subordinate of the Taipan, involved in trade negotiations and company operations.

### [The Consul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/the_consul)

_professional_

Fanning and the Consul interact in official capacities, likely regarding trade permits or diplomatic matters.

## In the story

### [XXXII: The Fannings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/chapters/xxxii-the-fannings)

The deputy commissioner, a short, thickset, bald man with a snub nose and black moustache. He is a martinet with a bullying manner that conceals a painful shyness, and he speaks to Chinese in a tone of rasping command.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters/fanning
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_chinese_screen_se/characters