Character guide

Laozi

major

Also known as Lao, Li, Li Êrh

Legendary founder of Taoism and central figure of the Tao Te Ching.

Chuang Tzŭ

major

Also known as Chuang, Chuang - tzŭ, Chuang - Tzŭ Shu, Shu, Chuang - chou

Major Taoist philosopher and author of the Chuang Tzŭ Shu.

Confucius

supporting

Also known as Kʽung, Kʽung - tung

Influential Chinese philosopher frequently contrasted with Taoist thought.

Ssŭ - ma Chʽien

supporting

Also known as Chʽien, Ssŭ - Ma Chʽien

Han dynasty historian who recorded early accounts of Laozi and Chuang Tzŭ.

Ho - shang Kung

supporting

Early commentator on the Tao Te Ching, associated with a key edition.

Wang Pi

supporting

Also known as Wang - chu

Third-century scholar known for his influential commentary on the Tao Te Ching.

Han Fei

minor

Legalist philosopher who wrote about Taoist concepts in his works.

Stanislas Julien

minor

Also known as Julien, the late Stanislas Julien

French sinologist who translated the Tao Te Ching into French.

Wu Chʽêng

minor

Also known as Wu

Yuan dynasty scholar who wrote a commentary on the Tao Te Ching.

Herbert A. Giles

minor

Also known as Mr. Herbert A. Giles, Mr. Giles, Giles, Mr. H. A. Giles

British sinologist and translator of Chinese philosophical texts.

F. H. Balfour

minor

Also known as Mr. F. H. Balfour, Mr. Balfour

Western scholar who wrote about Taoist philosophy.

John Chalmers

minor

Also known as the Rev. Dr. Chalmers, Dr. Chalmers, Chalmers

Missionary and translator of the Tao Te Ching into English.

Abel - Rémusat

minor

Also known as Rémusat, M. Abel - Rémusat

French sinologist who studied Chinese philosophy and language.

Huai - nan Tzŭ

minor

Also known as Huai - nan, Huai

Han dynasty prince and patron of Taoist philosophical works.

Chiao Hung

minor

Ming dynasty scholar who compiled commentaries on the Tao Te Ching.

Chu Hsi

minor

Also known as duke Hsi

Neo-Confucian philosopher who engaged with Taoist ideas.

Huang Ti

minor

Also known as Huang

Legendary Yellow Emperor, associated with early Taoist mythology.

Lü Yen

minor

Also known as Hui - tzŭ, Yen Hui, Hui

Disciple of Confucius mentioned in Taoist dialogues.

James Legge

minor

Also known as Legge

Scottish sinologist and translator of Chinese classics including the Tao Te Ching.

Liu Hsiang

minor

Han dynasty scholar who edited and preserved early Taoist texts.

Huang - fu Mi

minor

Also known as Huang - ti

Third-century scholar who wrote about legendary emperors and Taoism.

Shang Ti

minor

Also known as Ti, god Ti

Supreme deity in ancient Chinese religion, referenced in Taoist context.

Pan Ku

minor

Han dynasty historian who wrote about early Chinese philosophy.

Yi Yin

minor

Legendary minister of Shang dynasty, mentioned in Taoist allusions.

Lu Tê - ming

minor

Also known as Tê, Lu - ling

Tang dynasty scholar who compiled glosses on Taoist texts.

Mencius

minor

Confucian philosopher whose ideas are contrasted with Taoism.

Liu Mi

minor

Scholar who wrote about Taoist philosophy and commentaries.

Bunyan

minor

Author of Pilgrim's Progress, referenced in comparative religious discussion.

Kʽang - sang Tzŭ

minor

Also known as Kʽang - hsi, the Kʽang - hsi

Daoist figure mentioned in the Zhuangzi and related texts.

King Wei of Chʽu

minor

Also known as Wei of Chʽu

Ruler who invited Chuang Tzŭ to serve as a minister.

Matthew Raper

minor

Also known as a Mr. Matthew Raper, Mr. Raper

Early Western translator of the Tao Te Ching.

Alexander Wylie

minor

Also known as Mr. Wylie

British missionary and scholar of Chinese literature.