Tō no Chūjō Character Analysis

Tō no Chūjō is Genji's brother in law. The two are very good friends, though they're also rivals. In their youth, their rivalry is based on women, specifically Naishi. Tō no Chūjō also struggles next to Genji, as Genji is often described as being far more perfect and a more accomplished dancer, singer, and poet. As mature adults, the two engage in the art competition between the palace women, as Tō no Chūjō wants his daughter, the Kokiden girl, to marry Reizei, while Genji wants Akikonomu to marry him. Throughout the novel, Tō no Chūjō is the man who most often spends time with Genji to reminisce about the past and play music. He even visits Genji while Genji is in exile.