Top 10 Most Popular Characters in Romance of the Three Kingdoms

While the top three characters mentioned above hail from the Shu kingdom, the next most beloved character in Romance of the Three Kingdoms comes from the Wei kingdom. That character is none other than the infamous "King of the World’s Villains," Cao Cao. Often seen as the main antagonist in the story, Cao Cao stands out with his unique qualities, earning both admiration and disdain from the public.

Cao Cao, also known as Mengde, was born into a modest family and started his career as a minor official under the Han Dynasty. During the chaos caused by the warlord Dong Zhuo, Cao Cao attempted to assassinate him, though his plan failed, forcing him to go into hiding. Later, he raised an army and joined forces with other warlords summoned by Yuan Shao to combat Dong Zhuo. Cao Cao’s career was full of hardships, but he ultimately saved Emperor Xian and used him as a puppet to command other warlords, thereby establishing the Wei kingdom. After defeating figures like Lu Bu and Yuan Shao, Cao Cao consolidated control over the central plains, becoming the most powerful force among the three kingdoms.

In earlier times, Cao Cao was often misunderstood and despised. However, since the 20th century, historical evaluations have become more balanced. Cao Cao is now regarded as a brilliant, cunning strategist, a master of unifying the central plains, and the founder of a prosperous Wei kingdom. He is often remembered for his infamous ruthlessness, such as when he killed his friend’s entire family over a misunderstanding. One of Cao Cao’s most famous quotes is, "I would rather betray the world than let the world betray me." Though a controversial figure, Cao Cao remains one of the most beloved characters in Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

In contrast to Cao Cao, there is Liu Bei. Liu Bei, also known as Xuande, was the king of Shu and the leader of legendary figures like Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun. Although Liu Bei came from a royal lineage, his family had lost much of its former glory by the time he was born, and his background was relatively humble. Initially, he worked as a weaver. When the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out, Liu Bei took up arms to fight for the Han Dynasty, where he later met Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and the three became sworn brothers, playing a crucial role in defeating the rebels.

In the years that followed, Liu Bei served under the warlord Dong Zhuo, but after being driven away by figures like Lu Bu and Cao Cao, he eventually sought refuge in Eastern Wu. His fortunes changed when he met Zhuge Liang, whose guidance helped Liu Bei rise to power. Slowly, he secured the lands of Jingzhou and later Sichuan, where he established the Shu kingdom.

Liu Bei earned respect for his noble character, loyalty to the Han Dynasty, and devotion to the emperor. His selfless leadership and benevolence towards his people made him a beloved ruler. He was always viewed as a king who valued righteousness, never betraying the throne or seeking personal gain. This was why many famous figures, particularly Zhuge Liang, chose to follow him. However, some critics have argued that Liu Bei’s sense of righteousness was sometimes exaggerated, or that he was too weak and indecisive, especially toward the end of his life. His failure to heed Zhuge Liang's advice led to his kingdom’s eventual decline, and Liu Bei died in the city of Bai Di. Interestingly, later generations have tended to favor Cao Cao more than Liu Bei.

The youngest of the three sworn brothers from the Peach Garden Oath, Zhang Fei is also one of the most beloved figures in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Known for his fiery temper and direct personality, Zhang Fei was a celebrated general and one of the "Five Tiger Generals" of the Shu kingdom.

Boasting remarkable strength and exceptional martial skills, Zhang Fei was a fearsome warrior. He was known for his intimidating presence, once standing alone on horseback and shouting so fiercely that Cao Cao’s troops were too frightened to advance. Zhang Fei also employed brilliant strategies to defeat Cao Cao’s forces at Hanzhong under the command of his brother, Liu Bei.

Despite his impulsive and hot-headed nature, which led him into trouble on several occasions—sometimes even costing him his life—Zhang Fei’s sincerity and straightforwardness earned him the admiration of many. His boldness and lack of deceit earned him the reputation of having a "venomous tongue but a heart of gold." His honesty and fearless spirit made him a beloved figure among fans of the story.

Another key figure from the Wei kingdom is Sima Yi. Sima Yi was not only a renowned statesman of Wei but also the founder of the Jin dynasty. His grandson, following Sima Yi’s groundwork, deposed the Wei emperor and established the Jin dynasty, thus bringing an end to the Three Kingdoms period and unifying China.

Sima Yi, whose courtesy name was Zhongda, hailed from a prestigious family with a legacy of scholarly achievements, including his ancestor, the famous historian Sima Qian. Born into a family of eight successful brothers, known as the "Eight Achievers of the Sima Clan," Sima Yi initially lacked significant power under Cao Cao’s rule. In fact, Cao Cao distrusted Sima Yi, believing him to be manipulative and untrustworthy. However, under the reign of Cao Pi and Cao Rui, Sima Yi rose to prominence, becoming a key figure in Wei politics. He was not only instrumental in halting the northern expeditions led by Zhuge Liang but also used his talents to subtly amass power and influence, paving the way for his family's future dominance.

Opinions about Sima Yi vary. Some view him as a crafty and devious schemer, while others admire him for his strategic foresight and ability to bide his time until the right moment to act. Regardless of perspective, no one can deny that Sima Yi, along with his family, played a critical role in ending the Three Kingdoms era and reunifying China. His talents and ability to strategically remain in the background while quietly gaining power earned him widespread admiration and respect.

Like Liu Bei and Cao Cao, Sun Quan was the ruler of one of the Three Kingdoms, specifically the Eastern Wu kingdom. Sun Quan, whose courtesy name was Zhongmou, was the son of Sun Jian, the leader who established the Sun family's influence in the Jiangdong region. During the waning years of the Han Dynasty, as the empire crumbled and warlords rose to power, Sun Jian carved out a territory in the six Jiangdong commanderies. After Sun Jian's death, his eldest son Sun Ce took control, but upon Sun Ce’s death, it was Sun Quan, his younger brother, who inherited leadership at the age of 18.

At the time, Eastern Wu faced a critical decision on whether to ally with or oppose Cao Cao’s growing power. With the counsel of the brilliant strategist Zhou Yu, Sun Quan chose to resist Cao Cao. This decision culminated in the legendary Battle of Red Cliffs, where Sun Quan’s forces, alongside Zhuge Liang’s Shu kingdom, decisively defeated Cao Cao’s army, altering the course of history. Sun Quan was praised by Cao Cao himself, who remarked, "If you want to have a son, you should have one like Zhongmou."

In the ongoing struggle among the Three Kingdoms, Sun Quan skillfully navigated alliances with Shu to counter Wei, while also working to reclaim Jingzhou from Liu Bei. While Sun Quan may not be as prominently depicted as Liu Bei or Cao Cao in historical narratives, his leadership and strategies played a crucial role in maintaining Wu’s power and are still deeply admired by many.

Lu Su, courtesy name Zijing, was a strategist from Eastern Wu. Before his rise to prominence, Lu Su did not have a stable career but was highly regarded by his friend, Zhou Yu. When Zhou Yu became the governor of Eastern Wu, he recommended Lu Su for a position. Upon their first meeting, Sun Quan immediately recognized Lu Su’s talents and appointed him to support Zhou Yu in the fight against Cao Cao.

Unlike Zhou Yu, who often sought to challenge Zhuge Liang and create conflict with Shu, Lu Su was known for his diplomatic skills and moderate views. He played a crucial role in forming the alliance between Wu and Shu to oppose Cao Cao. Lu Su’s contributions were especially notable during the famous Battle of Red Cliffs, where he helped solidify the cooperation between Zhuge Liang and Eastern Wu.

Later, when Zhou Yu passed away, Lu Su succeeded him as the governor of Eastern Wu. What made Lu Su beloved was his diplomatic finesse, his balanced approach to conflict, and his broad vision that helped sustain the prosperity of Wu.

Ma Chao, courtesy name Mengqi, was one of the 'Five Tiger Generals' of Shu. He was the son of Ma Teng, a powerful general from the western region of Liang. During the final years of the Eastern Han dynasty, Ma Chao and his father controlled the western frontier, though they nominally served the Han court. However, the strength of their military forces worried Cao Cao, who orchestrated the death of Ma Teng.

This tragedy fueled Ma Chao’s intense hatred towards Cao Cao, leading him to launch a series of attacks against Wei, greatly threatening the life of Cao Cao. One of the most famous encounters occurred during the Battle of Tong Gate, where Ma Chao relentlessly pursued Cao Cao to the point that Cao Cao had to flee, cutting off his beard and discarding his robe in order to escape. Unfortunately, Ma Chao’s forces were ultimately defeated due to Cao Cao's strategic divisions, but Ma Chao would later serve under Zhang Lu in Hanzhong, where he was not given the trust he desired, eventually defecting to Shu, where he was welcomed as one of the Five Tiger Generals.

Ma Chao was famously known for his exceptional strength and combat prowess, earning the title 'a tiger's body and an ape's hands.' He was capable of taking on hundreds of soldiers single-handedly, a reputation that rivaled the legendary Lu Bu. His most famous feats include a lengthy battle against Zhang Fei, which ended without a decisive victor, and his many contributions to the Shu kingdom, especially his successful conquest of Chengdu, the capital city of Shu. Known for his bravery, upright character, and heroic nature, Ma Chao remains one of the most beloved figures in the Three Kingdoms.

In the epic *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, few characters are as frequently mentioned and admired as Zhuge Liang. Despite his late entry into the narrative, Zhuge Liang quickly becomes one of the most influential and beloved figures in the entire saga.

Zhuge Liang, courtesy name Kongming, also known as the "Sleeping Dragon," was a strategist of unmatched intellect. He often compared himself to ancient figures such as Guan Zhong and Shi Nian. The famous saying goes, 'If you have one of the two — the Sleeping Dragon or the Phoenix — you will secure the empire.' Liu Bei had to visit Zhuge Liang three times before he could convince him to become his advisor. With Zhuge Liang's guidance, Liu Bei, once a fugitive fleeing from Cao Cao's pursuit, managed to score multiple victories, gradually gaining control over Jingzhou and eventually Sichuan, founding the powerful Shu kingdom, and achieving the iconic three-way power balance of the Three Kingdoms period.

Zhuge Liang earned admiration for his extraordinary wisdom and diplomatic skills. His intellect allowed him to outwit Cao Cao’s formidable forces and thwart Chu Chu’s cunning plans. He played a crucial role in the decisive Battle of Red Cliffs, where his strategies helped Liu Bei secure Jingzhou and Sichuan. He is also famous for his relentless campaigns against the Southern tribes and his six failed northern expeditions to Wei. All these remarkable feats demonstrate his strategic genius, cementing Zhuge Liang's place as one of the greatest military minds in history, and securing his position as the number one favorite character in *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*.

Guan Yu, also known as Guan Gong, was one of the three sworn brothers of the Peach Garden Oath, alongside Liu Bei and Zhang Fei. Like Zhang Fei, Guan Yu was a loyal follower of his elder brother, Liu Bei, and played a pivotal role as one of the Five Tiger Generals of the Shu Kingdom.

Guan Yu earned the admiration of many for his loyalty, heroism, and unparalleled battlefield prowess. As the leader of the Five Tiger Generals, he was renowned for his extraordinary martial skills, capable of taking on hundreds of foes single-handedly. His legendary achievements include the decapitation of the traitor Yan Liang and the defeat of the formidable general Wen Xiu; he also famously crossed the five passes and defeated six generals to aid Liu Bei in securing the territories of Shu and Jingzhou. His loyalty was so steadfast that despite Cao Cao's offer of wealth and power, Guan Yu refused to betray his sworn brother, remaining wholly devoted to Liu Bei.

After his death, Guan Yu was deified and worshipped by later generations as a symbol of loyalty and righteousness. He remains one of the most revered figures in *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, second only to Zhuge Liang in popularity. However, his pride and arrogance have drawn criticism from some historians, who see these traits as flaws in his character.

Much like Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, also known by his courtesy name Zi Long, was one of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu and a loyal confidant of Liu Bei. Unlike the proud Guan Yu, Zhao Yun was a paragon of both military and civil virtue: brave, intelligent, and wise, with an unwavering dedication to his lord. He was also notably humble, always following the guidance of Zhuge Liang. Among the generals of Shu, Zhao Yun was perhaps the one most favored by Zhuge Liang, who entrusted him with many important missions.

Zhao Yun’s most famous feat was his daring rescue of Liu Bei’s young son, Ah Dou, during the chaos of the Changban Run. Alone, Zhao Yun charged through enemy lines to protect the child, earning a legendary place in history for his heroism. He also played a key role in helping Liu Bei conquer Shu, defeating Cao Cao's forces in Hanzhong, and aiding Zhuge Liang during the campaigns against the Wei in Kicheng. These legendary deeds cemented Zhao Yun's place as a hero of the Three Kingdoms era.