The representative figures of Jian'an literature include Cao Cao, Cao Pi, Cao Zhi, Kong Rong, Chen Lin, Wang Can, Xu Qian, Ruan Yu, Liu Zhen, etc.
Jian'an is the reign name of Emperor Xian of the Eastern Han Dynasty. The Jian'an period in literary history lasted about fifty years from the Yellow Turban Uprising to the late Jingchu and late years of Wei Ming Emperor. At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, when all the heroes competed for annexation in the Central Plains, Cao Cao completed the great cause of unifying the north and attracted a large number of scribes, forming the Ye literati group with Cao and his son as the core.
The Jian'an literati's broad minds, lofty ambitions to pursue ideals, positive and free attitude towards life, and straightforward, simple and vigorous lyrical style formed the unique summary, vigorous, generous and sad style of Jian'an poetry. style. It created a new situation for Chinese poetry and established the poetic aesthetic style of "Jian'an style". The Seven Sons of Jian'an refers to seven famous poets besides Cao and his son during the Jian'an period at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty. They are Kong Rong, Chen Lin, Wang Can, Xu Qian, Ruan Yu, Ying Jue and Liu Zhen. The name "Seven Sons" originated from Cao Pi's "Dianlun Wen".
The reason why Jian'an literature flourished is closely related to its historical background. At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the state and animal husbandry were separated and wars continued. People were separated from their wives and children, fleeing in all directions, or died in the rebellion, or died of famine and epidemics. Jian'an literati lived in this era of great changes, witnessed various social tragedies, and felt it firsthand.