The Painted Veil

Main Characters and Their Development

• Kitty Fane - the protagonist, a young woman who marries Walter Fane to escape family pressure. Initially portrayed as superficial and selfish, she begins to reassess her life and values, becoming more mature and compassionate, especially after moving to China and facing the cholera epidemic.
• Walter Fane - Kitty's husband, a bacteriologist working in China. He deeply loves Kitty but suffers from her infidelity. Walter is depicted as a serious and dedicated man who, despite his feelings, decides to use the situation to help Kitty change.
• Charles Townsend - Kitty's lover, a charming and attractive man, but superficial and selfish. His relationship with Kitty is based on physical attraction and lacks deep feelings, which becomes evident as the story unfolds.
• Dorothy Townsend - Charles's wife, who remains with him despite his infidelity. She is portrayed as intelligent and perceptive, understanding the true nature of her husband and his relationship with Kitty.
• Mother Superior - the head of the convent where Kitty begins volunteering. She becomes a model of true kindness and self-sacrifice for Kitty, influencing her inner transformation.