Grandmother Jia (Chinese:賈母;pinyin:Jiǎ Mǔ), née Shi, so often also calledDowager Shi (Chinese:史太君;pinyin:Shǐ Tàijūn) or simplythe Dowager, is a major character in the 18th centuryChinese novelDream of the Red Chamber. She is the daughter of Marquis Shi ofJinling. She is alsoBaoyu andDaiyu's grandmother and the oldest and most respected authority of the Jia Clan. A doting figure, it was she who arranged for Daiyu, her only "outside" (i.e., maternal) grandchild, to come to the Rongguo Mansion. It was with her help that Baoyu and Daiyu became extremely close as childhood playmates, and eventually, kindred spirits and lovers.
Grandmother Jia is at heart a fun-loving elder who greatly enjoys conversation and the company of her many grandchildren. AChinese opera fan, despite her great wealth and prestige she is mindful of the rustic poor likeGranny Liu, and is pious and generous in almsgiving.
The Dowager's descendants and close relatives include:
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