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The tale of Genji

Chapter 3: LIST OF MOST IMPORTANT PERSONS
By Murasaki Shikibu
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About This Book

The narrative follows the life of a cultured court prince whose romantic attachments, rivalries, and family relationships unfold across an episodic sequence of chapters. It charts his early favor and exile, memorable liaisons, the adoption and upbringing of a cherished young woman, and later decades marked by loss and shifting power. Rich in seasonal imagery, poetry, ritual, and subtle psychological observation, the prose traces how beauty, longing, and impermanence shape personal destiny and social bonds.

LIST OF MOST IMPORTANT PERSONS

(ALPHABETICAL)

Aoi, Princess Genji’s wife.
Asagao, Princess Daughter of Prince Momozono. Courted in vain by Genji from his 17th year onward.
Emperor, The Genji’s father.
Fujitsubo The Emperor’s consort. Loved by Genji. Sister of Prince Hyōbukyō; aunt of Murasaki.
Genji, Prince Son of the Emperor and his concubine Kiritsubo.
Hyōbukyō, Prince Brother of Fujitsubo; father of Murasaki.
Iyo no Suke Husband of Utsusemi.
Ki no Kami Son of Iyo no Kami, also called Iyo no Suke.
Kiritsubo Concubine of the Emperor; Genji’s mother.
Kōkiden The Emperor’s original consort; later supplanted by Kiritsubo and Fujitsubo successively.
Koremitsu Genji’s retainer.
Left, Minister of the Father of Aoi.
Momozono, Prince Father of Princess Asagao.
Murasaki Child of Prince Hyōbukyō. Adopted by Genji. Becomes his second wife.
Myōbu A young Court lady who introduces Genji to Princess Suyetsumuhana.
Nokiba no Ogi Ki no Kami’s sister.
Oborozukiyo, Princess Sister of Kōkiden.
Ōmyōbu Fujitsubo’s maid.
Right, Minister of the Father of Kōkiden.
Rokujō, Princess Widow of the Emperor’s brother, Prince Zembō. Genji’s mistress from his 17th year onward.
Shōnagon Murasaki’s nurse.
Suyetsumuhana, Princess Daughter of Prince Hitachi. A timid and eccentric lady.
Tō no Chūjō Genji’s brother-in-law and great friend.
Ukon Yūgao’s maid.
Utsusemi Wife of the provincial governor, Iyo no Suke. Courted by Genji.
Yūgao Mistress first of Tō no Chūjō then of Genji. Dies bewitched.