The Chinese Maze Murders

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

It should be noted that in Chinese the surname, here printed in capitals, precedes the personal name.

Main Characters:

Dee Jen-djieh, newly appointed magistrate of Lan-fang, a town district on the Northwest border of the Chinese Empire. Referred to as 'Judge Dee', or 'the judge'.

Hoong Liang, Judge Dee's confidential adviser and sergeant over the constables of the tribunal. Referred to as 'Sergeant Hoong', or 'the sergeant'.

Ma Joong *

Tao Gan *

Chiao Tai *

* the three trusted lieutenants of Judge Dee

Persons connected with ' The Murder in the Sealed Room':

Ding Hoo-gwo, a General living retired in Lan-fang. Found murdered in his own library.

Ding Yee, a Junior Candidate of Literature, his only son. Referred to as 'Candidate Ding', or 'Young Ding'.

Woo Feng, son of Commander Woo of the Board of Military Affairs in the capital. A Junior Candidate of Literature and amateur painter.

Persons connected with ' The Hidden Testament':

Yoo Shou-chien, an ex-Governor who died while living retired in Lan-Fang.

Mrs. Yoo, nee Mei, the Governor's young second wife.

Mrs. Lee, a painter, friend of Mrs. Yoo.

Yoo Kee, the Governor's eldest son by his first wife.

Yoo Shan, infant son of Mrs. Yoo.

Persons connected with ' The Girl with the Severed Head':

Fang, a blacksmith. Later appointed headman of the constables of the tribunal, and hence referred to as 'Headman Fang' or 'the headman'.

White Orchid, his eldest daughter.

Dark Orchid, his second daughter.

His son.

Others:

Chien Mow, the local tyrant who usurped power in Lan-fang.

Liu Wan-fang, his eldest counsellor.

Corporal Ling, a deserter from the regular army, reinstated by Judge Dee.

Orolakchee, an Uigur chieftain. His real name is Prince Ooljin. His false name 'Orolakchee' means agent or representative.

The Hunter, accomplice of Orolakchee.

Tulbee, an Uigur girl.

Occurs in Chapter XIX only:

Master Crane Robe, an old recluse.