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!



Dorie, I truly appreciate the care and effort you’ve put into creating such a detailed character list and providing the cultural context. I love how you’re writing light, romantic stories as a break from heavy academic work; it already feels charming and comforting. I will be eagerly waiting for these stories.
Amazing just for me 😂