The Stranger

The Doctor

The Doctor shows curiosity and kindness toward the Stranger, engaging in philosophical conversations and offering medical advice.

The Doctor

The Doctor shows curiosity and kindness toward the Stranger, engaging in philosophical conversations and offering medical advice.

IV: The Rolling Stone

The rolling stone whose life story is recounted; a small, frail, sunburned man with unremarkable appearance and a vast collection of travel experiences.

XVI: The Nun

The narrator who visits the convent and converses with the Mother Superior.

XXIII: God's Truth

A missionary who refuses to associate with Birch due to his involvement in the tobacco trade.

XXIV: Romance

The narrator is the central consciousness of the chapter, reflecting on his experiences and the elusive nature of romance.

XXVII: Sullivan

The Irish sailor, Sullivan, who deserted his ship and walked across China, later became a tide-waiter.

XXXI: The Stripling

The stripling is introduced as a seventeen-year-old youth walking along the causeway, seeking his fortune in the city.

XXXIV: Mirage

The tall American man with bulging sky blue eyes and an embarrassed manner, in charge of the B.A.T., who lives in a combined office, godown, and residence, preferring his bedroom and American magazines.

The Stranger

A mysterious stranger who asked about the missions and, when asked his name, replied 'I am Christ.'

XXXVI: Democracy

The narrator, who reflects on the events at the inn and the nature of democracy.

XXXVII: The Seventh Day Adventist

The Seventh Day Adventist missionary, a large man in a blue suit with an American flag, traveling up the Yangtze for the first time, indifferent to his surroundings.

XXXVIII: The Philosopher

The narrator himself, who seeks out the philosopher and engages in conversation.

XXXIX: The Missionary Lady

The narrator, who engages in a conversation of platitudes with the missionary lady.

A Game of Billiards

A long, thin, red-faced man over fifty who invites the narrator to play billiards, remains silent during the game, and then asks a sudden question about fate.

XLII: The Sights of Town

The narrator, who explores the baby tower and orphanage, reflecting on the sights with a mix of detachment and empathy.

The Old Timer

Not directly present; the old timer is the central figure.

XLVIII: A Student of the Drama

The narrator, who hosts the professor and engages in a dialogue about drama and literature.

L: Metempsychosis

The narrator observes the old gentleman and reflects on his past life as a philosopher.

LIV: The Question

The narrator is taken to the temple by unnamed locals; the stranger figure is implied as the observer asking about spiritual meaning.

LV: The Sinologue

The narrator and observer of the sinologue, reflecting on his life and character.

LVII: A City Built on a Rock

The narrator, a foreign observer, experiences the city's overwhelming sensory assault and reflects on the cultural divide.