Diao Chan (simplified: 貂蟬, traditional: 貂蟬, pinyin: Diāo Chán) is a character in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三國演義). She is not attested as a historical person; Wang Yun’s biography in the Records of the Three Kingdoms does not mention her. In the novel, she is Wang Yun’s maid or foster daughter. Wang Yun uses her in the “Chain Stratagem” (連環計): he presents her to Lü Bu and then to Dong Zhuo, so that both desire her; Lü Bu’s jealousy and Dong Zhuo’s possession of her help turn Lü Bu against Dong Zhuo and lead to Dong Zhuo’s assassination. The name “Diao Chan” may derive from the Han court title of the same characters (貂蟬), which referred to a type of cap ornament worn by palace officials. Later folklore and drama often identify her as a paragon of beauty and loyalty. Historically, the plot to kill Dong Zhuo did not depend on a woman in this role.
Diao Chan 貂蟬
Fictional beauty in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms; Wang Yun's maid or foster daughter; used in the 'Chain Stratagem' to turn Lü Bu against Dong Zhuo; not a historical figure.