# Analects — Character guide

> Key figures in Analects by Confucius.

- [Confucius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/confucius.md): The central sage and teacher, whose sayings and dialogues with disciples form the core of the Analects.
- [Tsze-kung](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/tsze-kung.md): A prominent and eloquent disciple of Confucius, frequently engaging in discussions on virtue, governance, and learning.
- [Yen Hûi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/yen-hui.md): Confucius's favorite disciple, praised for his love of learning, virtue, and poverty.
- [Tsze-lû](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/tsze-lu.md): A bold and impulsive disciple, known for his courage and directness, often questioning Confucius.
- [Tsze-hsiâ](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/tsze-hsia.md): A disciple known for his emphasis on learning and culture, often discussing the principles of ritual and virtue.
- [Tsze-chang](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/tsze-chang.md): A disciple who asks about the way to conduct oneself and about the principles of government.
- [Tsǎng Shǎn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/tsang-shen.md): A devoted disciple, known for his filial piety and daily self-examination, later a teacher himself.
- [Yen Yû](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/yen-yu.md): A disciple skilled in government and finance, often serving as an officer for the Chî family.
- [Chung-kung](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chung-kung.md): A disciple of Confucius, known for his virtue and practical governance, sometimes conflated with Kwan Chung.
- [Tsâi Wo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/tsai-wo.md): A disciple known for his sharp tongue and questions about mourning and ritual, sometimes criticized by Confucius.
- [Min Tsze-ch’ien](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/min-tsze-chien.md): A disciple praised for his filial piety and purity, often declining office.
- [Kung-hsî Hwâ](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/kung-hsi-hwa.md): A disciple known for his eloquence and skill in ceremonial matters.
- [Nan Yung](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/nan-yung.md): A disciple who married Confucius's niece, known for his careful speech.
- [Kung-yê Ch’ǎng](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/kung-ye-chang.md): A disciple who was given Confucius's daughter in marriage, despite being in prison.
- [Po-niû](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/po-niu.md): A disciple who fell ill, and Confucius expressed deep sorrow over his suffering.
- [Fan Ch’ih](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/fan-chih.md): A disciple who asks about farming, virtue, and wisdom, often seeking practical guidance.
- [Yû Zo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/yu-zo.md): A disciple whose sayings are recorded, noted for his emphasis on filial piety and the root of virtue.
- [Tsze-yû](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/tsze-yu.md): A disciple known for his appreciation of music and culture, serving as an officer in Wû-ch’ang.
- [Tsze-ch’in](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/tsze-chin.md): A disciple who asks about Confucius's character and the Master's view of government.
- [Chung Yû](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chung-yu.md): Another name for Tsze-lû, used in some contexts, emphasizing his given name.
- [Chî Tsze-zan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chih-tsze-zan.md): An officer of the Chî family, involved in political discussions with Confucius's disciples.
- [Chî Lû](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chih-lu.md): A member of the powerful Chî family, often interacting with Confucius and his disciples on governance.
- [Chî K’ang](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chih-kang.md): A head of the Chî family, who consults Confucius on government and the way to maintain order.
- [Duke Âi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/duke-ai.md): The ruler of Lû, who asks Confucius about government and the qualities of a good minister.
- [Duke Ching](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/duke-ching.md): The ruler of Ch’î, who asks Confucius about government and is advised on the importance of names.
- [Duke Ting](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/duke-ting.md): A ruler of Lû, who asks Confucius about the conduct of a prince and the employment of ministers.
- [Duke of Sheh](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/duke-sheh.md): A regional ruler who asks Confucius about government and is told about the importance of rectifying names.
- [Kwan Chung](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/kwan-chung.md): A historical statesman of Ch’î, praised by Confucius for his achievements but criticized for his lack of ritual.
- [Yen P’ing-chung](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/yen-ping-chung.md): A minister of Ch’î, praised by Confucius for his skill in maintaining friendships.
- [Tsze-ch’ân](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/tsze-chan.md): A minister of Chăng, praised by Confucius for his virtuous governance and attention to the people.
- [Wang-sun Chiâ](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/wang-sun-chia.md): 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.
- [Kung-po Liâo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/kung-po-liao.md): A minister who slanders Tsze-lû, and Confucius defends his disciple.
- [Chü Po-yü](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chuh-po-yu.md): A virtuous officer of Wei, known for his self-cultivation and sending a messenger to Confucius.
- [Yüan Zang](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/yuan-zang.md): An old acquaintance of Confucius, who is criticized for sitting with his legs spread out.
- [Lin Fang](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/lin-fang.md): A person who asks about the root of ceremony, and Confucius praises the question.
- [Mang Î](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/mang-i.md): A chief of the Mǎng family, who asks about filial piety, and Confucius gives a brief answer.
- [Mang Wû-po](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/mang-wu-po.md): A chief of the Mǎng family, who asks about filial piety, and Confucius notes that parents worry about their children's health.
- [Mang Kung-ch’o](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/mang-kung-chuo.md): A member of the Mǎng family, mentioned in a discussion about the qualities of good officers.
- [Nan-kung Kwo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/nan-kung-kuo.md): A disciple who asks about the ancient heroes Î and Shun, and Confucius praises his reverence.
- [Chung-shû Yü](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chung-shu-yu.md): A person mentioned in a context about the difficulty of being a minister, possibly a historical figure.
- [Tsze-sang Po-tsze](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/tsze-sang-po-tsze.md): A person mentioned in a discussion about the importance of not being known, possibly a recluse.
- [Shih](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/shih.md): A person mentioned in a saying about the difficulty of being a minister, possibly a historical figure.
- [Shun](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/shun.md): A legendary sage-king, often cited by Confucius as a model of virtuous governance.
- [Yâo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/yao.md): A legendary sage-king, cited as a model of rulership and the source of the mandate of heaven.
- [King Wǎn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/king-wen.md): A revered ancient king, praised by Confucius for his virtue and cultural legacy.
- [King Wû](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/king-wu.md): A legendary king who overthrew the Shang dynasty, mentioned as a model of martial virtue.
- [Duke Hwan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/duke-hwan.md): A ruler of Ch’î, praised by Confucius for uniting the states without force, but criticized for his lack of ritual.
- [Chieh-yü](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chieh-yu.md): A madman of Ch’û, who sings a warning to Confucius about the dangers of the times.
- [Ch’ǎng-tsu](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chang-tsu.md): A recluse encountered by Tsze-lû, who criticizes Confucius for his restless pursuit of reform.
- [Chieh-nî](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chieh-ni.md): A recluse encountered by Tsze-lû, who questions the wisdom of following a master who knows the way is not taken.
- [Wei-shang Kâo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/wei-shang-kao.md): A person mentioned in a discussion about the importance of not being known, possibly a recluse.
- [Chî Hwan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chih-hwan.md): A member of the Chî family, mentioned in a context about the use of the eight rows of dancers.
- [Yang Ho](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/yang-ho.md): A powerful minister of Lû, who tries to persuade Confucius to take office.
- [Pî Hsî](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/pi-hsi.md): A rebel leader who invites Confucius, but the Master declines, citing the impossibility of joining a rebellion.
- [Fo-hsî](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/fo-hsi.md): A rebel leader who invites Confucius, and the Master considers going but is dissuaded by Tsze-lû.
- [Hwan T’ui](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/hwan-tui.md): A minister of Sung, who attempts to harm Confucius, leading the Master to say that Heaven has given him virtue.
- [Kung-ming Chiâ](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/kung-ming-chia.md): 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](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/tsze-fu-ching-po.md): A minister of Wei, who asks Tsze-lû about Confucius's character.
- [Shû-sun Wû-shû](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/shu-sun-wu-shu.md): A minister of Lû, who slanders Confucius, and Tsze-kung defends the Master.
- [Chwan-yü](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chwan-yu.md): A small state that the Chî family plans to attack, leading to a famous dialogue with Confucius.
- [Pî-kan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/pi-kan.md): A virtuous minister of the Shang dynasty, who was killed for his remonstrance, cited as a model of loyalty.
- [Wei-tsze](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/wei-tsze.md): A virtuous prince of the Shang dynasty, who withdrew from court, cited as a model of integrity.
- [Chî-tsze](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chi-tsze.md): A virtuous prince of the Shang dynasty, who became a slave, cited as a model of loyalty.
- [Po-î](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/po-i.md): A virtuous recluse of the Shang dynasty, who starved rather than serve the new dynasty, praised by Confucius.
- [Shû-ch’î](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/shu-chi.md): The brother of Po-î, who also starved rather than serve the new dynasty, praised for his purity.
- [Lâo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/lao.md): A person mentioned in a saying about the difficulty of being a minister, possibly a historical figure.
- [Shâo-lien](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/shao-lien.md): A person mentioned in a saying about the difficulty of being a minister, possibly a historical figure.
- [Yin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/yin.md): A legendary minister of the Shang dynasty, cited as a model of loyalty and service.
- [Liû-hsiâ Hûi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/liu-hsia-hui.md): A virtuous officer of Lû, praised by Confucius for his integrity and humility.
- [Tsang Wǎn-chung](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/tsang-wan-chung.md): A minister of Lû, criticized by Confucius for not remonstrating with his ruler.
- [Kung-shû Wǎn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/kung-shu-wan.md): A minister of Wei, known for his humility and learning, praised by Confucius.
- [Chî Wǎn-tsze](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chih-wen-tsze.md): A minister of Wei, known for his caution and deliberation, praised by Confucius.
- [Tsze-hsî](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/tsze-hsi.md): A person mentioned in a discussion about the importance of not being known, possibly a recluse.
- [Chî-sun](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chih-sun.md): A member of the Chî family, mentioned in a context about the use of the eight rows of dancers.
- [Mǎng Chǎng](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/mang-chang.md): A member of the Mǎng family, mentioned in a discussion about the qualities of good officers.
- [Chî-sui](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chih-sui.md): A member of the Chî family, mentioned in a context about the use of the eight rows of dancers.
- [Chî-kwa](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters/chih-kwa.md): A member of the Chî family, mentioned in a context about the use of the eight rows of dancers.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/characters