While the film follows a similar structure as the novel, one major and notable event is left out. Brock, owner of the second largest of the trading companies, constantly vies to destroy Struan's company and reputation in an attempt to both exact revenge on Struan and become the new 'Tai-Pan' of Chinese trade. Struan is referred to as tai-pan (which author Clavell translates as 'Supreme Leader', although this is not the accepted translation of the term) indicating his position as head of the largest and most profitable of all the trading companies operating in Asia.

Throughout, both men seek to destroy each other in matters of business and personal affairs. Their rocky and often abusive relationship as seamen initiated an intense amount of competitive tension.

Although the island is largely uninhabited and the terrain unfriendly, it has a large port that both the British government and various trading companies believe will be useful for the import of merchandise to be traded on mainland China, a highly lucrative market.ДЄlthough the film features many characters, it is arguably Dirk Struan and Tyler Brock, former shipmates and the owners of two massive (fictional) trading companies who are the main focal points of the story. In 1842, the British have achieved victory of the First Opium War and seized Hong Kong.

Clavell taipan