# Kitty Fane — The Painted Veil character guide > Kitty Fane in The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Kitty, Dear Kitty, Sister St. Joseph Kitty, ma, Kitty darling **First appearance:** 0003-i ## Snapshot A beautiful, restless young Englishwoman who marries a man she doesn't love and follows him to colonial China, where her choices begin to exact their price. ## Who they are Kitty enters the story as a society girl whose mother has grown impatient to marry her off, and she accepts Walter Fane less from affection than from a wish to escape. In Hong Kong she is charming, shallow, and hungry for admiration, and her affair with Charles Townsend exposes how little she has examined her own heart. When circumstances force her into Mei-tan-fu, the convent, the epidemic, and the nuns' quiet discipline begin to unsettle the self she thought she knew. ## Relationships ### [Walter Fane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/walter_fane) _romantic_ A strained marriage marked by Kitty's initial contempt and Walter's quiet, obsessive love, ending in tragedy and partial redemption. ### [Charles Townsend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/charles_townsend) _romantic_ A passionate but selfish and cowardly affair, with Townsend manipulating Kitty's desires while refusing to leave his wife. ### [Mother Superior](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/mother_superior) _professional_ A respectful mentor-student relationship where Mother Superior guides Kitty toward selflessness and spiritual growth in the convent. ### [Waddington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/waddington) _friendship_ A warm, platonic companionship in Mei-tan-fu, with Waddington offering Kitty honest advice and emotional support. ### [Dorothy Townsend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/dorothy_townsend) _social_ A polite but distant acquaintance, with Dorothy unaware of Kitty's affair with her husband Charles. ### [Mrs. Garstin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/mrs_garstin) _family_ A manipulative mother-daughter relationship driven by Mrs. Garstin's social ambition and Kitty's resentment. ### [Doris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/doris) _family_ Sibling rivalry with Doris being the more sensible, conventionally successful sister, causing Kitty's jealousy. ### [Bernard Garstin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/bernard_garstin) _family_ A distant, emotionally neglectful father-daughter relationship. ### [Waddington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/waddington) _friendship_ A warm, platonic companionship in Mei-tan-fu, with Waddington offering Kitty honest advice and emotional support. ### [Mother Superior](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/mother_superior) _professional_ A respectful mentor-student relationship where Mother Superior guides Kitty toward selflessness and spiritual growth in the convent. ### [Walter Fane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/walter_fane) _romantic_ A strained marriage marked by Kitty's initial contempt and Walter's quiet, obsessive love, ending in tragedy and partial redemption. ### [Charles Townsend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/charles_townsend) _romantic_ A passionate but selfish and cowardly affair, with Townsend manipulating Kitty's desires while refusing to leave his wife. ## In the story ### [The Painted Veil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/the-painted-veil) Protagonist who marries Walter out of social pressure and engages in an affair with Townsend, only to be disillusioned when Townsend abandons her. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/i) Terrified during the encounter, she clings to Townsend and eventually recovers her composure. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/ii) Anxious about being discovered, but still passionately in love with Charlie; expresses hatred for Walter. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/iii) Kitty watches Townsend leave, daydreams about their affair, and compares herself to Dorothy Townsend. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/iv) Feels socially diminished as the wife of a bacteriologist in Hong Kong, contrasting with her family's status in England. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/v) Kitty is anxious after realizing Walter may have discovered her affair, but she reassures herself with thoughts of Charlie's love and considers denying or confessing. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/vi) Reflects on her marriage mistake and her mother's role. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/vii) Mentioned indirectly as one of the daughters who feels contempt for her father when money becomes less plentiful. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/viii) Kitty is a beautiful young woman who has failed to secure a suitable marriage after several seasons, leading her to panic and marry Walter Fane. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/ix) Kitty recalls her initial indifference to Walter and her amusement at his shyness, showing her superficial view of him at this stage. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/x) Kitty evaluates Walter Fane's character and her own prospects, feeling anxious after Doris's engagement. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xi) Kitty is walking home from Harrod's when she meets Walter. She is surprised by his proposal and considers the social and practical benefits of marrying him, despite not being in love with him. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xii) Kitty reflects on her marriage, feeling disconcerted by Walter's formality and emotional nature. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xiii) Kitty reflects on Walter's character and her own feelings of indifference and contempt. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xiv) Kitty attends a dinner party at the Townsends' and is immediately taken by Charles Townsend's charm and appearance, feeling a sense of ease and admiration. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xv) Kitty reminisces about falling in love with Charlie and her evolving feelings toward Walter. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xvi) Renewed beauty and happiness from her affair; she idolizes Charlie and wishes she were married to him. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xvii) Kitty daydreams about a future with Charlie, rehearses her defense, and grows angry at Walter. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xviii) Terrified and trembling, she senses Walter knows about her affair and dreads his confrontation. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xix) Kitty anxiously telephones Townsend, insisting on an immediate meeting despite his reluctance. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xx) Anxious and seeking reassurance from Charlie after Walter's suspicious behavior; she feels love and triumph but also a faint contempt for Walter. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxi) Observes Walter's behavior and reflects on Charlie's words, feeling a mix of contempt, pity, and shock. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxii) Kitty is shocked and terrified by Walter's plan to go to Mei-tan-fu and his demand that she join him. She pleads and cries, but ultimately feels trapped. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxiii) Confronted by Walter, she initially feigns innocence but eventually admits the affair, declaring her love for Townsend and her contempt for Walter. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxiv) Visits Charlie at his office, hoping for his support and love, but becomes disillusioned by his self-serving response. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxv) Kitty is heartbroken and desperate as she realizes Townsend does not love her as she thought. She struggles with anger, shame, and despair. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxvi) Desperate and fearful, Kitty pleads with Townsend for support, then gains a painful clarity about his true nature and Walter's motives. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxvii) Kitty, wretched and humiliated, tells Walter she will go with him to Mei-tan-fu and makes a bitter joke about packing a shroud. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxviii) Travels in a chair, consumed by grief and self-pity over Charlie's rejection; feels her life is over at twenty-seven. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxix) Reflects on Walter's motives and her own love for Charlie, observing Walter's cold demeanor and feeling increasingly uncertain about his intentions. ### [Arrival at Mei-tan-fu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxx) Kitty observes the ominous landscape and feels a sense of menace and terror as she arrives at Mei-tan-fu. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxxi) Arrives at the bungalow, tired and nervous, meets Waddington for the first time. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxxii) Dines with Walter and Waddington; feels flush when Townsend is mentioned, and later filled with awe and a sense of isolation. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxxiii) Kitty is the dreamer and observer, experiencing emotional turmoil and a profound aesthetic awakening. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxxiv) Alone and frightened, she wrestles with panic and fantasies of escape, but feels trapped by her situation and the memory of Charlie's rejection. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxxv) Initiates conversation about Townsend, feigns casual interest while hiding her emotional turmoil. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxxvi) Reflects on Waddington's words and her feelings for Charlie, struggling between hatred and love. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxxvii) Finds companionship in Waddington and engages in a reckless act of defiance by eating salad, risking cholera. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxxviii) Kitty is deeply shaken by the sight of the dead beggar and struggles with her emotions. She deflects Waddington's probing questions about her marriage with lighthearted remarks, but her fear and unhappiness are evident. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxxix) Kitty listens to Waddington's description of the convent and agrees to visit. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xl) Kitty is carried through the water-gate and observes the desolate, stench-filled streets; she is surprised by Sister St. Joseph's merriment. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xli) Kitty meets the Mother Superior and feels like an awkward schoolgirl in her presence. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xlii) Visits the convent and observes the conditions during the cholera epidemic. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xliii) Visits the convent chapel, sees the babies, and is emotionally overwhelmed by the Mother Superior's words about Walter. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xliv) Reflects on her visit to the convent and her feelings about Walter and Charles. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xlv) Reflects on her encounter with the nuns, feeling humbled and ashamed, and ultimately alone. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xlvi) Kitty confesses her affair and seeks friendship with Walter, offering to work at the convent. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xlvii) Reflects on Walter's words and her own feelings of mortification and impatience. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xlviii) Kitty insists on helping at the convent despite the risks, showing her growing determination and desire for purpose. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xlix) Finds refreshment in convent work, overcomes distaste for the children, struggles with her reaction to the idiot child. ### [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/l) Attends chapel, chats with Sister St. Joseph, learns Chinese words, reflects on the contrast between convent peace and cholera. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/li) Listens to Sister St. Joseph's stories and feels reverence for the Mother Superior. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lii) Experiences personal growth, regains her spirits, and realizes she is cured of her love for Charles Townsend. She feels free and liberated. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/liii) Takes a day off from convent work to visit a Buddhist monastery with Waddington; reflects on the decay of faith and the beauty of the countryside. ### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/liv) Reflects on life's transience, feels detached from the nuns, and expresses a newfound courage and longing for the unknown. ### [LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lv) Kitty faints and vomits at the convent, fearing cholera, but learns she is pregnant. ### [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lvi) Kitty struggles with the revelation of her pregnancy and the moral decision to tell Walter the truth about the child's paternity, feeling a mix of fear, pity, and a strange new sense of honesty. ### [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lvii) Sits at the window, composed after weeping; refuses to leave Mei-tan-fu; feels pity for Walter and indifference toward Townsend; reflects on her pregnancy and the absurdity of marital fidelity. ### [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lviii) Visits Waddington's Manchu mistress; reflects on her search for meaning and the contrast between East and West. ### [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lix) Kitty is pregnant and continues her work at the convent, feeling unwell but maintaining her spirit. She is touched by the nuns' interest and reflects on her desire for Walter's forgiveness. ### [LX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lx) Kitty is deeply impressed by the Mother Superior and reflects on her character and spirituality. ### [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxi) Kitty reflects on her past affair, her feelings about the nuns, and her uncertain future, including the possibility of dying in childbirth. ### [LXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxii) Awakened in the night, she dresses hastily and travels with Waddington to see her ill husband, feeling anguish and fear. ### [LXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxiii) Desperately seeks Walter's forgiveness at his deathbed, but is left bewildered by his cryptic final words. ### [LXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxiv) Returns to the bungalow at dawn after Walter's death, refuses to rest, and sits at the window seeking comfort in the temple view. ### [LXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxv) Grieves at Walter's funeral, feels a dreadful pang at the sound of earth on the coffin, and lingers at the graveside. ### [LXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxvi) Reflects on Walter's death, the nuns' sacrifices, and the meaning of life; questions the immortality of the soul and the line 'the dog it was that died.' ### [LXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxvii) Returns to the convent after Walter's death, hiding her true emotions from the Mother Superior. ### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxviii) Kitty is reluctant to leave the convent, feeling she has nowhere else to go, and reflects on her loneliness and lack of purpose. ### [LXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxix) Kitty reflects on her journey and the surreal nature of her experiences in Mei-tan-fu, feeling detached from the tragedy. ### [LXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxx) Kitty grapples with her lack of sorrow over Walter's death and feels a liberating sense of freedom. ### [LXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxi) Returns to Hong Kong in black, not mourning; feels touched but impatient with Dorothy's effusive praise. ### [LXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxii) Staying with the Townsends, she confronts Charlie with sardonic satisfaction and reflects on her past. ### [LXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxiii) Observes Charlie with a critical eye, noting his falseness yet struggling with his lingering charm. ### [LXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxiv) Settles into the Townsends' home, feeling weary and enjoying the comfort and attention after her strain. ### [LXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxv) Kitty confronts Charlie with cool insolence, expresses her hatred and contempt, but ultimately succumbs to his embrace, torn between grief and desire. ### [LXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxvi) Overcome with shame and self-hatred after her encounter with Townsend, she weeps bitterly and feels she has not changed. ### [LXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxvii) Kitty is determined to flee Hong Kong, feeling degraded and disgusted by her affair with Townsend. She secures a ship passage and packs her belongings, rejecting Townsend's advances and insisting her child is Walter's. ### [LXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxviii) Kitty reflects on her humiliation and self-disgust after yielding to Charlie, and contemplates her future. ### [LXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxix) Returns home after her mother's death; reflects on her mother's influence and her own inability to grieve. ### [LXXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxx) Kitty returns to her father's house, emotionally changed by her suffering, and seeks his love and a new beginning. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/kitty_fane - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters