Characters
Yan Hui
颜回Styled Ziyuan, also known as Yan Yuan, he was Confucius most beloved disciple, renowned for his virtue. He lived in poverty with joy, content with "a single bamboo bowl of rice, a single gourd of drink, living in a humble lane." Confucius praised his love of learning and mourned his early death.
Zilu
子路Named Zhongyou, styled Zilu, also known as Jilu. He was straightforward and courageous, known for his bravery and martial spirit. He excelled in political affairs among Confucius disciples and often debated openly with the Master. He later served as a minister in the State of Wei and died during a political uprising there.
Zigong
子贡Named Duanmu Ci, styled Zigong. He was skilled in rhetoric and commerce, the wealthiest among Confucius disciples. He possessed outstanding diplomatic talent and once persuaded various lords. Confucius compared him to a precious ritual vessel (hulian), ranking him foremost in the category of speech.
Zixia
子夏Named Bu Shang, styled Zixia. He excelled in literature and was well-versed in the classics including the Book of Poetry, Book of Documents, Rites, and Music. After Confucius death, he established a school at Xihe and trained many students, making significant contributions to the transmission of Confucianism.
Zengzi
曾子Named Zeng Shen, styled Ziyu. Famous for filial piety and self-reflection, he practiced daily self-examination in three aspects. He carried on Confucius orthodox teaching and authored The Great Learning. He was honored by later generations as the "Ancestral Sage."
Zizhang
子张Named Zhuansun Shi, styled Zizhang. He was ambitious, generous in character, and skilled in social interactions. He frequently consulted Confucius on matters of governance and officialdom.
Ran You
冉有Named Ran Qiu, styled Ziyou. He was multi-talented, excelled in political affairs, and served as steward to the Ji family. He had outstanding military abilities and once led the Lu army to repel an invasion from the State of Qi.
Ziyou
子游Named Yan Yan, styled Ziyou. He excelled in literature and had a deep understanding of rites and music. He served as governor of Wucheng and educated the people through rites and music. Confucius smiled upon hearing the sound of string instruments and singing from his town.
Zhonggong
仲弓Named Ran Yong, styled Zhonggong. Despite his humble origins, he possessed noble virtue. Confucius praised him as worthy of "facing south" (i.e., ruling as a lord). He was known for his generosity, simplicity, and moral character.
Zai Wo
宰我Named Zai Yu, styled Ziwo. He was eloquent and ranked in the category of speech. He was inquisitive and often challenged Confucius with sharp questions. He was once criticized by Confucius for sleeping during the day.
Gongxi Hua
公西华Named Gongxi Chi, styled Zihua. He was skilled in ritual ceremonies and diplomacy, proficient in the etiquette of receiving guests. Confucius said he could "stand at court with sash properly tied" and speak well with guests.
Fan Chi
樊迟Named Fan Xu, styled Zichi. He repeatedly asked Confucius about benevolence, wisdom, and filial piety; his dialogues with the Master appear numerous times in the Analerta. He once asked to learn farming and gardening.
Min Ziqian
闵子骞Named Min Sun, styled Ziqian. He was renowned for filial piety and moral character, ranking in the virtue category. He was modest and content, reluctant to serve in office. Confucius praised his filial devotion.
You Zi
有子Named You Ruo, respectfully called Master You. He physically resembled Confucius, and after the Masters death, disciples briefly elevated him as their teacher. He advocated governing through rites and righteousness and emphasized filial piety and brotherly respect as the root of benevolence.
Ji Kangzi
季康子A powerful minister of the State of Lu and head of the Jisun clan. He consulted Confucius on governance multiple times and is an important political figure in the Analerta.
Sima Niu
司马牛Named Sima Geng, styled Ziniu. He was impetuous and talkative. His brother Huan Tui was a powerful minister in the State of Song. He was anxious due to his brothers actions, and Confucius advised him that "the benevolent do not worry."
Guan Zhong
管仲A famous prime minister of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period who helped Duke Huan of Qi achieve hegemony. Confucius had a complex view of him—criticizing his extravagance and lack of propriety while acknowledging his benevolent achievements.
Bo Yi
伯夷Eldest son of the lord of Guzhu at the end of the Shang dynasty. He and his younger brother Shu Qi yielded the throne to each other. They later opposed King Wus conquest of Shang and starved to death on Mount Shouyang rather than eat the grain of Zhou. Confucius praised them as "worthy men of antiquity."
Shu Qi
叔齐Youngest son of the lord of Guzhu at the end of the Shang dynasty. He and his elder brother Bo Yi yielded the throne to each other. They both secluded themselves on Mount Shouyang, refusing to eat the grain of Zhou on principle—becoming paragons of integrity and righteousness in antiquity.
Nangong Kuo
南宫适A disciple of Confucius, also known as Nanrong or Nangong Kuo. Confucius praised him for not being cast aside when the state followed the Way, and for avoiding punishment when it did not. Confucius gave him his elder brother’s daughter in marriage.
Chen Kang
陈亢A disciple of Confucius, courtesy name Ziqin. He once asked Boyu (Confucius’s son) whether he received any special teachings from his father, which led to the story of Confucius teaching his son to study the Odes and the rites.
Ran Boniu
冉伯牛A disciple of Confucius, named Ran Geng, renowned for his virtuous conduct and listed among the Ten Sages of Confucius’s school. He fell gravely ill, and Confucius visited him, holding his hand through the window and lamenting, "We are losing him. It is fate!"