"The World of Suzie Wong" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The World of Suzie Wong" by Richard Mason, there are several key characters that play important roles in the story. The two main protagonists are Suzie Wong and Robert Lomax, who drive the narrative and have a complex relationship. The supporting characters, such as Ben Marlowe, Kay O'Neill, Mr. Huang, Ah Tong, and Mrs. Figgis, provide additional depth and contribute to the character development and conflicts in the novel.

Character Descriptions

Suzie Wong

Suzie Wong is a young Chinese woman who works as a prostitute in Hong Kong in the 1950s. She is described as beautiful, with long black hair and captivating eyes. Suzie is known for her vibrant personality, confidence, and quick wit. Despite her profession, she is portrayed as a strong and resilient character, determined to survive in a challenging environment.

Robert Lomax

Robert Lomax is an aspiring artist from England who moves to Hong Kong to pursue his passion for painting. He is in his thirties and is described as a tall, handsome man with a charming personality. Lomax is initially portrayed as naive and somewhat idealistic, but as the story progresses, he becomes more introspective and gains a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him.

Ben Marlowe

Ben Marlowe is a fellow artist and friend of Robert Lomax. He serves as a mentor and guide for Lomax during his time in Hong Kong. Marlowe is an older and more experienced artist who has lived in the city for a longer period. He is described as eccentric but wise, with a deep understanding of the local culture and customs.

Kay O'Neill

Kay O'Neill is an American woman who befriends Robert Lomax in Hong Kong. She is a journalist and photographer who is fascinated by the city's cultural diversity. Kay is portrayed as intelligent, independent, and adventurous. Her friendship with Lomax provides a different perspective on the expatriate experience in Hong Kong.

Mr. Huang

Mr. Huang is a wealthy Chinese businessman and one of Suzie Wong's clients. He is described as a middle-aged man with a serious demeanor. Mr. Huang represents the societal expectations and pressures that Suzie faces as a prostitute in Hong Kong. His interactions with Suzie reveal the power dynamics and complexities of their relationship.

Ah Tong

Ah Tong is a young Chinese boy who befriends Suzie Wong. He is described as mischievous and street-smart. Ah Tong provides a glimpse into the lives of the local Chinese community and acts as a bridge between Suzie and the cultural traditions of Hong Kong.

Mrs. Figgis

Mrs. Figgis is the British owner of the hotel where Robert Lomax stays. She is a strict and no-nonsense woman who is skeptical of Suzie Wong and disapproves of her relationship with Lomax. Mrs. Figgis represents the conservative attitudes of the British expatriate community towards interracial relationships and the stigma attached to Suzie's profession.

Character Traits

Suzie Wong

Suzie Wong is determined, resilient, and fiercely independent. She demonstrates resourcefulness and adaptability in surviving the challenges she faces as a prostitute. Suzie's quick wit and charm enable her to navigate the complex dynamics of her profession and form genuine connections with people.

Robert Lomax

Robert Lomax is initially idealistic, curious, and open-minded. He is passionate about his art and seeks inspiration in the vibrant streets of Hong Kong. Lomax undergoes a transformation throughout the story, becoming more introspective and understanding the complexities of love, society, and personal identity.

Ben Marlowe

Ben Marlowe is eccentric, wise, and deeply knowledgeable about the local culture. He serves as a mentor figure to Lomax and provides guidance and support in navigating the challenges of living in Hong Kong as an artist. Marlowe's understanding of the city and its people allows him to offer valuable insights to Lomax.

Kay O'Neill

Kay O'Neill is intelligent, adventurous, and curious about different cultures. She brings a fresh perspective to the expatriate experience in Hong Kong and challenges Lomax's worldview. Kay's friendship with Lomax evolves into a deeper connection, highlighting the complexities of relationships in a foreign land.

Mr. Huang

Mr. Huang is reserved, serious, and represents the societal expectations placed on Suzie Wong. He embodies the power dynamics and complexities of their relationship, reflecting the broader issues of race, class, and exploitation prevalent in society at that time.

Ah Tong

Ah Tong is mischievous, street-smart, and provides a glimpse into the lives of the local Chinese community. He acts as a reminder of the cultural traditions and social realities that Suzie Wong navigates daily. Ah Tong's friendship with Suzie adds depth to her character and showcases her capacity for compassion.

Mrs. Figgis

Mrs. Figgis is strict, judgmental, and represents the conservative attitudes prevalent within the British expatriate community. Her disapproval of Suzie Wong's relationship with Lomax reflects the racial prejudice and stigmas attached to interracial relationships during that era.

Character Background

Suzie Wong

Suzie Wong comes from a modest background and ends up working as a prostitute to support herself and her family. Her backstory is not explicitly revealed in the novel, but it is implied that she faced hardships and made difficult choices to survive in a society that limited her opportunities.

Robert Lomax

Robert Lomax comes from a middle-class background in England. He decides to move to Hong Kong to pursue his passion for art and escape the societal expectations placed upon him in his home country. Lomax's decision to immerse himself in a foreign culture reflects his desire for personal growth and artistic inspiration.

Ben Marlowe

Ben Marlowe's background is not extensively explored in the novel, but he is portrayed as an established artist who has lived in Hong Kong for a longer period. Marlowe's experience and knowledge of the city's art scene suggest that he has spent significant time honing his craft and forging connections within the local community.

Kay O'Neill

Kay O'Neill is an American journalist and photographer who is drawn to the cultural diversity and vibrant energy of Hong Kong. Her background is not extensively explored in the novel, but her profession indicates a curiosity for different cultures and a desire to document and understand the world around her.

Mr. Huang

Mr. Huang's background is not explicitly mentioned in the novel, but his wealth and status as a businessman indicate a privileged position within Hong Kong society. His interactions with Suzie Wong reveal the power dynamics between individuals of different social classes and the complexities of their relationship.

Ah Tong

Ah Tong's background is not explicitly explained in the novel, but he is portrayed as a young Chinese boy living in the streets of Hong Kong. His resourcefulness and street-smart nature suggest that he has had to navigate the challenges of survival in a crowded and bustling city.

Mrs. Figgis

Mrs. Figgis is a British expatriate who owns the hotel where Lomax stays. Her background is not extensively explored, but her conservative attitudes and disapproval of Suzie Wong's relationship with Lomax reflect the societal norms and expectations prevalent within the British expatriate community at that time.

Character Arcs

Suzie Wong

Suzie Wong undergoes a significant character arc throughout the novel. Initially, she is portrayed as a confident and independent woman, unapologetic about her profession. However, as her relationship with Lomax deepens, Suzie begins to question her choices and aspirations. She desires a different life and explores the possibility of love and a more fulfilling existence beyond her current circumstances.

Robert Lomax

Robert Lomax embarks on a journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion during his time in Hong Kong. Initially, he is fascinated by the exotic allure of the city but remains somewhat detached from its realities. As Lomax becomes involved with Suzie Wong, he confronts his own prejudices and reevaluates his understanding of love, art, and personal identity.

Ben Marlowe

Ben Marlowe's character arc is less pronounced than the main protagonists, but he serves as a guiding figure for Lomax throughout the story. Marlowe's wisdom and experience provide Lomax with valuable insights and help him navigate the challenges of living and creating art in Hong Kong.

Kay O'Neill

Kay O'Neill's character arc primarily revolves around her friendship with Lomax and her role as an outsider exploring the complexities of Hong Kong. Her interactions with Lomax allow her to deepen her understanding of the city and its people, challenging her preconceptions and broadening her perspective.

Mr. Huang

Mr. Huang's character arc is intertwined with his evolving relationship with Suzie Wong. Initially, he is depicted as a client seeking companionship from Suzie. However, as the story progresses, Mr. Huang's interactions with Suzie reveal a more vulnerable side, highlighting the complexities of power dynamics and the potential for emotional connection.

Ah Tong

Ah Tong's character arc is less pronounced than the main protagonists, but he serves as a source of companionship and support for Suzie Wong. His friendship with Suzie allows her to show a softer and more caring side, suggesting that she is capable of forming genuine connections beyond her profession.

Mrs. Figgis

Mrs. Figgis's character arc revolves around her disapproval of Suzie Wong and her relationship with Lomax. She represents the conservative attitudes prevalent within the British expatriate community. Throughout the novel, Mrs. Figgis's judgmental stance remains unchanged, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals who challenge societal norms.

Relationships

Suzie Wong and Robert Lomax

The relationship between Suzie Wong and Robert Lomax is central to the novel. Initially, they are drawn to each other out of curiosity and attraction. However, as their relationship deepens, they confront societal prejudices and personal insecurities. Their connection challenges the boundaries of race, class, and profession, leading to a complex and emotional journey of love and self-discovery.

Suzie Wong and Mr. Huang

Suzie Wong's relationship with Mr. Huang is characterized by power dynamics and societal expectations. He is one of her clients, but their interactions go beyond a purely transactional nature. Mr. Huang's interest in Suzie reveals a desire for emotional connection, complicating their relationship and forcing both characters to confront their own desires and limitations.

Suzie Wong and Ah Tong

Suzie Wong's friendship with Ah Tong provides a glimpse into her capacity for compassion and genuine connections. Ah Tong acts as a source of companionship and support for Suzie, showcasing the resilience and strength she possesses despite the challenges she faces as a prostitute.

Robert Lomax and Ben Marlowe

Robert Lomax's friendship with Ben Marlowe is built on a shared passion for art and a mutual understanding of the challenges faced by expatriate artists in Hong Kong. Marlowe serves as a mentor and guide for Lomax, providing valuable insights and support throughout his artistic and personal journey.

Robert Lomax and Kay O'Neill

Robert Lomax's friendship with Kay O'Neill evolves into a deeper connection throughout the novel. Their shared experiences in Hong Kong challenge their preconceptions and provide a unique perspective on the expatriate lifestyle. Their relationship reflects the complexities of forming connections in a foreign land.

Suzie Wong and Mrs. Figgis

Suzie Wong's relationship with Mrs. Figgis is characterized by disapproval and judgment. Mrs. Figgis represents the conservative attitudes prevalent within the British expatriate community and acts as a barrier to Suzie's relationship with Lomax. Their interactions highlight the challenges faced by individuals who challenge societal norms and expectations.

In "The World of Suzie Wong," Richard Mason masterfully creates a diverse cast of characters who navigate the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations in 1950s Hong Kong. Through their interactions, the novel explores themes of race, class, and self-discovery, providing readers with a rich and thought-provoking narrative.