The Tale of Genji Character List (2024)

Hikaru Genji

Hikaru Genji, the central figure of “The Tale of Genji,” epitomizes the pinnacle of Heian-era royal culture. He is portrayed as a man of remarkable beauty and multifaceted talents: a gifted musician, dancer, poet, and painter. Genji’s profound appreciation for beauty in both nature and people shapes his interactions and pursuits, leading him to favor partners who match his refined artistic standards. However, his discerning eye for artistry causes him to lose interest in potential lovers who fail to meet his high standards in poetry or other arts.

Despite his exemplary qualities, Genji is not without significant flaws. His pursuit of women often comes at a great emotional cost to them, as he tends to disregard their feelings and the potential damage to their reputations. This is starkly evident in his relationships with Yūgao, whose death is indirectly caused by his attentions, and Princess Hitachi, who he neglects after losing interest. Genji’s actions also include morally ambiguous behaviors, such as kidnapping the young Violet and forcing himself on women, which modern readers may find troubling.

Genji’s character undergoes notable development throughout the story’s seventeen chapters. He becomes more aware of the consequences of his actions on those around him, showing loyalty and a sense of responsibility, exemplified by his promise to care for the Lady of Rokujō’s daughter. Alongside Violet, Genji is among the few characters who exhibit significant growth, learning from his experiences and gradually adjusting his behavior to reflect a deeper understanding of his impact on others.

In background, Genji is the Emperor’s son, yet he is demoted to commoner status due to court politics. This unique position allows him to navigate the courtly and romantic realms with a blend of privilege and outsider perspective. His relationships span across various social strata, from court ladies to commoners, showcasing his complex interactions and the broad reach of his influence.

Significantly, Genji’s journey is not just a personal tale but also a reflection of the fleeting and delicate nature of life and beauty in Heian Japan. His romantic entanglements, marked by both profound passion and inevitable sorrow, highlight the transient pleasures and the enduring emotional landscapes of human experience.

In character analysis, Genji is a blend of idealized qualities and deeply human flaws. His refined appreciation for beauty and art is juxtaposed with his often selfish and impulsive actions. This duality makes him a compelling and multifaceted character, embodying both the splendor and the complexity of the Heian court. His growth throughout the narrative underscores a deeper moral and emotional journey, evolving from a charming yet self-centered youth into a more reflective and responsible figure.

Kokiden

Kokiden, a central figure in “The Tale of Genji,” is one of the Emperor’s favored consorts and potentially his wife, though this is never explicitly confirmed. Her role as a formidable antagonist to Genji highlights her significant influence and her complex personality. Throughout the story, she wields considerable power and works tirelessly to protect her status and undermine those she perceives as threats, including Genji and the Lady of the Paulownia Court.

Insecurity is a defining trait of Kokiden’s character. Despite her high position, she is deeply uneasy, which drives her to actively sabotage her rivals. This is starkly illustrated by her efforts to force the Lady of the Paulownia Court out of the palace. Even though she grudgingly admits Genji’s charm and attractiveness, she seizes every opportunity to undermine his position and cause him distress. Kokiden’s maneuvering ensures her son Suzaku ascends to the throne, and she makes the conscious decision to remain in power rather than retire with the Emperor, underscoring her relentless ambition.

The relationship between Kokiden and the Emperor is ambiguous and fraught with tension. She often mocks him during his moments of sorrow, particularly after the death of the Lady of the Paulownia Court, casting doubt on the nature of their connection. As Suzaku becomes the Emperor, Kokiden and her father, the Minister of the Right, effectively control the reins of power. They dominate court politics, ensuring that their influence remains strong and unchallenged.

Kokiden’s influence reaches its zenith when she orchestrates Genji’s exile. After discovering Genji’s clandestine affair with one of her younger sisters, Kokiden plays a pivotal role in framing Genji’s departure as his only viable option. This action cements her role as Genji’s chief adversary and showcases her strategic acumen in safeguarding her family’s dominance.

In background, Kokiden emerges from a powerful lineage, her father being the influential Minister of the Right. This familial power base provides her with the leverage to navigate and manipulate the court’s intricate politics. Her son’s rise to emperorship is a testament to her relentless pursuit of power and her ability to shape the royal family’s destiny.

Significance of Kokiden’s character lies in her embodiment of courtly rivalry and the dark undercurrents of power struggles in Heian-era politics. Her actions drive much of the conflict and tension in the narrative, especially in her unrelenting campaign against Genji. She represents the obstacles and adversarial forces that Genji must contend with, reflecting the intricate and often perilous dynamics of court life.

In character analysis, Kokiden is a complex blend of ambition, insecurity, and manipulative prowess. Her ability to maintain her power and influence in a male-dominated court, while continually plotting against her enemies, highlights her cunning and determination. Yet, her actions also reveal a deeply insecure and bitter individual, whose quest for dominance stems from a fear of losing her position and influence.

Violet

Violet, also known as Murasaki, becomes a central figure in Genji’s life and story in “The Tale of Genji.” She emerges as his major love interest, ten years after their initial encounter. Drawn to her due to her resemblance to Princess Wistaria, Violet captures Genji’s heart deeply and profoundly.

Background: Violet’s life is intricately linked with Genji’s. She first catches his eye because she looks like Princess Wistaria, a woman Genji desires but cannot fully possess, as she becomes his father’s concubine and later his father’s wife. Princess Wistaria eventually withdraws from court life to escape Genji’s pursuits, leaving him yearning for a connection he finds unattainable.

In contrast, Violet represents the opposite scenario. She is available and can be molded by Genji into his ideal companion. Genji takes a formative role in her life, shaping her into a skilled poet and cherished friend. This dynamic underscores Genji’s desire for control and his idealized vision of love and companionship.

Despite Genji’s influence over her, Violet develops a strong sense of self. This strength is particularly evident during Genji’s exile in Suma and Akashi, where she proves her independence and resilience. Violet thrives even in Genji’s absence, highlighting her inherent fortitude and capability to stand alone without relying solely on him.

One of the most important aspects of Violet’s character is her inability to bear children for Genji. This fact does not diminish the depth of their bond, which remains steadfast and enduring. Their relationship transcends physical offspring, rooted instead in emotional and intellectual connection.

Character Development: Over the years, Violet grows from a young girl under Genji’s tutelage to a confident and self-assured woman. Her development is marked by her adaptation to Genji’s influence while maintaining her identity. She evolves into someone who is not just a reflection of Genji’s desires but also a person of strength and character in her own right.

Significance: Violet’s role in the narrative is crucial as she embodies the ideal of what Genji seeks in a companion, someone he can shape and nurture. Yet, her growth into an independent and strong individual adds depth to her character and highlights a more nuanced view of their relationship. Her ability to thrive on her own despite Genji’s influence speaks to her resilience and independence.

In character analysis, Violet is seen as a blend of innocence, adaptability, and inner strength. While she starts as a figure molded by Genji, she gradually asserts her own identity and presence. This evolution from a malleable young girl to a strong, independent woman encapsulates the complexities of her character and her significant role in Genji’s life and the larger narrative.

Suzaku

Suzaku, Genji’s half-brother in “The Tale of Genji,” plays a complex role deeply entwined with family dynamics and political intrigue. Born to the Emperor and Kokiden, Suzaku grows up in the shadow of his charismatic sibling, Genji. Despite his princely status, Suzaku never matches the affection and admiration that Genji effortlessly commands from both the court and their father. This background sets the stage for his turbulent journey through power and authority.

As a young and inexperienced ruler, Suzaku ascends to the throne but finds his reign stymied by the dominating influence of his mother, Kokiden, and his grandfather, the Minister of the Right. They exert significant control over him, effectively ruling in his stead and preventing him from fulfilling his father’s final wishes, such as adopting Reizei and heeding Genji’s counsel. Suzaku’s role as emperor is thus characterized by his struggles with manipulation and authority.

Suzaku’s personality is marked by timidity and indecision, starkly contrasting with Genji’s confident and magnetic presence. He is often portrayed as a pawn in the hands of stronger, more ambitious figures. This is most evident when he consents to Genji’s exile, a decision driven by Kokiden and the Minister of the Right after discovering Genji’s affair with Suzaku’s former lover, Oborozukiyo. Despite his inner turmoil, Suzaku complies, showcasing his inability to oppose the powerful figures around him.

Throughout the book, Suzaku experiences moments of self-realization and personal growth. His journey is one of subtle development, moving from a puppet king under the influence of others to a ruler who begins to reflect on his own actions. This shift is catalyzed by a significant dream where the deceased Emperor chastises him for his treatment of Genji. This key moment prompts Suzaku to reconsider his decisions, leading him to recall Genji from exile. This act symbolizes a step towards asserting his will and correcting past mistakes, albeit imperfectly.

Suzaku’s significance in the story lies in his embodiment of the vulnerable and impressionable prince. His struggles highlight the themes of power, manipulation, and the burden of familial duty within the Heian court. Unlike Genji, who navigates the court’s complexities with relative ease, Suzaku’s reign is a testament to the challenges of leadership when constrained by stronger personalities.

In character analysis, Suzaku represents the fragile nature of authority when besieged by external pressures. His actions, driven by a combination of personal insecurities and external manipulation, underscore his weaknesses and the profound impact of court politics. Yet, his eventual decision to reconcile with Genji and bring him back from exile suggests a glimmer of redemption. This nuanced portrayal adds depth to Suzaku’s character, providing a poignant counterpoint to Genji’s more dynamic and dominant presence in the story.

Lady Rokujō

Rokujō, often referred to as the “Lady of the Sixth Ward,” is a deeply complex character. Significantly older than Genji by seven years, she harbors deep insecurities about their relationship, feeling overshadowed by Genji’s youth and attractiveness. This background of age disparity and emotional vulnerability profoundly shapes her personality and the dynamics of their relationship.

Despite her innate elegance, intelligence, and beauty, Rokujō’s life with Genji is marred by her intense jealousy. This emotion is not merely an internal struggle but manifests externally in the form of a malevolent spirit. This key aspect of her character reveals the psychological depths and supernatural elements of her jealousy. Unconsciously, Rokujō’s resentment transforms into a vengeful spirit that wreaks havoc on those close to Genji. This spirit’s actions lead to the tragic deaths of Yūgao, one of Genji’s mistresses, and Aoi, Genji’s wife, showcasing the destructive power of her unaddressed emotions.

Rokujō’s role in the story extends beyond her relationship with Genji. Her spirit also possesses Murasaki, Genji’s beloved, for several months, causing severe damage to Murasaki’s health. Although Murasaki is eventually freed from this possession, the encounter leaves her permanently weakened. Rokujō’s spirit later inflicts Nyonan with severe depression, pushing the young woman to the brink of death. These significant events underline Rokujō’s influence and the pervasive reach of her unresolved emotions, even beyond her physical presence.

Rokujō’s development as a character is deeply intertwined with the themes of jealousy and supernatural vengeance. Initially, she is depicted as a proud and refined woman, but her insecurities and possessiveness gradually unravel her composure, leading to her spirit’s vengeful actions. This transition from a dignified lady to a source of malevolent power highlights her internal struggle and the broader implications of unchecked emotions in Heian society.

Personality-wise, Rokujō is portrayed as a tragic figure whose inability to reconcile her emotions and her position leads to catastrophic consequences. Her character embodies the darker aspects of love and possessiveness, showing how unresolved feelings can transcend the physical world and cause profound harm.

Rokujō’s significance in “The Tale of Genji” is multifaceted. She serves as an example of the destructive potential of jealousy and the supernatural consequences that can arise from deeply felt, but unaddressed, emotions.

Tō-no-Chūjō

Tō-no-Chūjō, Genji’s brother-in-law and close friend, is an important character who embodies many of the ideal traits of Heian Japan. Like Genji, Tō-no-Chūjō is a brilliant dancer, a skilled poet, and a prominent court figure, yet he continually finds himself in Genji’s shadow, particularly in their competitive pursuits of women. This dynamic shapes his role and underscores his background as a distinguished yet somewhat overshadowed presence at court.

Despite his kind nature, Tō-no-Chūjō’s personality is notably more rigid and less empathetic compared to Genji’s. This contrast is evident in the second chapter, where Tō-no-Chūjō’s assessment of Yūgao, a woman he describes dismissively in “The Broom-Like Tree,” starkly differs from Genji’s perception. While Tō-no-Chūjō saw Yūgao as unremarkable, Genji discovered a charming and delicate spirit. This key difference highlights Tō-no-Chūjō’s sometimes superficial judgments and his inability to appreciate deeper qualities in people, a point that becomes crucial when Genji takes on the responsibility of caring for Yūgao’s caregivers and child after her death, and even reprimands Tō-no-Chūjō for his treatment of her.

Tō-no-Chūjō’s development throughout the story is marked by his shifting relationship with Genji and his own standing at court. Although his status suffers following his father’s retirement, he significantly disobeys Lady Kokiden’s command to sever ties with Genji during his banishment, showing a deep loyalty and a rare act of defiance against the political powers of the time. This loyalty is a testament to the strong bond and mutual respect between Tō-no-Chūjō and Genji, portraying a nuanced image of male friendship in the Heian era.

Character-wise, Tō-no-Chūjō is often seen as a foil to Genji. While he possesses many admirable qualities, his inability to match Genji’s brilliance in personal and romantic matters highlights his limitations and the subtleties of their friendship. Tō-no-Chūjō’s rigidness and occasional lack of depth in his judgments underscore the complexities of courtly life and the challenges of living up to an ideal like Genji. His significance lies in this contrast and his role in providing a counterpoint to Genji’s character, illustrating the diverse ways in which similar traits can manifest and be perceived differently.

Tō-no-Chūjō’s background and relationship with Genji also reflect broader societal and familial dynamics in the story. Their friendship, rich with rivalry and loyalty, offers a striking portrayal of close male relationships in the Heian period. Murasaki Shikibu uses their interactions to explore themes of competition, camaraderie, and the impacts of societal expectations on personal bonds.

Fujitsubo

Fujitsubo is a central character in The Tale of Genji, whose role and complex background significantly impact the story. Summoned to court by the Emperor due to her striking resemblance to the late Lady of the Paulownia Palace, Fujitsubo stands out as one of the Emperor’s preferred lovers, showcasing remarkable beauty and grace that surpass even her predecessor. This similarity also deeply affects Genji, who, from a young age, sees in her a reminder of his mother, leading to an unhealthy obsession as he matures.

Personality-wise, Fujitsubo is a figure of dignity and resilience. Despite the intense scrutiny and challenges of court life, she maintains a composed exterior, though she is plagued by internal conflicts and anxieties. Her relationship with Genji is fraught with tension and ambiguity. Although the Emperor doesn’t initially discourage young Genji’s affection for her, this tolerance unwittingly fuels Genji’s obsession. Over time, Genji’s pursuit turns predatory, culminating in a disturbing violation that leaves Fujitsubo pregnant with his child, Reizei.

The development of Fujitsubo’s character is marked by the struggle to balance her public duties and her private turmoil. The birth of Reizei, who the Emperor believes to be his own, puts Fujitsubo under immense pressure. She is constantly fearful that the truth about Reizei’s paternity will be discovered, potentially leading to her disgrace and loss of status. This fear is compounded by the threat posed by Kokiden, who becomes increasingly hostile after Fujitsubo is named empress by the dying Emperor.

Fujitsubo’s significance in the narrative extends beyond her personal struggles. She embodies the tragedy and complexity of court life, where power dynamics and personal desires often clash. Her decision to become a nun is a poignant reflection of her need for security and peace away from the manipulative and perilous environment of the court. This move, while allowing her to maintain a polite connection with Genji for the sake of Reizei, underscores her desire for autonomy and self-preservation.

Character analysis reveals that Fujitsubo’s interactions with Genji are laden with ambivalence. Despite the trauma inflicted upon her, there are moments where she seems torn between rejecting Genji and subtly acknowledging some residual affection. This ambiguity highlights her complex inner world and the intense emotional conflicts she endures. Genji’s continuous, often aggressive, advances further exacerbate her distress, leading to severe health issues and reinforcing her decision to distance herself from him and the court.

Fujitsubo’s background as a favored consort who rises to the status of empress, only to retreat into religious life, illustrates the precarious nature of women’s power and agency in the Heian court. Even as Reizei ascends to the throne, Fujitsubo’s influence is limited, confined to that of a retired empress rather than a ruling figure or regent. Her story is a testament to the sacrifices and compromises that women of her era were often forced to make in navigating the treacherous waters of political and personal intrigue.

Yugiri

Genji can recognize some of himself in his son even though Yūgiri’s calm demeanor often contrasts with Genji’s more tumultuous personality. In his role as a stabilizing force within the family, Yūgiri marries his childhood friend Kumoi, and together they have eight children, reflecting his dedication to family and responsibility. As a teenager, Yūgiri is deeply struck by the flawless beauty of his stepmother Murasaki, leading to a secret and enduring love for her until her death, revealing a deep emotional complexity beneath his serene exterior.

Yūgiri’s character further develops through his compassionate actions, such as his agreement to care for Kashiwagi’s widow, Ochiba, after Kashiwagi’s passing. Over time, his sense of duty evolves into affection, and he eventually declares his love for Ochiba, taking her as his second wife. This shows Yūgiri’s ability to balance his responsibilities with personal feelings, highlighting his capacity for growth and adaptation.

After Genji’s death, Yūgiri’s significance is cemented as he steps into the roles of family head and executor of Genji’s estates. This transition illustrates his character’s progression from a calm, supportive figure to a leader, maintaining the family’s legacy with the same strength and stability that defined his life. In these ways, Yūgiri’s journey showcases a nuanced blend of duty, quiet resilience, and profound emotional depth.

Ryozen

Reizei doesn’t initially know that Genji is his father; this critical truth is revealed to him by his mother’s priest when he is still a young man. Despite the shock of this revelation, Reizei’s role is marked by his profound sense of responsibility and discretion. He chooses to keep this information hidden from everyone to protect his family and their dependents, aware of the significant ramifications such a secret could have if exposed.

As Reizei matures, his personality is characterized by a deep sense of duty and a burdened conscience. When he succeeds his uncle as emperor, Reizei feels like a fraud throughout his 18-year reign, plagued by the knowledge of his true parentage and the fear that his legitimacy could be questioned. This internal conflict highlights his struggle with identity and legitimacy, as he navigates the complexities of ruling with the weight of a concealed lineage.

Reizei’s character analysis reveals a young man burdened by secrets, whose sense of honor and protection for his family overrides his personal turmoil. His reign is marked by a quiet integrity as he fulfills his duties as emperor despite feeling like an impostor. When Suzaku’s son, Reizei’s nephew, comes of age, Reizei’s inherent humility and recognition of rightful succession lead him to retire voluntarily.

In summary, Reizei’s significance lies in his noble yet tormented reign, embodying the themes of hidden truths and the heavy responsibilities of leadership. His story underscores the delicate balance between personal integrity and public duty, and his decision to keep his parentage a secret illustrates his unwavering commitment to his family’s stability.