Minister of the Left Character Analysis

The Minister of the Left is Aoi's father and Genji's father-in-law. He's described as being a kind, generous, and at times, more of a doddering old man than the powerful political figure he appears to be. He's also one of the Emperor's greatest allies, which is the primary reason the former chooses to marry Aoi to Genji instead of the Minister of the Right's son, Suzaku. When Genji is still young the Minister of the Left takes it upon himself to arrange outings to pique Genji's interest and make sure he has reasons to visit his mansion in Sanjō, but he's generally unsuccessful. Despite the fact that Genji and Aoi are very unhappy in their marriage—and that Genji neglects her and the Minister of the Left as a result—the minister remains pleased with Genji as a son-in-law and when he is unhappy with Genji, he chooses not to voice this. When Aoi dies within days of giving birth to Genji's son Yugiri, the minister takes heart that Genji will surely continue to visit Sanjō for the sake of his son. He continues to support Genji through Genji's exile. When Genji returns and Reizei takes the throne, the Minister of the Left agrees to come out of retirement to act as a regent for the eleven-year-old ruler.