Oil for the Lamps of China

Stephen Chase is an ambitious executive driven by a vision to modernize China through Atlantis Oil. He projects confidence and loyalty to the company, often prioritizing business results over personal cost. His romantic connection with Hester gives him a personal stake in the country's transformation, yet his decisions reveal a pragmatic, sometimes ruthless streak. He endures setbacks, including a forced demotion and a life-threatening crisis, yet seeks a pathway that reconciles duty with his ideals.

Hester Adams is a cultured, independent woman who travels with her father to China and is drawn into Stephen's dream of modernization. She sees potential in Stephen's vision but also values personal happiness and partnership. Her relationship with Stephen evolves from courtship to deep love, yet she challenges his choices and ultimately supports him in a moment of corporate rejection. Her presence anchors the emotional core of the story, highlighting the tension between romance and enterprise.

No. 1 Boss is the harsh, taciturn founder who runs the rural outpost and brokers survival through fear. His suicide after being replaced by a harsher manager underscores the ruthlessness of corporate hierarchy. He embodies the old guard mindset that clashes with new management methods. He serves as a catalyst for Stephen's early career and shows the pressures of command in a colonial-like enterprise.

J. T. McCarger is the strict, cynical replacement boss who pushes Stephen to take extreme measures to collect debts and endure hardship. He embodies the old-school, hard-nosed corporate attitude that collides with Stephen's idealism. His relationship with Stephen is strained; He becomes a casualty in the final escape.

Don is a competent but prejudiced colleague who undermines Chinese workers and strains professional relationships with his contempt for locals. His actions contribute to client resignations and moral conflict within the business circle. His dismissal marks a turning point in how the company treats its Chinese partners and employees.

Alice Wellman is a sympathetic friend who navigates the social pressures of a cosmopolitan business circle. She forms a supportive alliance with Hester and defends Stephen when corporate maneuvering threatens his career. Her role embodies a pragmatic, morally grounded voice within the interwoven personal and professional dramas.

Ho is a well-connected Chinese client whose influence embodies local networks that can influence corporate decisions. His courage to intervene in high-stakes moments showcases Chinese agency within the business world. Ho’s subsequent fate underscores the perilous environment in which business and politics intersect.