Tao Te Ching · Character
Ssŭ - ma Chʽien
The Han historian who opened his Biographies with Laozi, preserving the warden, the pass, and the five thousand characters before the legends swallowed them whole.
supporting
Also known as Chʽien, Ssŭ - Ma Chʽien
First appearance: Accounts of Laozi and Chuang-Tzŭ Given by Ssŭ-Ma Chʽien
As a supporting figure in Tao Te Ching, Ssŭ - ma Chʽien is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
First great Chinese historian; his account of Laozi and quotations from the Tao Te Ching are cited as evidence of authenticity.
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In The Texts of the Tao Te Ching and Chuang-Tzŭ Shu, as Regards Their Authenticity and Genuineness, and the Arrangement of Them: First great Chinese historian; his account of Laozi and quotations from the Tao Te Ching…
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See Ssŭ - ma Chʽien in Accounts of Laozi and Chuang-Tzŭ Given by Ssŭ-Ma ChʽienCharacter Web
12 connectionsA slice of how Ssŭ - ma Chʽien sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Social
- Other
Character groups
- Scholars and Translators
- Protagonist
- Chinese Philosophers and Deities
- Comparative Religious Figures
+7 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it presents the psychological peak of self-awareness, where the…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Laozi
professional · positive
Ssŭ-ma Chʽien is the historian who records Laozi's biography, acting as a scholarly… How this plays out →
- Chuang Tzŭ
social · positive
- Confucius
professional · positive
- Laozi
professional · positive
Ssŭ-ma Chʽien is the historian who records Laozi's biography, acting as a scholarly… How this plays out →
- Chuang Tzŭ
social · positive
- Confucius
professional · positive
Relationship notes
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See Ssŭ - ma Chʽien in Accounts of Laozi and Chuang-Tzŭ Given by Ssŭ-Ma ChʽienIn the story
Ssŭ - ma Chʽien appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- The Texts of the Tao Te Ching and Chuang-Tzŭ Shu, as Regards Their Authenticity and Genuineness, and the Arrangement of Them
- Accounts of Laozi and Chuang-Tzŭ Given by Ssŭ-Ma Chʽien
Chapter companion notes
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See Ssŭ - ma Chʽien in Accounts of Laozi and Chuang-Tzŭ Given by Ssŭ-Ma Chʽien