| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 郭常, 郭常, Guō Cháng |
| Nickname | Guan Yu's storm-shelter host |
| Other name | Quách Thường |
| INFORMATION | |
| Death Reason | Fictional character |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | None (civilian) |
| Battles |
|
Biography & Historical Record
Guo Chang (郭常, Quách Thường) is a fictional elderly farmer in Luo Guanzhong’s romance. During Guan Yu’s return journey from Cao Cao’s territory he shelters the general from a storm and hospitably entertains a hero he knows only by reputation. His unnamed son later conspires with a Yellow Turban remnant to steal Red Hare (赤兔), forcing Guan Yu to kill the thief — a brief episode illustrating that even well-meaning hosts cannot control greedy kin. No historical Guo Chang appears in Sanguozhi. The contrast between the father’s courtesy and the son’s greed mirrors other Chapter 28 tests of Guan Yu’s judgment. Luo Guanzhong places this farm between Cao Cao’s frontier pursuit and Guan Ding’s adoption of Guan Ping, showing how every stop on the homeward road tests loyalty and restraint. Wikisource appendix four lists him among minor Chapter 28 characters with no historical counterpart.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Chapter 28 (Guan Yu Slays Cai Yang; Brothers Reunite at Gucheng): After escaping Cao Cao’s pursuit, Guan Yu and Sun Qian are caught in a downpour and seek shelter at a farm under a cliff. The old man introduces himself: “My name is Guo Chang; I have lived here many years. I am very pleased to greet the man whom I have known so long by reputation.” He feasts Guan Yu. Later Guo Chang’s son rides out with a Yellow Turban bandit who demands Red Hare; Guan Yu kills both when they attack. The episode sits in the same chapter as Guan Ding‘s farm and Guan Ping’s adoption.
Guo Chang (郭常) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 28
Storm shelter
Guan Yu and Sun Qian take refuge at Guo Chang’s farm; the old man welcomes Guan Yu by reputation and provides food and lodging.
Chapter 28 (same arc)
Son and Yellow Turban
Guo Chang’s son appears with a Zhang Jue remnant who orders Guan Yu to surrender Red Hare or die.
Chapter 28 (same arc)
Thieves slain
Guan Yu kills the son and the Turban rider when they attack — Guo Chang’s hospitality is overshadowed by familial greed.
Chapter 28 (aftermath)
Journey continues
Guan Yu departs toward Guan Ding’s farm and the later reunion with Liu Bei; Guo Chang does not reappear.
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore fictional Three Kingdoms characters on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
Family
- Unnamed son (郭常之子): Killed by Guan Yu when he joins a Yellow Turban remnant to steal Red Hare.
Friends
- Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ): Honored guest whom Guo Chang feeds during the storm.
- Sun Qian (孙乾, Tôn Càn): Travelling companion who shares Guo Chang’s hospitality.
Enemies
- Unnamed Yellow Turban remnant: Partner of Guo Chang’s son in the Red Hare theft — slain by Guan Yu.
Other
- Guan Ding (关定, Quan Định): Another Chapter 28 farmer-host who offers Guan Ping.
- Red Hare (赤兔): Steed targeted by the thieves.
- Zhang Jue (张角, Trương Giác): Named by the Turban rider as his supposed commander.
In Novel
Chapter 28
- Guo Chang (郭常, Quách Thường): "My name is Guo Chang and I have lived here many years. I am very pleased to greet the man whom I have known so long by reputation." His son later appears with a Yellow Turban rider demanding Red Hare; Guan Yu kills them both.
In History
Summary
- Guo Chang (郭常, Quách Thường) is a fictional Chapter 28 host; no historical record.
Historical Record
- Not in Sanguozhi. Listed in ROTK appendix as a minor Chapter 28 character.
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