Main Characters in The Tale of Genji
Protagonist
Genji (Hikaru Genji) - the eponymous hero. Second son of Emperor Kiritsubo and the Kiritsubo Consort, a low-ranking concubine. For his own protection, demoted to commoner status and forced to take the name of Minamoto (Genji). Married to Aoi, daughter of the Minister of the Left. Has a secret liaison with the Fujitsubo Lady, his father's new wife, who bears him a son (the future Reizei emperor). Has affairs in his adventurous youth with women of various ranks, Utsusemi, Yugao, Murasaki, Suetsumuhana, Gen no naishi, the Rokujo Lady, Oborozukiyo, and the Akashi Lady. Has a son, Yugiri, with Aoi, after which his wife dies. Goes into exile at Suma and Akashi but returns to the capital in triumph. Has a daughter, the later Akashi Empress, with the Akashi Lady. Becomes guardian of Akikonomu, the daughter of the Rokujo Lady, after her death. Unsuccessfully courts Asagao. Presents Tamakazura to the world as his long lost daughter. Genji rises in rank to the position of Honorary Retired Emperor and
lives to see his children becoming Emperor, Empress and Minister,
respectively. His political and amorous success is also reflected
in his Rokujo estate, a residence built to shelter the most important
women in his life. The peak of Genji's glory, however, also announces his gradual decline,
and chapters such as “Nowaki” and “Wakana” reveal his vulnerability
vis-à-vis a new generation of young heroes, Yugiri and Kashiwagi. Although Murasaki is his great love and unofficial first wife, he marries the Third Princess, who commits adultery with Kashiwagi ("Wakana II") and bears an illegitimate son, Kaoru. The disintegration of Genji's world becomes final with the death of his beloved Murasaki, in chapter forty, “Minori.” Mourns Murasaki's death and prepares to take holy vows in "Maboroshi"(his death, however, is not described by Murasaki Shikibu).
Parents of Genji
Kiritsubo Emperor (Kiritsuboin) - Genji's father. Brother of Princess Omiya (To no Chujo’s mother), Prince Hanazono (the father of Princess Asagao), and the late crown prince who was the husband of the Lady Rokujo. He favors the lowly Kiritsubo Lady, but aware of Genji's fate were he to attract the hostility of the Kokiden Lady, the Emperor demotes Genji from imperial prince to commoner. Thus Genji is forbidden to ascend to the throne. Instead, the Kiritsubo Emperor names Suzaku, Genji's half-brother and the son of the ambitious Kokiden as Heir Apparent. Furthermore, the emperor also arranges Genji's marriage to Aoi, the daughter of the Minister of the Left and, by this, ensures that his son will benefit from the powerful political support of his father-in-law, the only one able to balance the influence of Kokiden and her party, including the Minister of the Right. Sometime after the death of his beloved Kiritsubo, the emperor learns of the existence of an imperial princess, referred to as Fujitsubo (after the name of her residence, the Wisteria Pavilion), who uncannily resembles his lost love. Of an incomparable higher status than her unfortunate predecessor, Fujitsubo goes on to become the emperor's favorite and ultimately Empress, but her resemblance to Genji's mother also attracts Genji's initially childish interest in her. This childish interest, once turned erotic, fuels much of the later narrative plot. Note that there is only a five-year difference between Fujitsubo, officially Genji's stepmother, and Genji himself: Fujitsubo enters the palace at 16 when Genji is 11. So he is much closer in age to her than his father, who is presumably in his thirties. (chapter 1; dies chapter 10)
Kiritsubo Lady (Kiritsubo Koi) – Beloved concubine of the Kiritsubo Emperor and mother of Genji. Daughter of a Major counselor who was a brother of the Akashi Priest. Low ranking consort (koi) who is loved by the first emperor. Lady Kiritsubo is disadvantaged at court because she lacks parental support - her father is already dead at the beginning of the narrative. Because she enjoys the Emperor's favor, she provokes the jealousy of other imperial concubines, in particular that of the Kokiden Consort, a lady with well-founded hopes of becoming Empress. As a result, Kiritsubo is constantly harassed by the other women and the humiliations she has to suffer at court eventually trigger her premature death, only three years after having given birth to Genji. Her name is derived from the Paulownia Pavilion, where she resided while at the Imperial Court, the farthest location from the emperor's chambers and symbolic of her low status. (Chapter 1)
Brothers of Genji
Suzaku Emperor (Suzakuin) – Eldest son of the Kiritsubo Emperor by Kokiden; half-brother of Genji, and grandson of the powerful Minister of the Right.
There is an undercurrent of rivalry in the relation between Suzuku and Genji. Suzaku is named Heir Apparent, although the Kiritsubo Emperor would have personally preferred to make Genji crown prince. He is a puppet in the hands of his mother Kokiden. He sees the women he would like to have taken away from him by Genji, such as Oborozukiyo and Akikonomu. Throughout the narrative he is a sort of pathetic figure, although he also retains a tragic dignity, especially during the “Wakana” chapters, when, after having abdicated and taken Buddhist vows, his religious devotion is obstructed by his excessive paternal love for his favorite daughter, the Third Princess (like Genji's death, Suzaku's death is not featured in the narrative).
Hotaru (Prince Hotaru, Hotaru no Miya) – Son of Emperor Kiritsubo, and therefore Genji’s half-brother. Hotaru always remains close to Genji, even when more and more people break ties with him just before he leaves in exile to Suma. He is an elegant person and acts as judge in the picture contest ("E-awase") and the incense-making contest. Hotaru harbors special feelings for Genji's adopted daughter, Tamakazura. He receives the nickname “Hotaru,” “Firefly,” because Genji releases fireflies in Tamakazura’s room to show her outline to him through the blinds. Later becomes the husband of Higekuro’s daughter Makibashira.
Eight Prince (Hachi no Miya) - Appears in the Uji chapters. Eight son of the Kiritsubo Emperor and half-brother of Genji and Suzaku. Father of the Uji princesses and Ukifune. Ostracized by court society for attempting to supplant the crown prince (the future Reizei emperor). He lives in retirement in Uji, where he raises his two daughters and devotes himself to Buddhism. Dies in "Shii ga Moto."
The women around Genji
Fujitsubo (Lady Fujitsubo, Fujitsubo Chugu) - Genji's stepmother. Daughter of an earlier emperor (now deceased) and thus imperial princess, Fujitsubo enters the service of Emperor Kiritsubo at the age of sixteen, mainly because of her resemblance to the deceased Lady Kiritsubo. She soon becomes an imperial favorite, but also Genji's childhood crush and later lifelong obsession. By chapter seven, “Momiji no ha,” it becomes obvious that Fujitsubo (aged 23) and Genji (aged 18) are already involved in an illicit love affair (although the author does not describe it, but rather implies the beginning of the relationship), the result of which is the birth of Reizei (future emperor) whom everyone, except the two lovers, believes to be the son of the Kiritsubo Emperor. Elevated to the rank of Empress and having her son named Heir Apparent (Reizei is to succeed Suzaku), Fujitsubo gradually grows more and more troubled by guilt and the fear of having her secret exposed. Once Genji's advances intensify and, in the public realm, the faction of the Kokiden Lady comes to power, Fujitsubo's only countermeasure is to take vows and become a nun (“Sakaki”). By this, she hopes on the one hand, to put Genji off and eliminate the risk of their affair being discovered and, on the other hand, to reassure Kokiden that she renounces any secular, political claims to power. After Genji's return from exile, as a retired empress dowager she forms a political alliance with him to safeguard the future of their son Reizei, but all the same privately keeps him at a distance. Fujitsubo makes her debut as a substitute for Kiritsubo, yet, later, Genji will look for substitutes for her, in women such as Utsusemi, the Third Princess, but most of all, in Murasaki). (chapter 1; chapter 10 becomes a nun; chapter 19 dies aged 36 or 37)
Aoi (Princess Aoi, Aoi no Ue) - Genji's first official wife, the daughter of the Minister of the Left and Princess Omiya; sister of Genji’s friend To no Chujo. From the beginning of their marriage, she and Genji are not on the best of terms. She marries Genji when she is sixteen and he only twelve. Proud and distant to her husband, Aoi is constantly aware of the age difference between them and very much hurt by Genji's philandering. For only a short while, after giving birth to Genji's son, Yugiri, and suffering episodes of spirit possession, does Aoi actually appear sympathetic in Genji's eyes. Aoi dies at the end of the “Aoi” chapter at age 26. Genji feels deep remorse after Aoi's death for not paying more attention to her and not holding her in higher regard. (chapter 1-chapter 9)
Murasaki (Murasaki no Ue) – Daughter of Prince Hyobu by a minor consort. Niece of Fujitsubo. She makes her debut into the tale as a substitute for her unattainable aunt, but she gradually outshines Fujitsubo in Genji's eyes. In fact, her very name, “Murasaki” translated as “Lavender,” plays on the similarity of two colors in both their names (the color “murasaki” is purple of a darker hue than “fuji”, wisteria, of Fujitsubo's name). Discovered by Genji in the Northern Hills when she is only ten, she is taken into his Nijo residence after the death of her grandmother where she is molded into Genji's ideal woman. She remains Genji's most important lover throughout the tale, but, because of her imperfect social status (she is of royal blood on her father's side, but her mother was a commoner), she can never be acknowledged as Genji's main wife (kita no kata). For that reason, her position is perpetually insecure, especially when Genji's attention shifts to other women including the Akashi Lady and Asagao, but most importantly, the Third Princess. Childless her entire life, Murasaki adopts Genji's daughter by the Akashi Lady in "Matsukaze" and raise her to become Empress. Shocked by Genji's marriage to the Third Princess, towards the end of her life she repeatedly expresses her desire to become a nun, but meets Genji's resolute opposition. She becomes the victim of spirit possession in chapter 35 and dies in chapter 40 at age 43 without having realized her wish to take vows. The beauty of her character resides in its complexity. (chapters 5–40)
Rokujo Lady (Rokujo no Miyasudokoro) – A lady of high birth and Genji's senior by seven years. Introduced in the tale in chapter four, “Yugao,” as Genji's lover, Rokujo is not mentioned in any of the previous chapters. Nevertheless, the later narrative does clarify certain biographical aspects: she is the widow of a former Crown Prince (presumably one of Emperor Kiritsubo's brothers) by whom she has a daughter, Akikonomu, and would have become an empress, if not for her husband's untimely death. Because of her outstanding social position, she is entitled to be treated with the utmost respect, a fact which Genji, too caught up in his philandering, neglects to do. She is one of Genji's neglected lovers. Humiliated by Genji's disrespect for her, angered and jealous by the rumors of his affairs, Rokujo becomes the perfect candidate for being the possessing spirit behind Yugao's demise, at least in traditional interpretations of the tale. Her identification as possessing spirit is further reinforced in the “Aoi” chapter, where several clues seem to make her the culprit in Aoi's possession and death. Troubled by the gossip about her involvement in Aoi's possession, Rokujo herself comes to believe in her own guilt. As a result, she decides to follow her daughter Akikonomu, appointed as High Priestess, to Ise. After her return to the capital, she entrusts Akikonomu to Genji's guardianship and dies in chapter fourteen, “Miotsukushi.” Following her death, she keeps being identified as the spirit inflicting torment upon Genji's women, Murasaki and the Third Princess. (chapters 4–14; as the presumed possessing spirit, chapters 35, 36)
Akikonomu (Lady Akikonomu, Akikonomu Chugu) – Daughter of the Rokujo Lady and a crown prince. Becomes Ise Priestess in "Sakaki." Genji later acts as her guardian (but never as her lover). Becomes a high Consort (Umetsubo) of the Reizei Emperor, Genji's secret son, in "E-awase" and is promoted to empress in "Otome." Her marriage remains however without issue. In Genji’s Rokujo Estate, she lives in the Autumn Section; her sobriquet "Akikonomu", "One fond of autumn," derives from a debate on the seasons in "Usugumo."
Utsusemi (Lady of the Locust Shell) – A lady of lower rank, after the death of her father she has no choice but to become the second wife of the elderly Iyo Deputy, whose first wife is dead at the time of the narrative; this means she is also the stepmother of the Governor of Kii. She attracts Genji's attention, but resists his courtship despite his repeated attempts to win her over. Although she will not become a central character, Utsusemi is memorable as the first woman Genji courts in the tale and whose courtship the reader actually witnesses and also as the first to resist him. At the end of the fourth chapter, "Yugao", Utsusemi leaves the capital with her husband who has been appointed governor of a province. Utsusemi returns in chapter sixteen, “Sekiya,” when she meets Genji on her return from the provinces. They exchange poems, and Utsusemi is shown to regret not being able to accept Genji's advances (because of Utsusemi's marriage and differences in rank). The last time the readers encounter Utsusemi is in chapter 23, “Hatsune,” where we learn that she has become a nun after her husband's death. The reason behind her decision is her desire to escape the unwelcome amorous attentions of her step-son, the Governor of Kii. After taking the tonsure, Utsusemi comes to depend upon Genji and takes residence in his Nijo Mansion. (chapters 2,3,4; reenters the tale in chapter 16; is mentioned again in chapter 23)
Yugao (Lady of the Evening Faces, the Twilight Beauty) – A woman of lower status of about nineteen with whom Genji has a short affair in the eponymous chapter four, “Yugao.” Before encountering Genji, Yugao was To no Chujo's secondary wife and even gave him a daughter, the future Tamakazura. However, because of the jealousy of To no Chujo's main wife, Yugao leaves him and goes into hiding. It is under these circumstances that Genji encounters her, while out visiting his former wet nurse (Koremitsu's mother). The woman's name refers to the flowers that attract Genji's attraction to Yugao's shabby abode. Genji becomes very fond of this woman, of whom he apparently knows next to nothing, and proceeds to move her to an abandoned mansion where she falls prey to spirit possession and dies. The possessing spirit is traditionally associated with Lady Rokujo. (chapter 4)
Suetsumuhana (The Safflower Lady, Princess Suetsumuhana) – Daughter of a dead prince of Hitachi. a long-suffering, red-nosed lady, who is very old-fashioned. However, because of her talent at playing the zither, Genji becomes attracted to her. He neglects her while in exile, but provides all kinds of assistance after his return to the captal.
Gen no Naishi (The Dame of Staff) - An elderly courtesan in the service of Emperor Kiritsubo. She flirts with Genji, and becomes the object of his attentions in "Momiji no ga," even though he knows any relationship with her would be inappropriate.
Oborozukiyo (Princess Oborozukiyo, The Lady of the Misty Moon) – Daughter of a Minister of the Right and sister of Kokiden. Loved by the Suzaku Emperor, she is herself drawn to Genji and even initiates a brief romantic encounter with him in "Hana no en. " Continues to see Genji after she enters the service of the Suzaku emperor as naishi no kami.
The ensuing scandal leads to Genji's exile ("Sakaki").
Asagao (Princess Asagao, Asagao no Himegimi, “The Lady of the Bluebells”) - Daughter of a brother of the Kiritsubo Emperor (Shikibukyo no Miya) and therefore first cousin of Genji. She serves as High Priestess of the Kamo shrines. Genji is in love with her, but she keeps refusing him.
As a princess, she is of higher rank than Murasaki, whose position would be endangered were it to come to a marriage.
Hanachirusato (Lady of the Orange Blossoms, Lady from the Village of Falling Flowers) – One of Genji’s minor ladies, but installed in the Winter Section of the Rokujo Estate. Entrusted with the care of young people, including Tamakazura and Yugiri.
Takes care of the practical side of Genji's household.
Akashi Lady (Akashi no Kimi) – The Akashi Priest's daughter, the mother of Genji's daughter. Born as a middle-ranked noble, a love affair with Genji was not her own plan, but her father was insistent in getting them involved in a relationship. In Akashi, she gives a birth to a girl, the only daughter of Genji. She moves to Oi outside the capital and brings up her daughter (called Princess Akashi, later Empress Akashi) until the age of four, when Genji decides that Lady Murasaki should adopt the little girl - a higher status means that the girl when she grows up will be able to enter the palace. Lady Akashi is saddened, but gradually accepts the situation, which means she will be separated from her daughter for many years and not see her grow up. Later, she meets her daughter again, now a court lady of the crown prince, and receives many honors as the birth mother of Princess Akashi. She then receives a letter from her father about his fortune-telling dream. He writes the dream gave him a prediction that his granddaughter by Lady Akashi would become the empress, and he lived his whole life to realize that prediction. Lives in the Winter Section of the Rokujo Estate.
Tamakazura – Long-lost daughter of To no Chujo and Yugao, and Kashiwagi’s half-sister. Taken by her wet-nurse to Tsukushi after her mother's disappearance. Courted by the boorish Taifu no Gen. Flees to the capital where she meets Genji, who tries to claim her as his own daughter. She wants to meet her real father, who doesn't know she is still alive. Genji forms a salon for her admirers (Kashiwagi, Hotaro, Higekuro). He takes pleasure in watching young men compete for Tamakazura's favor. Her brothers, sons of To no Chujo, are involved, not knowing that she is their sister. Genji himself flirts with her, and is sometimes barely able to control himself. Later, Genji reveals her true identity to To no Chujo ("Miyuki") and arranges for her to serve the emperor ("Fujibakama"). She is however forced into marriage by a middle-aged courtier, General Higekuro, and becomes his wife instead and the mother of many children.
The Third Princess (Princess Nyosan, Onna San no Miya) – The beloved daughter of the Suzaku Emperor and sister of the last emperor in the tale. She is a niece of late Empress Fujitsubo in her maternal lineage. Married to Genji by her concerned father ("Wakana I"). She is young and naive, and Kashiwagi exploits her innocence and makes love to her, their affair resulting in the birth of Kaoru ("Wakana II"). Unable to bear her guilt, she becomes a nun.
Genji's offspring
Reizei Emperor (Reizeiin) – Son of Fujitsubo and Genji, but thought by the world to be the Kiritsubo Emperor’s son. Becomes crown prrince in "Momiji no ga" and ascends the throne in "Miotsukushi." Learns of his true parentage in "Usugumo." Akikonomu is his consort. He abdicates without issue in "Wakana II. "
Yugiri – Genji’s son by his principal wife Aoi. His mother dies days after his birth, and he is raised by Genji's father-in-law the Minister of the Left when Genji goes into exile. On Genji's return, Yugiri serves as a page in the Emperor's court. Chapter 21 revolves around his thorough education and romance with Kumoi no Kari when both are 14. The match is long opposed by her father To no Chujo, but they eventually win him over and marry in Chapters 32-33. He is the best friend of Kashiwagi. When Kashiwagi takes his own life, Yugiri becomes obsessed with his widow, the neglected Second Princess, Ochiba. Kumoi no Kari returns to her father's house with their daughters in the wake of this affair, but they remain married. Yugiri becomes the most powerful figure at court after Genji's death. Marries his daughter, Roku no Kimi, to Niou ("Yadorigi"). (Chapters 12-52)
Akashi Princess / Empress (Akashi no Himegimi / Chugu) – Genji’s daughter by the Akashi Lady and therefore half-sister of Yugiri and, unknown to the world, the Reizei Emperor as well. Born at Akashi, adopted by Murasaki in "Matsukaze," and married to the crown prince in "Umegae." Gives birth to a son in "Wakana I," and becomes the mother of the crown prince when her husband (the fourth emperor in the tale, a son of Suzaku) ascends the throne in "Wakana II." Becomes Empress by "Minori." Mother of the First Princess and Niou among others.
Kaoru – Son of the Third Princess by Kashiwagi. Thought by the world to be Genji’s son. As Genji’s son, he becomes half-brother to the Akashi Empress and therefore uncle to his close companion Prince Niou; as the Third Princess’s son, he is Niou’s cousin. Falls in love with Oigimi but fails to make her his wife ("Agemaki"). After Oigimi's death, pursues her sister Naka no Kimi, who is already married to Niou and who likewise turns him away ("Yadorigi"). Discovers Ukifune and takes her to Uji, where she becomes entangled with Niou ("Ukifune"). After Ukifune's apparent suicide, pursues other women at court ("Kagero"). Learns about Ukifune's existence, but his messenger returns empty-handed ("Yume no ukihashi").
The family of the Minister of the Left
Minister of the Left (Sadaijin) - Genji's father-in-law, father to Aoi and To no Chujo, his role is to maintain a political balance at the Emperor Kiritsubo's court by countering the influence exerted by the Minister of the Right. Married to Omiya, the sister of the reigning emperor. He is entrusted with Genji's fate and becomes his chief supporter during Genji's younger years. Even after the death of Aoi, the relationship with Genji survives, as Genji entrusts his son by Aoi, Yugiri, to him. With the death of the Kiritsubo Emperor, however, the Minister falls out of favor and eventually retires from public activities. Dies in "Usugumo." (chapter 1-chapter 19)
Omiya (Princess Omiya) – Sister of the Kiritsubo Emperor and principal wife of the Minister of the Left. Mother of To no Chujo and Aoi.
Raises Yugiri after Aoi's death and looks after Kumoi no Kari until To no Chujo takes her away in "Otome."
To no Chujo - Son of the Minister of the Left and Omiya. Brother of Aoi, father of Kashiwagi, Kobai, Takakazura, the Omi Lady and many other children. Marries Shi no Kimi, the daughter of the Minister of the Right. He becomes Genji's friend and rival in love during their adolescence and youth. Their relationship remains fairly harmonious for the first twelve chapters of the tale: they engage in conversations about women, share their amorous experiences and love letters and, once in a while compete, or pretend to compete, in conquering a woman (with Suetsumuhana, the competition seems more genuine, whereas in the case of Gen no Naishi, it is a mock-competition meant to create a humorous interlude). Unbeknownst to To no Chujo however, Genji has an affair with his secondary wife, Yugao, finds out about the existence of his friend's child, yet reveals nothing to him, and, for all that we know, To no Chujo remains ignorant of this affair until the end. After Genji's return from exile however, his friendly rivalry with To no Chujo is no longer related to love matters, but becomes political. Although associated with the Fujiwara clan, To no Chujo is not on the winning side: the daughters he sends to court are always outshone by Genji's own candidates so that To no Chujo can never get to play the part of a Fujiwara regent. His eldest daughter, the Kokiden Consort (No. 2) competes with Akikonomu, Genji's adopted daughter. Takes Kumoi no Kari away from Yugiri in the hope of marrying her to the crown prince ("Otome"). Embarrased by the appearance of Omi no Kimi, an uncouth woman who claims to be his daughter. Later in the tale, the two heroes, Genji and To no Chujo seem to reach some sort of reconciliation once Genji reveals to To no Chujo the existence of his daughter, Tamakazura, and the latter finally accepts Yugiri, Genji's son, as his son-in-law. To no Chujo eventually becomes Prime Minister and dies a great man. (chapter 1-chapter 41)
Shi no Kimi of the Minister of the Right (Udaijin no Shi no Kimi) – Younger sister of Kokiden and older sister of Oborozukiyo. Official wife of To no Chujo. Mother of Kashiwagi, Kobai, and Kokiden (a different Kokiden from the previous one).
Kashiwagi - The eldest son of To no Chujo by Shi no Kimi and half-brother of Tamakazura. One of Tamakazura's unsuccesful suitors. Married to Princess Ochiba, but loves the Third Princess (her sister), and fathers Kaoru by her ("Wakana II"). His cousin Yugiri’s close companion. When Genji finds out that he has made the Third Princess pregnant, Kashiwagi slowly takes his own life by starving himself ("Kashiwagi").
Kobai - The second son of To no Chujo and younger brother of Kashiwagi. His mother is Shi no Kimi of the Minster of the Right. Becomes Minister of the Right in "Takekawa." He marries Makibashira (daughter of Higekuro), after the death of her husband Prince Hotaru.
Kokiden (Kokiden no Nyogo) – Daughter of To no Chujo. Empress Kokiden, the mother of the Suzaku Emperor, is her aunt. First concubine of the Reizei Emperor, who at first favors her, but later prefers Akikonomu, so that she does not manage to become his empress.
Kumoi no Kari - Daughter of To no Chujo. Raised by her paternal grandmother, Princess Omiya, but taken away by her father who hopes to make her an imperial consort. Long-time love and later wife of Genji’s son Yugiri - they are reunited in "Fuji no uraba." However, the marriage hits turbulence when Yugiri marries Princess Ochiba in "Yugiri."
Kurodo no Shosho - son of Yugiri and Kumoi no Kari. Unsuccessfully pursues Tamakazura’s elder daughter (chapter 44).
Omi (Lady from Omi) – Daughter of To no Chujo by a lesser woman. Brought out from the provinces with hopes of providing competition to Tamakazura, who was then thought to be Genji’s daughter. Her lack of courtly manners leads to comic relief ("Tokonatsu").
Genji’s political opponents
Kokiden (Kokiden no Nyogo) – Daughter of a Minister of the Right and sister of Oborozukiyo. Principal rival of the Kiritsubo Lady and Fujitsubo for the Kiritsubo Emperor’s affection. Bears him the Suzaku Emperor, Genji’s half-brother. Bitterly jealous of the emperor's love for Kiritsubo, once her rival is dead, her animosity comes to affect her rival's son, Genji. Thus, due to political scheming, she finally has her son, Suzaku, appointed Heir Apparent. Nevertheless, once Fujitsubo debuts into the narrative, Kokiden is confronted with a much more powerful rival, one that is more high-ranking than Kiritsubo and thus can claim the title of Empress, leaving Kokiden to content herself with being “only” the Empress Mother. Time and again, Kokiden figures in the narrative as Genji's arch rival, plotting and scheming to eliminate him from court and finally succeeding in stripping him of his rank and sending him into exile at Suma. Genji's return from exile marks the beginning of his political ascension and also his victory over the Kokiden Lady. (chapter 1–14)
Minister of the Right (Udaijin) - Father of Kokiden, Oborozukiyo, and others, and the Kiritsubo emperor's father-in-law. Marries on daughter (Shi no Kimo) to To no Chujo and another one (Oborozukiyo) to the Suzaku Emperor. The Minister of the Right plays a role similar to the historical position of the Fujiwara leaders. Like them, the Minister marries his daughter to the emperor, has his grandchild appointed Heir Apparent and rules de facto after the abdication (in the Genji, after the death) of the emperor. Stands in opposition of Genji and the Minister of the Left. His discovery of Genji in Oborozukiyo's private quarters leads to Genji's exile in "Sakaki." (chapter 1-chapter 13)
Hyobu (Prince Hyobu, Hyobukyo no Miya) - Brother of Fujitsubo and father of Murasaki and of Higekuro’s first wife. Later becomes Prince Shikibu no Miya. Of royal blood (like Fujitsubo, he is the son of a former emperor), Prince Hyobu is married with a woman suiting his high status who is extremely jealous of Murasaki's mother, a woman below her own social position. The text goes as far as to suggest that Murasaki's mother died because of the constant harassment of Hyobu's main wife, not unlike Kiritsubo. After the woman's death however, Hyobu and his wife are both willing to take Murasaki into their household, but Genji kidnaps her before Hyobu can act. When Murasaki becomes Genji's wife, Hyobu is informed of his daughter's fate and, for a while, his relationship with Murasaki seems good. Once Genji falls out of favor and is exiled however, Hyobu cuts all ties with his daughter, a mistake which Genji will not forgive after he rises to the top of the political hierarchy.
Shikibukyo Miya no Kitanokata - The wife of Prince Hyobu. Has a strong enmity toward her stepdaughter Murasaki and becomes a factor in his estrangement from his daughter. She also turns her husband into an opponent of Genji, which is detrimental to his further career. When her eldest daughter (the official wife of Higekuro) divorces her husband and returns to her parents' home, she vents her resentment toward Genji.
Genji’s retainers
Koremitsu - Genji's foster brother (in fact his milk brother, menotogo; Koremitsu's mother was Genji's wet nurse), trusted servant and accomplice. He plays his most prominent part in the “Yugao” chapter, where he approaches Yugao and facilitates Genji's subsequent courtship of the lady. After Yugao's death, it is Koremitsu who arranges her funeral. Similarly to the Yugao episode, Koremitsu also serves Genji in the following chapter, “Wakamurasaki,” where he acts as a go-between for Genji and Shonagon, Murasaki's nurse, as well as Genji's accomplice in the kidnapping of Murasaki. A very useful servant and mediator in Genji's love affairs, Koremitsu even accompanies Genji during his exile to Suma. Later in the tale, however, his presence becomes more sporadic. (chapters 4–21)
Gosechi (Gosechi no kimi) - Koremitsu’s daughter. Yugiri falls in love with her when she acts as Gosechi dancer. He later takes her as his secondary wife and has 4 children with her.
Persons connected to Fujitsubo
Omyobu - A lady-in-waiting in Fujitsubo's service and Genji's accomplice. Her major narrative role is to facilitate Genji's access to Fujitsubo, an event which will have as its result the birth of the future emperor Reizei. In addition, she acts as a go-between in their epistolary exchanges. In the end of her appearances, she is a nun who has taken vows with Fujitsubo. (chapters 5–12)
Persons connected to Utsusemi
The Iyo Deputy (Iyo no Suke, Vice-Governor) – Utsusemi's husband. The father of the Governor of Kii and Nokiba no Ogi, both by his previous wife. Later becomes the Deputy Governor of Hitachi. In the fleeting moments he appears in Chapter 2, he is unhappy that Genji has stopped by his home, even if it is due to taboos, and doesn't like being ordered around by somebody he hardly knows. Dies in "Sekiya." (chapters 2,4 and 16)
Governor of Kii (Ki no Kami) – One of Genji's retainers, he is the son of the Iyo Deputy and stepson of Utsusemi. Later becomes Governor of Kawachi. (chapters 2 and 16)
Chujo (Utsusemi's Chujo) – Female attendant of Utsusemi. Her name literally means “the captain.” Genji was a Captain in the Palace Guards at the time of his meeting with Utsusemi, so he is able to steal into the lady's chambers by taking advantage of the confusion between Chujo's name and his rank. (chapter 2)
Kogimi – Utsusemi's brother and 12 or 13 at the time of the narrative in the “Hahakigi” chapter. Genji is delighted with the boy and uses him as a go-between in the letter exchanges with Utsusemi. (chapters 2 and 3; reappears in chapter 16)
Nokiba no Ogi – The daughter of the Iyo Deputy and the sister of the Governor of Kii, in other words, Utsusemi's stepdaughter, but also her companion. She is a fleeting presence in the tale and only briefly does she take center stage in chapter three, “Utsusemi,” when, in a darkened room, Genji mistakes her for Utsusemi. (chapters 3,4)
Persons connected to Yugao
Ukon (Yugao's Ukon) – The daughter of Yugao's nurse and the lady-in-waiting closest to Yugao. Orphaned at an early age, Ukon was raised by Yugao's father and grew up together with the lady, whom she is extremely attached to. After losing Yugao, she wants to follow her mistress into death, but gives in to Genji's pleas and enters his service. She will come to play a great role in the discovery of Yugao's daughter, Tamakazura, during a pilgrimage to Hasedera. (chapters 4 and 22)
Persons connected to Murasaki
Kitayama no Amagimi (The Nun, Murasaki's grandmother) –
Murasaki's maternal grandmother who took custody of the child after the
mother's death. While alive, she adamantly rejects Genji's offers of
taking care of the girl because she sees through his innocent-looking
pleas and guesses his ulterior sexual designs for Murasaki. At the same
time, she does not want Murasaki to return to her father's household for
fear of Prince Hyobu's main wife, whose jealousy of Murasaki's mother
might make her persecute the child as well. After the grandmother's
death, Genji takes advantage of the situation and spirits Murasaki away
before her father is able to take her into his household. (chapter 5)
Shonagon (Murasaki's Shonagon) – Murasaki's nurse and most important protector after the grandmother. Even so, after the grandmother's death, Shonagon is not high-ranking enough to oppose Genji's plans and, faced with the decision of either to follow her young mistress to Genji's Nijo (at the risk of being accused of kidnapping by Prince Hyobu, once he finds out the girl is missing) or to abandon her, she takes the first choice. Later, impressed by Genji's social standing as well as by the care he devotes to Murasaki, Shonagon is quite happy with her decision. As Murasaki ages, Shonagon slips out of the narrative unnoticed. (chapters 4–12)
Persons connected to the Akashi Lady
Akashi Priest (Akashi no Nyodo) – Retired Governor of Harima province and fFather of the Akashi Lady, of whom he has high expectations. Introduces Genji to his daughter. He is a cousin to the Kiritsubo lady, Genji’s mother.
Enters the mountains and dies after his daughter gives birth to a prince in "Wakana I."
Akashi Nun (Akashi no Amagimi) – The wife of the Akashi Priest and mother of the Akashi Lady.
Persons connected to the Third Princess
Kojiju – servant of the Third Princess; acts rather treacherously as intermediary for Kashiwagi.
Persons connected to Tamakazura
Shoni no Menoto - Tamakazura's nanny. Accompanies Tamakazura to Tsukushi (Kyushu) when her husband is transferred to Dazaifu. Finally decides to flee from Tsukushi because of the forced marriage proposal of Taiyu no Gen (see below) to Tamakazura.
Taiyu no Gen (Taifu no Gen) - A powerful lord in Higo Province. He is violent and boorish suitor and collector of women. He asks Tamakazura to marry him, but is so disliked by Tamakazura that she flees to Kyoto ("Takakazura").
Higekuro – the “bearded black general,” son of the Minister of the Right and brother of the Jokyoden consort. For many years he has been married to the daughter of Prince Hyobu (Murasaki’s stepsister), but eventually he takes Tamakazura as his wife. His principal wife then returns to her parents' home with their daughter Makibashira. Later becomes Minister of the Right.
Makibashira - Daughter of Higekuro, by his first principal wife, the daughter of Prince Hyobu. After the separation of her parents, she grows up in the house of her grandfather. She marries Prince Hotaru in "Wakana II" and has a daughter by him, but their relationship is not good. After the death of Prince Hotaru, she becomes Kobai's principal wife ("Kobai").
Persons connected to Ochiba no Miya
Princess Ochiba (Ochiba no Miya, Second Princess) – Daughter of the Suzaku Emperor and wife of Kashiwagi, who is fatally drawn to her half sister the Third Princess. Left a widow in "Kashiwagi." Pursued by Kashiwagi’s friend Yugiri after his death; despite her resistance, she becomes his wife in "Yugiri."
Ichijo no Miyasudokoro (The Lady of the First Ward) - Suzakuin's second consort. Mother of Princess Ochiba. She mistakenly believed that Yugiri had slept with Princess Ochiba, and died after leaving behind a poem of resentment due to her long-standing illness and her heartache ("Yugiri").
The Ten Uji Chapters
Kaoru – The protagonist of Part III. Son of the Third Princess. Legally he is known as the son of Genji and the Third Princess but his real father is the late Kashiwagi. As Genji’s son, he is half-brother to the Akashi Empress and therefore uncle to his close companion Prince Niou; as the Third Princess’s son, he is Niou’s cousin. Learning this secret makes him noncommittal and lean towards Buddhism. He falls in love with Oigimi in Uji, the first daughter of the Eight Prince, but fails to make her his wife ("Agemaki"). After Oigimi's death, pursues her sister Naka no Kimi, but she likewise turns him away ("Yadorigi"). Discovers Ukifune and takes her to Uji , where she becomes entangled with Niou ("Ukifune"). After Ukifune's apparent suicide, pursues other women at court ("Kagero"). Learns that Ukifune is still alive, but his messenger returns empty-handed ("Yume no ukihashi").
Niou (Prince Niou, Niou no Miya) – Son of the Akashi Empress and the last (unnamed) emperor in the tale; a grandson of Genji. Close companion and rival of Kaoru, his cousin and uncle, who is the only one who equals him in splendor. Privately marries Naka no Kimi in "Agemaki," but is pressured into taking Roku no Kimi (Yugiri's daughter) as his principal wife ("Yadorigi"). Something of a woman chaser, he pursues Ukifune, Kaoru's secret lover ("Ukifune").
Oigimi (Agemaki) – Eldest daughter of the Eight Prince and sister of Naka no Kimi, half-sister of Ukifune. Loved by Kaoru and shares much with him but refuses to marry. Falls ill and dies in "Agemaki."
Naka no Kimi (Kozeri) - Second duaghter of the Eight Prince and sister of Oigimi, half sister of Ukifune. Privately marries Niou in "Agemaki," moves to the capital in "Sawarabi," rejects Kaoru's advances and bears Niou a son in "Yadorigi."
Ukifune – Unrecognized daughter of the Eighth Prince, half-sister of Oigimi and Naka no Kimi. Raised by her mother and stepfather (Vice-Governor of Hitachi) in the eastern provinces. Pursued by Kaoru as a memento of the deceased Oigimi and kept at Uji, where she is discovered by Niou. Attempts to commit suicide ("Ukifune"). Saved by a passing Buddhist priest, the Bishop of Yokawa and is taken to a nunnery at Ono. Courted there by Chujo. Takes holy vows ("Tenarai"). She refuses to acknowledge Kaoru, who sends her brother as a messenger and tries to persuade her to come back to him ("Yume no ukihashi").
Governor of Hitachi (Hitachi no Kami) - Chujo no Kimi's husband, Ukifune's boorish stepfather.
Eight Prince (Hachi no Miya) - Genji and Suzaku's half brother. Father of Oigimi, Naka no Kimi and Ukifune. Ostracized by court society for trying to supplant the crown prince (the future Reizei emperor). retreats to Uji where he raises his two daughters and devotes himself to Buddhism ("Hashihime"). Dies in "Shii ga Moto."
Second Princess (Onna Ni no Miya) – Daughter of the (unnamed) last emperor in the tale by his former consort Reikeiden (not by the Akashi Empress). Principal wife of Kaoru in "Yadorigi", who is however drawn to her half-sister the First Princess.
Roku no Kimi - Yugiri's sixth daughter (by Koremitsu's daughter), later Niou's principal wife in "Yadorigi".
Ukifune’s mother (Chujo no Kimi) – Attendant of the Eight Prince; bears him Ukifune. Both are unwelcome in his house and she subsequently marries the Vice-Governor of Hitachi.
The Lieutenant of the Left Palace Guard (Sakon no Shosho) - Ukifune's fiance. He wants the backing of the Vice-Governor of Hitachi, but when he finds out that Ukifune is not his real daughter, he breaks off the engagement and gets engaged to one of her younger sisters.
Yokawa (Bishop of Yokawa, Yokawa no Sozu) – Priest who discovers Ukifune , looks after her, and gives her the tonsure ("Tenarai").
Bishop of Yokawa’s sister (Ono no Imoto Ama) - The younger sister of the Bishop of Yokogawa. Cherishes Ukifune as a substitute for her dead daughter. When she learns that Ukifune has taken the vow while she was away, she is greatly grieved.
[Incorporates some parts of the public domain articles on the Japanese and English Wikipedia; also inspired by lists in the Genji translation by Royall Tyler, in The Bridge of Dreams by Haruo Shirane and in The Splendor of Longing in the Tale of Genji by Norma Field]
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