like a fatal illness. Later, he cuts her hair and permits her to take vows. He regrets this decision after realizing Kaoru's emotional attachment to her.

Chujo

The name "Chujo," meaning "captain," is used by several female servants, likely reflecting their fathers' ranks. One Chujo serves the wife of the Governor of Iyo, while another, appearing in a later chapter, seems to serve Lady Rokujo.

To no Chujo

To no Chujo is not just Genji's brother-in-law but also his closest friend and frequent competitor. Similar to Genji, To no Chujo exudes charm, beauty, and artistic refinement. He enjoys considerable success in his romantic endeavors. Despite this, he is always perceived as slightly inferior to Genji in every aspect, often seen as a lesser version of him. He is the eldest son of a Minister of the Left and Princess Omiya, and the brother to Lady Aoi. He fathers Kashiwagi, Kobai, Kumoi, and, with Yugao, Tamakazura. His primary wife is the daughter of a Minister of the Right.

Chunagon

Several ladies-in-waiting are referred to by this title. In Chapter 7, a Chunagon is mentioned as an attendant to Lady Aoi, with whom he later shares a romantic encounter. This Chunagon, or perhaps another with the same title, also acts as Genji's go-between in his correspondence with Oborozukiyo.

Fujitsubo

Following the death of Kiritsubo, the Emperor, who is Genji's father, marries Fujitsubo, who closely resembles her. Fujitsubo is the sister of Prince Hyobu and thus the aunt of Murasaki. Although she holds the position of a secondary wife, she is clearly the Emperor's favorite. She replaces not only the Emperor's deceased wife but also serves as a maternal figure for Genji, who lost his mother. Genji recklessly pursues and eventually seduces Fujitsubo, leading to the birth of a son, the future Reizei Emperor, whom the world believes to be the Emperor's child. Both she and Genji guard this shameful secret. To deter Genji's continued advances, she becomes a nun. Her death at the age of thirty-seven plunges Genji into a prolonged period of mourning.

Genji

Genji, the son of the Emperor and Kiritsubo, is marked from birth as exceptional in every aspect. Due to his mother's lower rank in court, the Emperor designates Genji as a commoner. Ironically, a Korean fortune-teller, who predicts and thus solidifies this fate, also calls him "The Shining Genji." Genji's innate beauty, coupled with his mastery of various arts, makes him extraordinarily charming. This partly explains his significant success with women. He marries Lady Aoi at a young age but never forms a meaningful bond with her. He pursues Fujitsubo, his father's main wife after Kiritsubo, and eventually impregnates her. Their child, the future Emperor Reizei, is passed off as the Emperor's son. This and other similar incidents illustrate how future generations often repeat the mistakes of their predecessors. Genji grooms Murasaki to be his ideal wife. Murasaki, like Fujitsubo, serves as a substitute for his deceased mother. Throughout his life, Genji engages in numerous romantic affairs and never forgets the women he loves. His inappropriate relationship with Oborozukiyo, in particular, leads to his exile in Suma. As he ages, Genji's life becomes increasingly complex, filled with many wives, concubines, old loves, and numerous children. His loyalty appears to stem from a deep sympathy for humanity. Yet, in the spirit of mono no aware, Genji also profoundly understands the transient nature of earthly things. Despite it all, Murasaki remains his one true love. Shortly after her death, Genji also passes away, implying that society begins to decline from that point onward.

Prince Hachi

Prince Hachi, Genji's younger stepbrother, appears at the very end of the novel. While living an ascetic life in exile, Prince Hachi's wife gives birth to two daughters and then passes away. Already quite old, Prince Hachi abandons his plans to become a priest to take on his new parenting responsibilities. He leads a saintly life in a cottage near Uji. He and Kaoru become friends and study Buddhist scriptures together. On his deathbed, he appoints Kaoru as the guardian of the Uji princesses.

Prince Higekuro

Prince Higekuro wins his bid for Genji's ward, Tamakazura, but with disappointing results. Tamakazura seems to hold no affection for Prince Higekuro and marries him out of obligation. Prince Higekuro's primary wife, Murasaki's stepsister, is considered mentally unstable. Her father, Prince Hyobu, becomes angry with Prince Higekuro and demands his daughter and all their children return to his home. The primary wife dumps ashes all over Prince Higekuro, ending any chance of reconciliation. This act of jealousy is attributed to spirit possession. Prince Higekuro's father was a Minister of the Right. His sister Shokyoden becomes the principal wife and empress of the Susaku emperor, making him an uncle of the emperor reigning at the novel's conclusion.

Himegimi

Himegimi, the daughter of Prince Higekuro and Tamakazura, is renowned for her beauty and attracts numerous suitors. Emperor Reizei gains her mother's favor, partly because Prince Higekuro desired his daughters to marry into the imperial family. She gives birth to two children with Emperor Reizei, a daughter and a son, which stirs jealousy among his other wives, Chujo and Akikonomu.

Prince Hotaru

Prince Hotaru, a younger half-brother of Genji, attempts to court Tamakazura but faces difficulty due to her shyness, which leads her to have her attendant Saisho manage all correspondence. Ultimately, Genji persuades her to bring a bag of fireflies (hotaru) into her room, providing enough light for Prince Hotaru to catch a glimpse of her, thus earning his name.

Prince Hyobu

Prince Hyobu, the son of a former emperor and brother to Fujitsubo, is the father of Murasaki, Genji's beloved, by a concubine. A daughter from his principal wife becomes the main wife of Prince Higekuro.

Kaoru

Kaoru, born to Genji's second principal wife, Princess Nyosan, discovers in adulthood that his real father is Kashiwagi, not Genji. He bears no resemblance to Genji and feels a sense of guilt and inadequacy for not properly honoring his true father. The rivalry with his cousin, Prince Niou, is a central theme in the latter part of the novel. Kaoru is not naturally inclined towards romance until he meets Prince Hachi's daughters, Oigimi and Nakanokimi. Though he shares Genji's empathetic nature, he lacks his prowess with women. He falls for Oigimi, who dies without reciprocating his feelings, leading him to shift his affection to Nakanokimi. Out of loyalty, he promotes Niou as Nakanokimi's husband but later consoles her during Niou's prolonged absence. Following Nakanokimi's advice, he transfers his love to her step-sister, Ukifune. This final relationship ends tragically as Kaoru and Niou compete for Ukifune's affection, driving her to despair. After a failed suicide attempt, Ukifune retreats to a nunnery, cutting off communication with Kaoru and any other suitors.

Kashiwagi

Kashiwagi, a son of To no Chujo, is known for his exceptional skills, particularly with the koto, a musical instrument. His principal wife is Princess Ochiba, daughter of the Susaku Emperor. He also pursues Genji's ward, Tamakazura. Kashiwagi seduces Princess Nyosan, Genji's second principal wife, and fathers Genji's son, Kaoru. When Genji uncovers the truth, he is overcome with shame and dies young.

Kiritsubo

Genji's mother, the Emperor's beloved consort, is incredibly beautiful but hails from the lower ranks of court society. The Emperor's other ladies exhibit intense jealousy towards Kiritsubo, which leads to her falling ill and passing away. Because of her lower social standing, Genji lacks strong maternal support, influencing the Emperor's decision to regard his son as a commoner. This decision sets the stage for both the Emperor and Genji to search far and wide for a replacement for Kiritsubo, a quest that results in much regret, especially with Fujitsubo.

Kobai

After Kashiwagi's death, Kobai becomes To no Chujo's eldest surviving son and assumes the leadership of the Fujiwara clan upon his father's passing. Kobai has two daughters with his first principal wife, and his marriage to Makibashira eventually produces a son. True to Fujiwara traditions, Kobai endeavours to marry his daughters into the imperial family. He is known for sending notes on a branch of rose plum, which earns him his name.

Kogimi

Kogimi, the brother of the Lady of the Locust Shell, serves as a messenger between Genji and his sister. He is known for his beauty.

Kokiden

Genji's malicious stepmother, Kokiden, the Emperor's principal wife, views Genji as a threat to her own eldest son's future. Her jealousy and desire for power drive her to treat Genji as an enemy. Eventually, Kokiden's son is made crown prince while Genji is relegated to commoner status. During the reign of their son, the Suzaku Emperor, Kokiden and her father, a Minister of the Right, wield significant power. One of her sisters marries Prince Hotaru, and another sister, Oborozukiyo, marries the Suzaku Emperor. Kokiden's relentless fury over Genji's affair with Oborozukiyo leads to his self-imposed exile.

Koremitsu

Koremitsu, the son of Genji's old nurse, undertakes confidential missions for Genji.

Lady Kumoi

Lady Kumoi eventually becomes Yugiri's principal wife after a prolonged period during which their union is obstructed by her father, To no Chujo. They finally consummate their love after a wisteria-viewing party. This relationship mirrors Genji's affair with his cousin Asago, but Yugiri is more successful. Lady Kumoi's name derives from lines in one of her own poems, "wild goose in the clouds," which expresses her longing for Yugiri.

Lady of the Bedchamber

Refer to Naishi.

Lady of the Evening Faces

Refer to Yugao.

Lady of the Locust Shell

Despite being the wife of the governor of Iyo, Genji relentlessly pursues the Lady of the Locust Shell (also known as Utsusemi) until he finally seduces her. He is drawn to her quiet and sullen demeanor, sparking a long relationship. Early in the novel, when she evades him, Genji ends up sleeping with her stepdaughter, the wife of the governor of Kii. After her husband's death, she abruptly becomes a nun.

Lady Of The Orange Blossoms

After the passing of her younger sister, Lady Reikeiden—a consort of Genji's father—Genji assumes responsibility for The Lady of the Orange Blossoms. She plays a significant role in raising Genji's son, Yugiri, and To no Chujo's daughter, Tamakazura. She is described as "no great beauty."

Makibashira

Following the death of her first husband, Prince Hotaru, Makibashira marries Kobai.

Lady Murasaki

Lady Murasaki first appears in the story as a ten-year-old girl. She is the daughter of Prince Hyobu and the niece of Fujitsubo. Genji finds her in the northern hills while seeking treatment for a persistent illness. Her strong resemblance to Fujitsubo sparks Genji's obsession with her. After relentless and desperate pleas, Genji's request to adopt her is approved, but Prince Hyobu also decides to take responsibility for her. Genji eventually abducts Murasaki to educate and groom her into his ideal lover. At fourteen, she becomes one of Genji's secondary wives and his favorite. She embodies the quintessential Heian woman—sophisticated, loyal, and even-tempered. Her death coincides closely with Aoi's, plunging Genji into such despair that he cannot manage the funeral arrangements. Her name derives from a plant that produces a lavender dye. Her significant role in the novel likely influenced the author's name, Murasaki Shikibu.

Naishi

Naishi, also known as the elderly Lady of the Bedchamber, aggressively pursues Genji, making him quite uncomfortable. Genji and To no Chujo accidentally enter her bedchamber simultaneously, and they diffuse the awkward situation by staging a mock fight.

Nakanokimi

Nakanokimi, the youngest daughter of Prince Hachi, is seduced by Prince Niou, who soon becomes preoccupied with another wife. His prolonged absences confirm his reputation as a philanderer, tarnishing their relationship. Her sister dies from the shame of having encouraged the relationship against their father's wishes. With Nakanokimi pregnant in Uji, Prince Niou marries Rokunokimi.

Prince Niou

Prince Niou, the third son of Emperor Kinjo and the Akashi Empress, aspires to succeed his brother on the throne. However, his scandalous behavior undermines his ambitions. Known for his elegance, Prince Niou engages in a friendly rivalry with Kaoru. He wins the love of Nakanokimi, who is also loved by Kaoru, albeit after the fact. His marriage to Yugiri's daughter, Rokunokimi, prevents him from spending time with Nakanokimi, even during her pregnancy. Eventually, he suspects that Kaoru has become involved with Nakanokimi. Always the competitor, Prince Niou's crassness leads him to pursue Ukifune, resulting in her eventual misery.

Nun of Ono

After discovering the ailing Ukifune, the Nun of Ono nurses her back to health.

Princess Nyosan

Princess Nyosan, the daughter of the Susaku Emperor, also known as the Third Princess, becomes Genji's second main wife. Murasaki, who comes from a lower status, feels anxious when Princess Nyosan moves into the Rokujo mansion. Nyosan gives birth to Kaoru, who appears to be Genji's child but is actually the result of an affair with Kashiwagi. Genji discovers the affair through a letter left carelessly out in the open.

Oborozukiyo

Oborozukiyo, the younger sister of Kokiden, is engaged to the heir apparent, the Susaku Emperor. Genji seduces her after failing to gain entry to Fujitsubo's chambers. Her father, the Minister of the Right, catches them in the act. This affair enrages Kokiden and leads to Genji's exile.

Ochiba

After the death of her first husband, Kashiwagi, Ochiba, also known as the Second Princess, is cared for by Yugiri. She is appalled when, during her mother's severe illness, Yugiri attempts to force himself on her. Ochiba's mother writes to Yugiri, but he does not respond due to a complicated situation with his wife. The mother interprets his silence as a public rejection, leading to her relapse and eventual death. Yugiri continues to pursue Ochiba.

Oigimi

Oigimi interprets her father Prince Hachi’s dying wish—warning against frivolous suitors—as a directive for her and her younger sister Nakanokimi to reject all proposals. This leads her to spurn Kaoru's persistent advances. In an effort to secure a better future, Oigimi tries to redirect Kaoru's interest towards Nakanokimi. When the affair ends disgracefully, Oigimi starves herself to death, reminiscent of Murasaki's demise.

Omyobu

Omyobu is one of the attendants who serve Fujitsubo.

Lady Reikeiden

Once a minor wife of Genji's father, Lady Reikeiden has fallen on hard times. Genji shows interest in her younger sister, the Lady of the Orange Blossoms.

Reizei Emperor

The Reizei Emperor, son of Fujitsubo, abdicates early upon discovering that he is Genji's child rather than the son of Genji's father. His principal wife and empress is Akikonomu. His other consorts include Chujo and later Himegimi.

Lady Rokujo

Lady Rokujo, the widow of Prince Zembo, is a long-time mistress of Genji. She is apparently an older woman whom Genji loses interest in after their initial liaison. Her jealousy is so intense that her wandering spirit kills Yugao and Aoi and attacks Murasaki, among others. Consumed by jealousy and anxiety over Genji, Lady Rokujo accompanies her daughter Akikonomu to court as a Shinto priestess at Ise. On her deathbed, Lady Rokujo begs Genji to care for her beautiful daughter. She gets her name from the branches of the tree where Genji ties love notes.

Rokunokimi

Yugiri's daughter Rokunokimi is initially proposed as a wife to Niou and then to Kaoru. Niou finally accepts Yugiri's proposal just as his other wife, Nakanokimi, becomes pregnant in Uji.

Safflower Lady

Genji and To no Chujo engage in a friendly rivalry for the affections of the Safflower Lady, also known as Tayu. When Genji first sees the Safflower Lady, he is unimpressed but visits her out of pity. She has a large red nose and lacks refinement, which is evident in the poorly made Chinese robe she gives him as a gift. In a rare moment of insensitivity, Genji compares her to a safflower, a flower with a bright red bloom, in a poem. He even jokes about her in private with Murasaki by painting his own nose red. Later, a more mature Genji demonstrates compassion by rescuing the Safflower Lady from her dire circumstances. He helps restore the mansion she inherited from her father and moves her to his own, better living quarters.

Second Princess

See Ochiba.

Shokyoden

Shokyoden is the sister of Prince Higekuro, the principal wife of the Suzaku Emperor, and the mother of the emperor reigning at the novel's end.

Shonagan

Shonagan is Murasaki's nurse. Her name is the same as that of a famous contemporary of the author, Sei Shonagan, a sharp-tongued woman who wrote the Pillow Book.

Suzaku Emperor

The Suzaku Emperor is Genji's brother, the son of their father and his principal wife, Kokiden. He succeeds their father and is later succeeded by the Reizei Emperor, who is then succeeded by the Suzaku Emperor's son (by the sister of Prince Higekuro), reigning at the end of the novel. His daughter, Princess Nyosan (by Genji no Miya), becomes Genji's second principal wife. Another daughter (by Lady Ichijo) is the principal wife of To no Chujo's son, Kashiwagi. Another wife is his maternal aunt, Oborozukiyo, who has an affair with Genji.

Tamakazura

Tamakazura, the daughter of To no Chujo and his mistress Yugao, remains missing for years. After fleeing from an aggressive and unattractive suitor, Genji finds Tamakazura and brings her to his mansion at Rokujo. He keeps her existence hidden from her father and asks the Lady of the Orange Blossoms to raise her. Genji makes advances toward Tamakazura, but she rejects him. Eventually, he marries her off to Prince Higekuro, with whom she has several sons and two daughters. When Tamakazura finds imperial matches for both daughters, court ladies accuse her of being presumptuous, causing her great depression. Among her unsuccessful suitors are To no Chujo's son, Kashiwagi, and Genji's younger brother, Prince Hotaru. Tamakazura and Genji's discussion about fiction is one of the novel's most memorable scenes.

Tayu

See Safflower Lady.

Third Princess

See Princess Nyosan.

Ukifune

Ukifune, the Emperor's stepdaughter, is abandoned by a guard's lieutenant after he learns she isn't of royal blood. Determined to secure a suitable husband for her daughter, Ukifune's mother makes arrangements. Kaoru shows interest in Ukifune, but before he can pursue her, Niou finds her alone at her half-sister Nakanokimi's house. To prevent further complications, Ukifune's mother relocates her to an unfinished cottage. Kaoru eventually discovers her and moves her to his villa in Uji, where she starts taking koto lessons. Niou secretly visits and deceives Ukifune into a romantic encounter. Both Kaoru and Niou overwhelm Ukifune with passionate and forceful declarations of love. Torn between them, Ukifune's shame and indecision drive her to jump into the Uji River. She is rescued alive and taken to a nunnery, where she takes vows and isolates herself from the world, especially men.

Ukon

The name Ukon is used for several female attendants, including one of Yugao's maids. Genji supports Ukon for many years, and she plays a crucial role in bringing Tamakazura to Genji's palace.

Utsusemi

Refer to Lady of the Locust Shell.

Yugao

Yugao, also known as the Lady of the Evening Faces, was once the mistress of To no Chujo, with whom she has a daughter named Tamakazura. To no Chujo leaves Yugao, claiming she is too meek and forgiving, as he confides to Genji during a rainy night conversation. Genji, by chance, notices the evening face flowers outside her house and decides to explore further. Unlike To no Chujo, Genji is drawn to Yugao's gentle nature. Though she briefly becomes Genji's mistress, she is soon killed by the vengeful spirit of the Lady of Rokujo. Out of compassion, Genji employs Yugao's maid Ukon and directs her to locate Tamakazura, whom he subsequently takes under his protection.

Yugiri

Yugiri, the son of Genji and Aoi, follows in his father's footsteps, eventually becoming a significant minister of state. He is affected by the policies of Genji and his uncle To no Chujo, who seek to prevent him from repeating the mistakes of their youth. As a low-ranking court member, Yugiri diligently studies the classics. He feels oppressed for years by his father's reluctance to promote him more swiftly. His childhood friendship with his cousin, Lady Kumoi, blossoms into romance, but To no Chujo initially blocks their union. Over time, as Yugiri’s status rises, their marriage is approved, and Lady Kumoi becomes his principal wife. At his friend Kashiwagi's request, Yugiri assumes the responsibility of caring for Ochiba (Second Princess). Once a devoted and relatively faithful husband, Yugiri begins to feel overwhelmed by Lady Kumoi and their many children, leading him to pursue Ochiba. Distressed, Lady Kumoi returns to her father's home with their daughters. Yugiri laments his misfortune with women, comparing it to Genji's success.