Dirk Struan

Dirk Struan is a seaman of legendary proportions. He is forty-three. He runs Struan and Company, which is the biggest trading company in Asia. It is so big and powerful that the Chinese traders call it The Noble House. Dirk is known as the Tai-Pan. Struan began his career at sea working as a cabin-boy at the age of twelve. He owned his first ship at the age of twenty and was active in the opium trade. His chief rival was Tyler Brock. Dirk is married to Ronalda, who lives in Scotland with their children, Culum, Ian, Lechie, and Winifred. Dirk also has an illegitimate son, Gordon Chen, who he acknowledges as his son when he introduces him to Culum. He also has a mistress, May-may, and two small children, Duncan and Kate, with her. When his son Culum arrives in Hong Kong, he learns that most...