Jia Baoyu
Baoyu is the protagonist and male heir of the Jia clan. The novel follows his relationships and friendships.
The Twelve Beauties of Jinling
The Twelve Beauties of Jinling refer to twelve women in Dream of the Red Chamber: Lin Daiyu, Xue Baochai, Shi Xiangyun, Wang Xifeng, Jia Yingchun, Jia Xichun, Jia Yuanchun, Jia Tanchun, Qin Keqing, Li Wan, Miao Yu, and Jia Qiaojie. Some of the women are Baoyu's romantic interests, while some are his relatives. The author of this text is often praised for including complex female characters.
Lady Dowager (The Matriarch)
Lady Dowager is the grandmother to Baoyu and Daiyu, and is the oldest member of the Rongguo house. She is the daughter of Marquis Shih of Chinling, and marries Chia Tai-shan. She has two sons called Chia Sheh and Chia Cheng and a daughter called Chia Min.
Jia She
Lady Dowager's son, who inherits the title of Duke of Jungkuo after his father's death. He is presented as a negative character who harasses women and bullies people, and is arrested in the text. He has a wife called Lady Hsing and has sons called Jia Lian and Jia Yingchun.
Jia Zheng
Youngest son of Lady Dowager, who receives the rank of Assistant Secretary after the death of his father. He is Baoyu's father and has a wife called Lady Wang.
Qingwen
Qingwen is Baoyu's personal maid, who is very beautiful. She is later dismissed after she is accused of having an affair with Baoyu.
Yunayang
The Dowager's chief maid, who rejects a marriage proposal from Jia She. After the Dowager's death she commits suicide.
