Editing Fu Manchu (section)

=== Sir Denis Nayland Smith and Dr Petrie ===
[[File:Denis Nayland Smith in The Mask Of Dr Fu Manchu.png|thumb|Denis Nayland Smith in The Mask Of Dr Fu Manchu (1951), art by [[Wally Wood]].]]

Opposing Dr Fu Manchu in the stories are Sir [[Denis Nayland Smith]] and, in the first three books, Dr Petrie. Petrie narrates the first three novels. (The later novels are narrated by various other characters allied with Smith right up to the end of the series.) Smith carries on the fight, combating Dr Fu Manchu more by sheer luck and dogged determination than intellectual brilliance except ''in extremis''. Smith and Dr Fu Manchu share a grudging respect for one another, as each believes that a man must keep his word, even to an enemy.

In the first three books, Smith serves in the [[Indian Imperial Police]] as a police commissioner in [[British rule in Burma|Burma]] who has been granted a [[roving commission]], allowing him to exercise authority over any group who can help him in his mission. When Rohmer revived the series in 1931, Smith, who has been [[knight]]ed for his efforts to defeat Fu Manchu, is an ex-Assistant Commissioner of [[Scotland Yard]]. He later accepts a position with [[Secret Intelligence Service|MI6]]. Several books have him placed on special assignment with the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]].