Set in Japan's Taisho era, Demon Slayer has made a lasting impression on anime and manga fans worldwide. Dedicated animators and voice actors have brought Koyoharu Gotouge's manga to life in an exquisite fashion, and most viewers became fans in the first 30 seconds of the first episode.

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Like most shonen anime, this anime follows a young boy, Tanjiro Kamado, through a terrible tragedy that leaves his entire family dead and his younger sister a demon. This anime series follows his journey to restore his sister's humanity. He comes across people from all walks of life, some agreeable and some not, and grows as a person.

10 Giyu Was A Stoic Stickler For The Rules

Giyu points his sword at Tanjiro

Giyu Tomioka is the current Water Hashira who appears in the first episode of the anime. He is an expressionless fellow who hardly shows any emotion. Upon encountering Tanjiro and his sister, Nezuko, who has now become a demon, he follows the rules of the Corps and tries to kill Nezuko.

However, upon seeing Tanjiro's determination and love for his sister and confirming that she won't harm humans, he lets Nezuko live. He also guides Tanjiro towards the path to becoming a member of the Demon Slayer Corps.

9 Zenitsu Was A Coward And A Creep

Zenitsu looking scared in Demon Slayer.

Zenitsu Agatsuma is one of the main protagonists of the series, along with Tanjiro Kamado. Always in a state of fear, he hits on every woman he meets, asking them to marry him, claiming he doesn't have long to live due to the dangerous nature of his work. On top of that, he is obnoxiously loud.

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Despite his flaws, Zenitsu genuinely wishes to be a better person and Demon Slayer. He is always there for his friends and has great respect for his late teacher. He has it in himself to act responsible and mature in dire times of need.

8 Inosuke Was Hard-Headed And Prideful

Inosuke with his fist raised

Raised by boars, Inosuke Hashibira is one of the main protagonists of the series. He likes to show off his strength and challenge anyone and everyone. Inosuke is always seen fishing for praise and has little regard for the consequences of his actions. He also struggles to pronounce his comrades' names correctly.

As the series progresses, Inosuke grows as a person, influenced by Tanjiro Kamado's kindness and compassion. He learns to think strategically instead of just jumping head-first into a battle. His camaraderie also sees a drastic improvement.

7 Muichiro Was Selfish And Indifferent

Muichiro looks at Mitsuri in disbelief against a cloudy sky and trees

The air-headed and, at times, obtuse Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito is a 14-year-old Demon Slayer who is devoted to his position in the Demon Slayer Corps. The loss of his twin brother when they were 11 left a deep and lasting impact on Muichiro's psyche.

Although he comes off as uncaring and aloof, he doesn't emanate animosity. Upon his encounter with Tanjiro, he starts regaining memories from his past and begins to act more like his age. He embraced the kindness within and managed to make some happy memories with his fellow Demon Slayers.

6 Sanemi Was Battle-Hungry And Rude

Shinazugawa stabs Nezuko

The current Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, is haunted by his past. Remembering all those he lost to the demons, he strongly believes that humans and demons can never coexist in peace. When he meets Tanjiro and Nezuko for the first time, he tries his best to rile Nezuko up to refute Tanjiro's claim that Nezuko won't harm anyone.

After the showdown with Muzan Kibutsuji, which saw Sanemi cooperating with Giyu and the other Hashiras, he calms down and softens a bit. Sanemi apologizes to Nezuko and even pats her on the head.

5 Hotaru Only Loves Swords

Hotaru from the anime Demon Slayer

Hotaru Haganezuka hails from the Swordsmith Village. He is immensely passionate about swords and is an excellent swordsmith. However, due to his eccentric and asocial behavior, Hotaru has lost a lot of clients who refuse to entrust the making of their swords to him.

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Hotaru's sole concern is the condition of his swords. He chastises all who disrespect, break, and/or lose the swords made by him. He grows on fans, sometimes also acting as comic relief. Hotaru is grateful for Tanjiro's long-term trust in his skills despite his behavior.

4 Sakonji Came Off As A Grouchy Old Man

Sakonji from Demon Slayer wearing mask.

The former Mist Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, Sakonji Urokodaki, has trained both Giyu Tomioka and Tanjiro Kamado. He appears as a grouchy old man who is very strict and stern with all his students. Although he comes off as rather stoic, he has a deeply compassionate personality.

Urokodaki treats his students like family and is one of the few characters in the series who truly believes that Nezuko will not harm humans and that Tanjiro will succeed in turning her back into a human.

3 Sabito Was Ruthless And Orthodox

Sabito Demon Slayer masked

One of Sakonji Urokodaki's former disciples, Sabito, was Giyu Tomioka's best friend. He appears to help Tanjiro with his training under Sakonji. Pointing out Tanjiro's weaknesses and mistakes without any hesitation, he refuses to consider Tanjiro a man.

Once Tanjiro clears his training, Sabito declares him the strongest of all who ever trained under Sakonji. He entrusts his will, and that of Sakonji's other lost kids, to Tanjiro. It is hinted by Giyu that Sabito was gentle and selfless, with a strong sense of justice.

2 Yushiro Was Arrogant And Condescending

Yushiro frowning and looking to the side in Demon Slayer.

Yushiro is Tamayo's assistant. Turned into a demon to avoid succumbing to a frightful disease, Yushiro has stayed by Tamayo's side ever since and harbors great respect and admiration towards her. However, he is short-tempered and condescending towards everyone else. Upon his first meeting with Tanjiro and Nezuko, he calls Nezuko an eyesore.

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Although he dismisses it as a joke, Yushiro's suggestion of using Tanjiro and Nezuko as decoys while he and Tamayo run away from the demons doesn't sit well with anyone. As time passes, he learns to respect others and even apologizes to Nezuko, calling her pretty.

1 Gyutaro Was Cruel And Petty

Gyutaro, Upper-Rank Six of the Twelve Kizuki in Demon Slayer

Gyutaro was one of the main antagonists in the Entertainment District Arc, along with his sister Daki. Turned into a demon by Damo, the then Upper Rank 6, Gyutaro had suffered a very rough childhood. He grew to despise everyone who had had a better life than him.

His love for his younger sister was deep and genuine. He promised to take care of her and did his best to keep her happy. In his last moments, Gyutaro's only regret is his negative influence on his sister.

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