Analects · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Analects by Confucius.
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Confucius
major
Also known as The Master, our Master, Master, K’ung Ch’iû, K’ung Ch’iû of Lü
A teacher who measures wisdom by conduct, not eloquence, demanding that rulers and disciples alike rectify themselves before daring to correct anyone else.
Tsze-kung
major
Also known as Tsze, Tsze - kung, XII Tsze - kung, XIII Tsze - kung, XIV Tsze - kung, XV Tsze - kung, XVIII Tsze - kung, XIX Tsze - kung, XXIV Tsze - kung, III Tsze - kung, VII Tsze - kung, XI Tsze - kung, Tsze - kung
The Master's most articulate disciple, quick to catch a point and complete its sequence, yet forever testing whether wealth, poverty, and virtue can be reconciled.
Yen Hûi
major
Also known as Hûi, Yen, Yen Yüan, X Yen Yüan, Book XII Yen Yüan I Yen Yüan
The disciple Confucius calls his only true lover of learning, who found joy in a bamboo dish of rice and a narrow lane.
Tsze-lû
major
Also known as Tsze - lû, XIII Tsze - lû, XIV Tsze - lû, VII Tsze - lû, XIX Tsze - lû, XXI Tsze - lû, XXIII Tsze - lû, XLV Tsze - lû, Tsze - lû
The bold, impulsive disciple whose courage and blunt questions force the Master to sharpen his answers on daring, poverty, and insubordination.
Tsze-hsiâ
supporting
Also known as Tsze - hsîâ, Tsze - hsiâ, VII Tsze - hsîâ, XIV Tsze - hsiâ, XV Tsze - hsiâ, VIII Tsze - hsiâ, X Tsze - hsiâ, XI Tsze - hsiâ, Tsze - hsiâ
A disciple who measures learning by sincerity in serving parents, prince, and friends, insisting that conduct, not reputation, proves a man educated.
Tsze-chang
supporting
Also known as Tsze - chang, XIX Tsze - chang, XIV Tsze - chang, XVIII Tsze - chang, XVII Tsze - chang, II Tsze - chang, V Tsze - chang, VI Tsze - chang, X Tsze - chang, Tsze - chang
An ambitious disciple studying for official emolument, taught to hear much, doubt much, and speak cautiously so as to earn few occasions for blame.
Tsǎng Shǎn
supporting
Also known as Tsǎng, IX The philosopher Tsǎng, The philosopher Tsǎng, Tsǎng Hsî, Tsǎng Wǎn, Tsǎng Wû - chung
Tsǎng Shǎn is the earnest, slow-spoken student whose filial piety and daily self-scrutiny make him the conscience of the school. When Confucius tosses out a single phrase about an all-pervading unity and walks away, it is Tsǎng who must explain the Master to the baffled others — a burden of interpretation he carries with characteristic caution. His illness scene, where he uncovers his hands and feet to show he has kept his body whole, gives the Analects one of its rare glimpses of a disciple facing death with the same care he brought to living.
Yen Yû
supporting
Also known as Yû, XIV Yen Yû, Zǎn Yû, Ch’iû, Zân Ch’iû, X Yen Ch’iû
Yen Yû is the school's capable manager, the man who knows how to run a household and collect revenues — which is precisely why he keeps getting tangled in the Chî family's overreach. When the Master denounces the Chî chief's eight rows of pantomimes, the rebuke lands near Yen Yû, who serves that very house. His value to the Analects is the friction he creates: a reminder that governing well and living rightly are not the same skill, and that a talented disciple can still be asked, quietly, whether he has chosen his employer wisely.
Chung-kung
supporting
Also known as II Chung - kung, Chung - kung, Kwan Chung, Chung - yû
Chung-kung moves through the Analects as a model of the administrator who governs without waste — his officers perform no double duties, and the Master defends him against charges of parsimony. The confusion with Kwan Chung is not incidental: the book uses the comparison to test what real propriety looks like when a powerful minister keeps a princely screen at his gate. Chung-kung matters because he shows the school's ideal in working clothes, a man whose virtue is measured in how he runs an office, not in how he talks about virtue.
Tsâi Wo
supporting
Also known as Tsâi Wo, Wo, IX Tsai Yü, Yü, XXI Tsâi Wo
Tsâi Wo is the school's irritant and its necessary skeptic, the student who asks the questions everyone else is too reverent to voice. He proposes shortening the three-year mourning period, and the Master's answer — 'If you can bear it, do it' — is less a ruling than a door closing. Later, when he answers Duke Âi about the altars of the soil and the Master hears of it, the rebuke is final: things done are needless to speak about. He matters because he forces the Analects to show its edges, the places where the Master's patience runs out.
Min Tsze-ch’ien
supporting
Also known as Min Tsze - ch’ien, Tsze - ch’ien
Min Tsze-ch'ien stands among the disciples as the one who would not be bought, the man whose refusal of office is itself a form of teaching. Where Yen Yû takes the Chî family's salary, Min Tsze-ch'ien keeps his distance, and the contrast is deliberate: the Analects needs at least one figure who proves that the Master's standards can be lived without compromise. His purity is not passivity — it is a quiet argument that some positions cost more than they pay, and that a disciple's first duty may be to remain unentangled.
Kung-hsî Hwâ
minor
Also known as Kung - hsî Hwâ, Ch’ih
A disciple known for his eloquence and skill in ceremonial matters.
Nan Yung
minor
Also known as Nan Yung, Yung, Nan - tsze, V Nan Yung
A disciple who married Confucius's niece, known for his careful speech.
Po-niû
minor
Also known as VIII Po - niû, Po - î
A disciple who fell ill, and Confucius expressed deep sorrow over his suffering.
Fan Ch’ih
minor
Also known as Fan Ch’ih, XX Fan Ch’ih, Ch’ih
A disciple who asks about farming, virtue, and wisdom, often seeking practical guidance.
Yû Zo
minor
Also known as Yû Zo, Yû
A disciple whose sayings are recorded, noted for his emphasis on filial piety and the root of virtue.
Tsze-yû
minor
Also known as Tsze - yû, XII Tsze - yû, VII Tsze - yû, XI Tsze - yû, XXIII Tsze - yû
A disciple known for his appreciation of music and culture, serving as an officer in Wû-ch’ang.
Tsze-ch’in
minor
Also known as Tsze - ch’in, X Tsze - ch’in
A disciple who asks about Confucius's character and the Master's view of government.
Chung Yû
minor
Also known as Chung Yû, Yû, Yû - chung, Chung - tû, Chung - nî, Chung
Another name for Tsze-lû, used in some contexts, emphasizing his given name.
Chî Tsze-zan
minor
Also known as XXIII Chî Tsze - zan, Tsze - zan, XXI Tsze - zan
An officer of the Chî family, involved in political discussions with Confucius's disciples.
Chî Lû
minor
Also known as Chî Lû, Lû, XI Chî Lû
A member of the powerful Chî family, often interacting with Confucius and his disciples on governance.
Chî K’ang
minor
Also known as VI Chî K’ang, K’ang, VI
A head of the Chî family, who consults Confucius on government and the way to maintain order.
Duke Âi
minor
Also known as XIX The Duke Âi, The Duke Âi
The ruler of Lû, who asks Confucius about government and the qualities of a good minister.
Duke Ching
minor
Also known as XI The Duke Ching, Ching, Ching of Ch’î, Ch’î
The ruler of Ch’î, who asks Confucius about government and is advised on the importance of names.
Duke Ting
minor
Also known as The Duke Ting, XV The Duke Ting
A ruler of Lû, who asks Confucius about the conduct of a prince and the employment of ministers.
Duke of Sheh
minor
Also known as XVI The Duke of Sheh, Sheh, The Duke of Sheh
A regional ruler who asks Confucius about government and is told about the importance of rectifying names.
Kwan Chung
minor
Also known as Kwan Chung, Kwan
A historical statesman of Ch’î, praised by Confucius for his achievements but criticized for his lack of ritual.
Tsze-ch’ân
minor
Also known as Tsze - ch’ân of Tung - li, Tsze - ch’ân, Tsze - hsî, Tung - li
A minister of Chăng, praised by Confucius for his virtuous governance and attention to the people.
Wang-sun Chiâ
minor
Also known as XIII Wang - sun Chiâ, Wang - sun Chiâ
A minister of Wei, who asks Confucius about the saying that it is better to pay court to the furnace than to the southwest corner.
Chü Po-yü
minor
Also known as XXVI Chü Po - yü, Chü Po, Chü Po - yü, Po, Po - yü
A virtuous officer of Wei, known for his self-cultivation and sending a messenger to Confucius.
Yüan Zang
minor
Also known as XLVI Yüan Zang
An old acquaintance of Confucius, who is criticized for sitting with his legs spread out.
Lin Fang
minor
Also known as Lin Fang, Fang
A person who asks about the root of ceremony, and Confucius praises the question.
Mang Wû-po
minor
Also known as Mang Wû-po
A chief of the Mǎng family, who asks about filial piety, and Confucius notes that parents worry about their children's health.
Nan-kung Kwo
minor
Also known as VI Nan - kung Kwo, Nan - kung Kwo
A disciple who asks about the ancient heroes Î and Shun, and Confucius praises his reverence.
Chung-shû Yü
minor
Also known as The Chung - shû Yü, Yü, Chung - mau
A person mentioned in a context about the difficulty of being a minister, possibly a historical figure.
Shun
minor
Also known as Shun, XX Shun
A legendary sage-king, often cited by Confucius as a model of virtuous governance.
Yâo
minor
Also known as Yâo, Book XX Yâo Yüeh I Yâo
A legendary sage-king, cited as a model of rulership and the source of the mandate of heaven.
King Wǎn
minor
Also known as King Wǎn
A revered ancient king, praised by Confucius for his virtue and cultural legacy.
Duke Hwan
minor
Also known as Hwan, The Duke Hwan, the Duke Hwan
A ruler of Ch’î, praised by Confucius for uniting the states without force, but criticized for his lack of ritual.
Chieh-yü
minor
Also known as Chieh - yü, Chieh - nî
A madman of Ch’û, who sings a warning to Confucius about the dangers of the times.
Ch’ǎng-tsu
minor
Also known as Ch’ǎng K’ang, Ch’ǎng - tsu
A recluse encountered by Tsze-lû, who criticizes Confucius for his restless pursuit of reform.
Chieh-nî
minor
Also known as Chieh - nî
A recluse encountered by Tsze-lû, who questions the wisdom of following a master who knows the way is not taken.
Wei-shang Kâo
minor
Also known as Wei - shang Kâo, Wei, Kâo - tsung
A person mentioned in a discussion about the importance of not being known, possibly a recluse.
Yang Ho
minor
Also known as Book XVII Yang Ho, Yang Ho, Ho, Yang
A powerful minister of Lû, who tries to persuade Confucius to take office.
Pî Hsî
minor
Also known as Pî, VII Pî Hsî, Pî Hsî, Pî - kan
A rebel leader who invites Confucius, but the Master declines, citing the impossibility of joining a rebellion.
Hwan T’ui
minor
Also known as Hwan T’ui
A minister of Sung, who attempts to harm Confucius, leading the Master to say that Heaven has given him virtue.
Kung-ming Chiâ
minor
Also known as Kung - ming Chiâ
A person who asks about Confucius's character, and is told that the Master is a man who forgets to eat in his enthusiasm for learning.
Tsze-fû Ching-po
minor
Also known as Tsze - fû Ching - po, Tsze - lû
A minister of Wei, who asks Tsze-lû about Confucius's character.
Shû-sun Wû-shû
minor
Also known as Shû, the Shû, Shû - ch’î, Shû - hsiâ, Wû, Shû - sun Wû - shû, Shû - sun Wû
A minister of Lû, who slanders Confucius, and Tsze-kung defends the Master.
Po-î
minor
Also known as Po - î
A virtuous recluse of the Shang dynasty, who starved rather than serve the new dynasty, praised by Confucius.
Shû-ch’î
minor
Also known as Shû - ch’î
The brother of Po-î, who also starved rather than serve the new dynasty, praised for his purity.
Lâo
minor
Also known as Lâo
A person mentioned in a saying about the difficulty of being a minister, possibly a historical figure.
Yin
minor
Also known as Yin, Î Yin, Î
A legendary minister of the Shang dynasty, cited as a model of loyalty and service.
Liû-hsiâ Hûi
minor
Also known as Liû-hsiâ Hûi
A virtuous officer of Lû, praised by Confucius for his integrity and humility.
Tsang Wǎn-chung
minor
Also known as Tsang Wǎn, Wǎn
A minister of Lû, criticized by Confucius for not remonstrating with his ruler.
Kung-shû Wǎn
minor
Also known as Kung - shû Wǎn, Wǎn
A minister of Wei, known for his humility and learning, praised by Confucius.
Mǎng Chǎng
minor
Also known as Mǎng Chǎng, Chǎng
A member of the Mǎng family, mentioned in a discussion about the qualities of good officers.
Kung-yê Ch’ǎng
minor
Also known as Kung - yê Ch’ǎng, Kung - wǎn
A disciple who was given Confucius's daughter in marriage, despite being in prison.
Yen P’ing-chung
minor
Also known as Yen P’ing-chung
A minister of Ch’î, praised by Confucius for his skill in maintaining friendships.
Kung-po Liâo
minor
Also known as The Kung - po Liâo, the Kung - po Liâo, Liâo
A minister who slanders Tsze-lû, and Confucius defends his disciple.
Mang Î
minor
Also known as V Mǎng Î, Mǎng - sun
A chief of the Mǎng family, who asks about filial piety, and Confucius gives a brief answer.
Mang Kung-ch’o
minor
Also known as Mǎng Kung - ch’o, Kung - ch’o
A member of the Mǎng family, mentioned in a discussion about the qualities of good officers.
Tsze-sang Po-tsze
minor
Also known as Tsze - sang Po - tsze, Tsze - hwâ
A person mentioned in a discussion about the importance of not being known, possibly a recluse.
Shih
minor
Also known as Shih
A person mentioned in a saying about the difficulty of being a minister, possibly a historical figure.
King Wû
minor
Also known as King Wû
A legendary king who overthrew the Shang dynasty, mentioned as a model of martial virtue.
Chî Hwan
minor
Also known as Chî Hwan, Chî - sui, Chî - kwa
A member of the Chî family, mentioned in a context about the use of the eight rows of dancers.
Fo-hsî
minor
Also known as Fo-hsî
A rebel leader who invites Confucius, and the Master considers going but is dissuaded by Tsze-lû.
Chwan-yü
minor
Also known as Chwan - yü, Chwan
A small state that the Chî family plans to attack, leading to a famous dialogue with Confucius.
Pî-kan
minor
Also known as Pî - kan
A virtuous minister of the Shang dynasty, who was killed for his remonstrance, cited as a model of loyalty.
Wei-tsze
minor
Also known as Wei-tsze
A virtuous prince of the Shang dynasty, who withdrew from court, cited as a model of integrity.
Chî-tsze
minor
Also known as Chî-tsze
A virtuous prince of the Shang dynasty, who became a slave, cited as a model of loyalty.
Shâo-lien
minor
Also known as Shâo - lien
A person mentioned in a saying about the difficulty of being a minister, possibly a historical figure.
Chî Wǎn-tsze
minor
Also known as Chî Wǎn-tsze
A minister of Wei, known for his caution and deliberation, praised by Confucius.
Tsze-hsî
minor
Also known as Tsze - hsî
A person mentioned in a discussion about the importance of not being known, possibly a recluse.
Chî-sun
minor
Also known as Chî - sun
A member of the Chî family, mentioned in a context about the use of the eight rows of dancers.
Chî-sui
minor
Also known as Chî - sui
A member of the Chî family, mentioned in a context about the use of the eight rows of dancers.
Chî-kwa
minor
Also known as Chî - kwa
A member of the Chî family, mentioned in a context about the use of the eight rows of dancers.
