Purpose Character List

Addendum to Purpose

Purpose Character List

A little note about cultural significance. In Chinese culture and society, the last name goes in front of the given name. You are introduced last name first. You will see this throughout the book.

As characters are presented, they will be added to the list.

Zhao Family

• Dr. Zhao Ming -professor of Chinese history -University Research Library curator

• Dr. Zhao Yŭxuān - Zhao Ming’s father professor of Chinese literature

• Dr. Zhao Xiù- Zhao Ming’s mother - professor of music

• Dr. Zhao Jing- Zhao Ming’s younger sister - professor of Chemistry

• Hua Xuan- Zhao Ming’s ex-wife - professor of Chinese literature

Thomas Family

• Maraline “Mary” Thomas - Philosophy professor - Western/Eastern Conceptualization

• Westley Thomas - Mary’s oldest son

• Gabriel Thomas - Mary’s youngest son

Illinois Characters

• Nate Thomas- Emergency Room Doctor-Mary’s ex husband

• Emily- Homemaker -Mary’s best friend in Illinois

• Mary’s mother and brother are mentioned but not given specific names or roles.

University Philosophy Department

• Director Yuelan Mu - Head of the philosophy department- Western Philosophy

• Samantha Wren - American - philosophy professor - Metaphysics

• Eric Stoke- American- philosophy professor - Greek philosophy

• Aaron Gutzman- Canadian- postmodern theory philosophy

• Carly Mitchell- American - Philosophy intern

• Kim Rong - Philosophy intern

University History Department

• Director Wei Gang - Head of the history dept -Chinese History

• Anna Scott - New Zealander- History professor Paleolithic societies

• Drake Phillips American- History professor- post-Colonial Asia

• Leo McNair -Canadian - History Professor-Modern European History

• Li Hong - History intern

• Zhong Yi - History intern

University Archive Staff

• Zhao Ming - Director

• Wen Xuan - Head librarian

• Dr. Yu Jian - Preservation specialist - Retired Chinese Literature Professor

Thank you for reading and following the story of Mary and Ming!