Main Characters
The main characters of Demon Slayer are Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Inosuke Hashibira, Kanao Tsuyuri, and Genya Shinazugawa.
Tanjiro Kamado
Tanjiro Kamado is the eldest son in a family of charcoal sellers. After his family is slaughtered by the demon Muzan Kibutsuji, he becomes a Demon Slayer to cure his sister Nezuko, who has been turned into a demon. Tanjiro is known for his kind nature and determination, mastering both the Water Breathing and Hinokami Kagura techniques. Despite suffering severe injuries in the final battle, including the loss of his arm and eye, he is healed after a brief transformation into a demon, thanks to his friends’ help.
Nezuko Kamado
Nezuko Kamado, Tanjiro’s sister, survives the family attack as a demon. She battles her demonic nature but retains her human memories, protecting humans and fighting other demons. Nezuko can recover her strength through sleep and has unique abilities like Exploding Blood. She eventually regains her humanity after a long struggle.
Zenitsu Agatsuma
Zenitsu Agatsuma is a fearful boy who joins the Demon Slayer Corps to settle his debts. Despite his self-doubt, he is a skilled fighter who masters the first form of Thunder Breathing. His journey with Tanjiro helps him overcome his fears and fight consciously.
Inosuke Hashibira
Inosuke Hashibira was raised by boars and is known for his wild and aggressive nature. He uses the self-taught Beast Breathing technique and wields serrated swords. Inosuke’s friendship with Tanjiro softens his demeanor, and he becomes a valuable ally.
Kanao Tsuyuri
Kanao Tsuyuri is a disciplined Demon Slayer and the adoptive sister of the Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho. She struggles with decision-making due to her traumatic past but grows to trust her judgment after meeting Tanjiro. Kanao’s heightened sight aids her in battle, though it eventually leads to partial blindness.
Genya Shinazugawa
Genya Shinazugawa is a brash Demon Slayer who cannot use traditional techniques. Instead, he consumes demon parts to gain temporary powers. His journey is marked by growth and sacrifice, as he learns to work with others and harness his unique abilities.
Demon Slayer Corps
The Ubuyashiki family has been at the helm of the Corps for generations. Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the 97th leader, is revered for his leadership despite a familial curse linked to the demon Muzan Kibutsuji. His selfless act of sacrifice greatly weakens Muzan, but it also leads to his and his estate’s demise. Amane Ubuyashiki, Kagaya’s wife, has played a pivotal role in the Corps’ operations and the recruitment of key members like the Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito. She perishes alongside her husband.
Kagaya’s children, Hinaki and Nichika, served as his aides and also perished in the estate’s destruction. Kiriya Ubuyashiki, Kagaya’s only son, takes over the leadership after his father’s death. He leads the Corps to victory against Muzan and later disbands the organization, having fulfilled its purpose. Remarkably, Kiriya lives on to become Japan’s longest-living person in the Reiwa era. Kuina and Kanata, the younger Ubuyashiki siblings, support Kiriya in leading the Corps during the final showdown with Muzan.
Hashira
The Hashira, also known as the Pillars, are the nine most powerful swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps, each mastering a unique breathing style. They include:
- Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, is the strongest among them. A former monk, he becomes a fierce warrior while maintaining his compassion. He wields a kusarigama instead of a sword and plays a significant role in the battles against demons. He meets his end after a valiant fight but is later reincarnated as a teacher.
- Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, is a distant and seemingly indifferent warrior who harbors a deep-seated anger towards demons. He regains his lost memories and defeats a major demon before falling in battle. He is reincarnated alongside his twin brother.
- Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, is known for her exceptional strength and flexibility. She seeks acceptance and love within the Corps. She fights bravely against demons and confesses her love to a fellow Hashira before dying from her injuries. She is later reincarnated as a restaurateur with her beloved.
- Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, is a vibrant and honorable warrior who dies defending others from a powerful demon. His legacy continues as he is reincarnated as a high school student.
- Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, is the first Demon Slayer Tanjiro encounters. He battles alongside Tanjiro against demons, losing an arm but surviving the war. His reincarnation is a child named Giichi.
- Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, uses a unique poison in her fight against demons. She sacrifices herself to ensure the defeat of a powerful demon and is reincarnated as a high school student.
- Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira, is a former shinobi with a flashy personality. He retires after losing a hand and an eye but aids in the final battle. His reincarnation is an Olympic gymnast.
- Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, is known for his aggressive nature. He survives the final battle with injuries and is reincarnated as a police officer.
- Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, is accompanied by his snake Kaburamaru. He fights fiercely against demons and confesses his love before dying from his wounds.
Demon
Demons are immortal beings that feed on human blood to gain strength. Originally humans, they lose their humanity after being transformed by Muzan Kibutsuji’s blood. They have superior abilities, regeneration, and can use unique Blood Demon Arts. Sunlight and decapitation with Nichirin Swords are their weaknesses, along with wisteria flowers.
Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of all demons, sought to create a sunlight-resistant demon. His obsession with this goal led to the attack on Tanjiro’s family and his pursuit of Nezuko, who showed resistance to sunlight. The Demon Slayer Corps exploited his obsession, leading to a trap that resulted in his demise after a fierce battle where he attempted to turn Tanjiro into a demon.
The Twelve Kizuki are Muzan’s elite demons, marked by special engravings in their eyes. The Upper Ranks are the most formidable, having remained unchallenged for over a century until Tanjiro’s group joined the Corps.
Key Upper Ranks include:
- Kokushibo, Upper Rank One, who was once a Demon Slayer and sought to surpass his brother’s swordsmanship. He falls in battle against the Demon Slayers.
- Doma, Upper Rank Two, a cult leader turned demon who devoured his followers, including Inosuke’s mother. He is defeated by the combined efforts of Shinobu, Kanao, and Inosuke.
- Akaza, Upper Rank Three, despises weakness and seeks strong opponents to turn into demons. He regains his humanity during a battle and chooses to end his life.
- Hantengu, Upper Rank Four, can split into multiple emotion-based clones. He is defeated by Tanjiro but informs Muzan of Nezuko’s immunity to sunlight before dying.
- Nakime, the new Upper Rank Four, controls the Infinity Castle and is killed by Muzan to prevent the Demon Slayers from taking over.
- Gyokko, Upper Rank Five, is an artist who takes pride in his macabre creations and meets his end at the hands of the Demon Slayers.
