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Who are the Characters in Apothecary Diaries?
Apr 17, 2026
The Highlights
- The main characters in The Apothecary Diaries are:
- Maomao: the fearless protagonist and problem-solver.
- Jinshi: The graceful sidekick dragging Maomao into trouble.
- The Four Consorts: Each embodies a vital piece of the palace.
- Supporting Characters like Gaoshun and Basen, Anshi, and the Emperor.
The Apothecary Diaries (also known as Kusuriya no Hitorigoto in Japan) has been one of the best recent discoveries for anime fans. Season 2 just wrapped up in July 2025 after an incredibly popular 24-episode run on Crunchyroll.
That means now’s the perfect time to get up to speed on all the characters in the show! Wondering who Anshi is in Apothecary Diaries? We have you covered.
Shop Apothecary Diaries Figures
Maomao
Maomao is the sharp-witted, fearless protagonist leading the anime. Maomao is a former girl from the red-light district armed to the teeth with an encyclopedic knowledge of poisons, herbs, and medicines.
She now serves as a lowly palace maid, but there’s so much more to Maomao than meets the eye.
Maomao’s Mysteries
If you own a Maomao anime figure, it’s probably because of her incredible underdog story. After getting kidnapped and forced to serve in the Imperial Palace, Maomao earns the honor of being a poison-tester for Gyokuyo, the consort.
Her vast knowledge of herbs helps her climb rapidly, eventually becoming a sort of unofficial detective with an eerie passion for poison.
Jinshi
Jinshi is the stunning, high-ranking overseer of the Rear Palace who’s had light novel readers spellbound since his debut. As a graceful eunuch with a lot on his plate, he’s always dragging Maomao into palace problems with a smile you can’t help but love.
The Four Consorts
The four consorts are the real power players of the Rear Palace. These ladies essentially rule the women’s quarters, and each represents a vital facet of palace life. Maomao has her work cut out for her if she wants the favor of these four.
Consort Gyokuyou
Gyokuyou might be the precious consort of the palace and the Emperor’s favorite, but she doesn’t let that get to her head. She’s the rare warm and friendly face in a court where everyone has a dagger at their backs. Gyokuyou instantly takes to Maomao and is her biggest supporter on the show.
The biggest thing you need to know about Gyokuyou? She’s the voice of reason among the consorts and fiercely protective of the few she trusts.
Consort Lihua
If Gyokuyou is sunny and bright, Lihua is the calm and proud counterbalance. The proud and endlessly elegant Eastern Consort is initially haughty and distrustful of Maomao, protective of her position.
However, the real fun here is watching Lihua grow and learn the value of humility through hardship.
Consort Lishu
Lishu is the shy Southern Consort whose anime merchandise adorns shelves everywhere. Why? She’s adorable and works as a quiet but kind force in the palace. It only remains to be seen whether she can grow to fight off all that bullying in court.
Consort Ah-Duo
Ah-Duo was the former Pure Consort of the Garnet Pavilion. Her story is among the most interesting of the four consorts. She’s bold, experienced, and takes no-nonsense with the ability to see through all the palace facades better than most.
Key Supporting Characters
Gaoshun and Basen
Gaoshun is Jinshi’s loyal attendant and keeps the court running. Notably, he used to be the Emperor’s attendant before becoming Jinshi’s attendant. His son, Basen, is all business on the surface but also serves as the comic relief.
Anshi
Anshi is the mother of the emperor and the widow of the former emperor. That background makes her a pitiable figure in court politics, something she is all too happy to use to her advantage. She’s quietly calculating and will do whatever it takes to maintain her power in court.
The Emperor
The emperor plays second fiddle to the more colorful cast on his own court. He strikes a quiet, reserved figure and is determined not to repeat his father's mistakes.
Loulan
Loulan is one of the most interesting characters on the show, and you probably already own some Apothecary Diaries merch featuring her striking design. She’s the current Pure Consort of the Garnet Pavilion with a seemingly emotionless demeanor.
Don’t let that fool you! There’s a lot more going on beneath the surface with Loulan, and it’s clear she has her own designs in motion.
Fengxian
Fengxian is Maomao’s biological mother and was once a high-ranking courtesan. She’s described as being proud and powerful before she contracted a disease that rendered her bedridden.
Collect The Stars of The Apothecary Diaries!
That’s everything you need to know before diving into the show! This anime revels in a colorful cast, driven by puzzling mysteries and humor that lingers long after the memorable credits song. Collect your favorites with Plaza Japan’s assortment of officially licensed, authentic merchandise shipped directly from Japan!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the characters in Apothecary Diaries?
The main characters of the show are Maomao, the four consorts, Jinshi, and Loulan. Their stories clash and intertwine amid the many mysteries of palace politics and intrigue.
Who is Taihou in Apothecary Diaries?
Taihou is more of a secondary character in the show. She was a respectable palace lady in the Inner Court before her demise, when Maomao herself replaced her.
How does the light novel compare to the anime version of The Apothecary Diaries?
The anime follows the light novel fairly closely and mostly supplements the already-great story with stunning visuals and improved pacing. Seasons 1 and 2 both adapt the early arcs, while the later seasons should also stick to the light novel’s plot closely.
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