Here are the characters, and though I mostly focus on women, there are male characters listed, as well as some summarization for chapters! To anyone reading The Tale of Genji, enjoy!
Paulownia Pavilion
* Genji- commoner, becomes Palace Gaurd at 17, later consultant, then Captain
* Suzaku- Genji's step-brother; his mother (Kokiden Consort) dislikes/envies Genji, Heir Apparent, becomes emperor until stricken with illness
* Fujistubo- one of Genji's most passionate loves; he is attracted to her from a very young age, as she becomes his father the emperor's favorite consort after the death of Genji's own mother; later becomes Her Cloistered Eminence - Her Highness
**His Highness of War- her elder brother
*Aoi- Genji's wife; they don't get along for most of story, though they bond before her untimely death
**To no Chujo- her brother; important character, one of Genji's closest friends, as well as rival; marries daughter of Minister of the Right
**His Excellency- her father; Minister of the Left, Genji's father-in-law; they are very close and later rule side by side for a time
The Broom Tree and The Cicada Shell
*Genji's route home is obstructed and he must find refuge at The Governer of Kii's house
*Wife of Iyo Deputy, Utsusemi, catches Genji's attentions and they start a correspondence that proves U. To be "hard to get"
*Stepmother to Governor, she is young and was once destined for palace
*Younger brother, loved by Genji, used as messenger, Kogimi
*Chujo beloved gentlewomen
*Asagao is mentioned: Lady of the Bluebells, Genji's first cousin and a lady who later is really introduced
*(In Cicada Shell, Genji accidentally sleeps with Governor's sister, Nokina no Ogi)
Twilight Beauty
*Yugao-a lady of high birth but who hides as commoner after being disgraced by To no Chujo; she is taken by an evil spirit in the middle of the night, dies; Genji loves her very much
*The Rokujo Haven, a very jealous lover of Genji's, widow of former Heir Apparent
Young Murasaki
*Genji goes to get healed in mountains, finds young girl staying with her grandmother (nun), falls in love with her for her resemblance to Fujistubo
*Murasaki, daughter of Highness of War (Fujitsubo's brother)
The Safflower
*Genji meets Her Highness Suetsumuhana, also known as the Safflower for her red nose
*She is not pretty, neither is she easy; living in seclusion and isolation
*Daughter of Hitachi Prince
*A friend/gentlewomen (Taifu) tells him of her and sets them up, later regrets it because S. is a bit unrefined, shy, etc.
Following Chapters Will Soon Be Posted!
No comments:
Post a Comment