Objectives: To characterize suicide in early China, as a means of extending knowledge of this behaviour.

Methods: We examined Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and collated and considered relevant details.

Results: In early China, loss of authority/status, loved ones and fortune were triggers for suicide. The expression of the intention to suicide, either by word or action, was observed and elicited a placating response. Less frequent, but nevertheless clearly recorded, were accounts of suicide completed to satisfy the wishes of others.

Conclusions: The suicide and related behaviour of early China shares many features with late Western societies, but one form (to satisfy the wishes of others) is currently undetected.