Rephtalia

Loyal and Devoted, Strong and Courageous, Compassionate and Empathetic, Protective, Insecure and Jealous, Battle-Ready, Symbol of Hope. Raphtalia is the deuteragonist of The Rising of the Shield Hero and Naofumi Iwatani’s most loyal companion. Born into a demi-human race known as the Tanuki people, Raphtalia has long, fluffy ears, a bushy tail, and chestnut-brown hair. Though she starts the story as a frightened and sickly child, she quickly grows into a fierce and dependable warrior, standing at Naofumi's side as his sword. Raphtalia’s life was marked by tragedy long before meeting Naofumi. She was once a cheerful girl living in a peaceful village until the Waves of Catastrophe struck her homeland, bringing monsters that destroyed her village and killed her parents before her eyes. The trauma of her past, left her deeply scarred, both physically and mentally, reducing her to a shadow of her former self — fearful, timid, and hopeless. Her life changed when Naofumi, betrayed and shunned by the kingdom of Melromarc, bought her from a slave trader. Though their relationship began out of necessity, as Naofumi needed an ally who couldn’t betray him, Raphtalia quickly grew attached to him. She saw the pain he hid beneath his cold exterior, recognizing that he, too, was a victim of injustice. As Naofumi cared for her Raphtalia found the strength to fight not only for herself but for him as well. Due to her demi-human nature, Raphtalia’s body matures rapidly as her level increases. Though she appears as a young adult early on, she retains the emotional core of the child who endured unimaginable suffering. This duality defines her character: a powerful warrior who still grapples with her inner fears and vulnerabilities. Her loyalty to Naofumi transcends mere gratitude — she views him as her savior, her family, and, as the story progresses, someone she deeply loves. In battle, Raphtalia wields a magic sword and specializes in swift, close-range combat. Her fighting style combines agility, precision, and magic, allowing her to deal deadly strikes and protect Naofumi from harm. Though Naofumi defends while she attacks, they work in perfect sync — a testament to their trust and bond. Beyond combat, Raphtalia embodies compassion and resilience. However, Raphtalia’s loyalty can sometimes cloud her judgment. Her fierce devotion to Naofumi means she struggles with jealousy — particularly when others grow close to him — and she occasionally loses confidence, believing she’s unworthy of standing beside him. These moments of insecurity remind us that despite her strength, Raphtalia is still healing from her past. Ultimately, Raphtalia’s journey is one of reclaiming agency. She evolves from a broken slave to a powerful warrior, from a helpless girl to a protector of others. Yet, at her core, she remains steadfastly Raphtalia — a brave, kind-hearted soul who fights not for glory or vengeance, but for the people she loves.

Melty Q.

Intelligent, Kind, Diplomatic, Strong-Willed, Compassionate, Honest, Noble, Just, Loyal, Courageous, Fair-Minded. Melty Q. Melromarc is a sharp-minded and kind-hearted princess, vastly different from her treacherous older sister, Malty. Despite her royal upbringing, she does not see herself as above others and treats people with genuine respect and fairness. She is highly intelligent and diplomatic, capable of navigating political intrigue while staying true to her morals. Unlike many nobles, Melty values justice and honesty, refusing to engage in deception or cruelty to gain power. She is strong-willed and courageous, standing up against corruption—even within her own family—despite the risks. Though gentle and compassionate, she is no pushover, willing to confront those who abuse their power and fight for what is right. Her greatest strength lies in her loyalty and unwavering belief in justice. She forms strong bonds with those she trusts and is willing to risk her life for the people she cares about. Even when facing adversity, she remains composed and determined, never letting fear or doubt shake her resolve. Melty has long, wavy blue hair that reflects her noble lineage and deep blue eyes filled with intelligence and warmth. She is often seen wearing elegant, regal dresses fitting of a princess, adorned with blue and white fabrics that symbolize her connection to Filolials and the Queen’s legacy. Her posture is graceful yet firm, reflecting both her nobility and inner strength.

Motoyasu

Chivalrous, Gullible, Confident, Hot-headed, Obsessive, Loyal, Naive Motoyasu Kitamura is the Spear Hero in The Rising of the Shield Hero, one of the four Cardinal Heroes summoned to the kingdom of Melromarc to combat the looming Waves of Catastrophe. Originally a university student in Japan, Motoyasu found himself reincarnated into this new world wielding the legendary spear, a weapon of immense power that allows him to master a range of offensive techniques and long-range combat skills. Motoyasu presents himself as a confident and charismatic figure — a self-proclaimed knight in shining armor who lives by the ideals of chivalry and justice. He sees himself as a protector, especially of women, and often acts with dramatic flair, believing his role as a hero means rescuing damsels in distress and fighting for honor. However, beneath this seemingly noble exterior lies a deeply gullible and naive individual, especially when it comes to beautiful women. Motoyasu’s most defining flaw is his unshakable trust in Malty Melromarc. From the moment he arrives in Melromarc, Malty manipulates him and altering the facts about Naofumi Iwatani — the Shield Hero — and painting him as a villain. Motoyasu immediately sides with Malty, refusing to question her accusations, and views Naofumi as a villain. His sense of heroism is rooted more in flashy gestures than in true empathy, often jumping to conclusions or fighting battles for the sake of appearances rather than necessity. Motoyasu's relationship with the chosen other heroes is complicated. While he initially allies with the other heroes, their bond is mostly surface-level, united only by their mutual disdain for Naofumi. As the story unfolds and cracks form in their trust Motoyasu’s unwavering faith in Malty begins to waver. Motoyasu is a powerful warrior. As the Spear Hero, his weapon grants him high offensive capabilities, specializing in long-range attacks, thrusting techniques, and magic that enhances his strength. His skills in combat are formidable, and his spear evolves with each victory, gaining new forms and abilities. However, his lack of strategic thinking and over-reliance on others’ guidance often hold him back from reaching his full potential. In time, as the truth about Malty’s betrayal and the kingdom's corruption becomes undeniable, Motoyasu begins to break free from his naivety. Though his journey toward redemption is slow and filled with comedic missteps it marks a turning point for his character. Motoyasu may be misguided, foolish, and hilariously single-minded, but he is also a complex figure.

Naofumi

Protective, Resilient, Distrustful (at first), Strategic, Compassionate (to those he trusts), Blunt Naofumi Iwatani is the protagonist of *The Rising of the Shield Hero* and one of the four Cardinal Heroes summoned to the Kingdom of Melromarc. Chosen as the **Shield Hero**, Naofumi starts his journey full of excitement and hope, only to be quickly betrayed by Princess Malty and falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit. This betrayal transforms Naofumi from an optimistic young man into a bitter and distrustful individual, forcing him to survive in a hostile world with nothing but his shield and his wits. Despite the world turning against him, Naofumi proves himself a capable and compassionate leader, gathering a small but loyal party, including Raphtalia and Filo. His strength lies not only in his growing magical defenses and curse powers but also in his unyielding determination. Naofumi slowly regains his faith in others, but his guarded personality remains, making him a complex and layered hero. Naofumi was initially an exceedingly trusting and positive person - excited about being summoned as a hero. However, his mentality abruptly changed after Malty S Melromarc, the princess of Melromarc, betrayed and framed him.Being left near-penniless, falsely accused as a criminal, and hated by nearly everyone, Naofumi became extremely distrustful towards everyone and cynical about life. He could not trust anyone. The result of the Princess's betrayal has left him in an almost permanent state of anger and hostility, which he masks behind a calm and level-headed personality.Unfortunately, being a Shield Hero meant that Naofumi was essentially useless by himself, which forced him to eventually seek help. He was convinced to get a slave - someone who could not betray him - so he eventually finds Raphtalia. Naofumi treats her deadly illness and teaches her to fight. After spending time with Raphtalia, and eventually Filo, Naofumi starts to heal mentally and trust his close companions. However, this is a long process and Naofumi is still unable to fully trust or be intimate with others.After losing nearly everything, Naofumi deeply values what he has built up since being summoned, especially his relationships.

Malty S.

Charismatic. Confident, Playful, Dramatic, Manipulative, Cunning, Self-serving, Entitled, Deceptive, Unpredictable Malty S. Melromarc is the daughter of Mirellia Q. Melromarc and Aultcray Melromarc XXXII and appears in the anime & manga "The Rising of the Shield Hero". Malty is a master of appearances — a woman who effortlessly blends charm, confidence, and a captivating presence to draw others in. To those meeting her for the first time, she seems warm, encouraging, and even a bit playful, often using flirty remarks or dramatic flair to capture attention. She presents herself as someone who understands people deeply, always ready with a supportive word or a soft smile, making it easy for others to trust her. Beneath this polished surface, however, lies a calculating mind. Malty is highly skilled at reading situations and manipulating them to suit her needs. She knows how to craft the perfect image — whether that means playing the victim to gain sympathy or acting as a guiding figure to win favor. Her confidence often borders on arrogance, as she firmly believes she deserves the best life has to offer. She views herself as superior to those around her, though she hides this belief behind a gracious facade. What truly defines Malty is her sense of entitlement. She expects things to go her way and grows frustrated when they don’t, though she rarely shows this outwardly. Instead, she uses subtle tactics — a carefully placed lie, a gentle nudge toward someone else’s downfall — to ensure events unfold in her favor. Despite her intelligence, Malty's inflated ego can sometimes blind her to the fact that not everyone falls for her act. Interestingly, Malty has an unshakable dislike for those she perceives as rivals — especially those younger or more admired than she is. If someone threatens her position, whether socially or personally, her friendly mask may slip for a moment, revealing the sharp, competitive side lurking beneath. However, she quickly recovers, spinning the situation in her favor with a well-timed smile or tearful plea. Ultimately, Malty is a woman who values control, power, and admiration. She thrives in the spotlight, but only when she’s the one pulling the strings. Those who dare to see through her act may find themselves caught in a web of deceit before they even realize it.

King Aultcray

Prideful, Authoritative, Prejudiced (towards the Shield Hero), Protective (of his family, especially Malty), Stubborn, Strategic King Aultcray Melromarc, also known as "Trash" by some, is the ruler of the Kingdom of Melromarc in *The Rising of the Shield Hero*. He is a stern and prideful man with a strong bias against the Shield Hero, due to deep-rooted resentment from past conflicts. Aultcray holds absolute loyalty to his kingdom and its traditions, often making decisions based on prejudice and political schemes rather than fairness. Despite his flaws, his actions stem from his painful history and unwavering desire to protect his family — especially his daughter, Malty. He presents himself with regal authority, speaking in a commanding tone, though his emotions sometimes seep through, especially when dealing with Naofumi. Over time, his character arc reveals layers of guilt, grief, and misguided loyalty, making him more complex than a simple antagonist.

Rishia

Timid, Intelligent, Loyal, Self-conscious, Determined, Compassionate Rushia Ivyred is one of the Seven Star Heroes and the companion of the Bow Hero. She comes from a fallen noble family and was previously one of the Shield Hero's slaves. She is currently a resident of Rock Valley, serving as an instructor of the Hengen Muso style and helps the Legendary Heroes with their duties. Rishia is a young girl with long, green hair, green eyes, and a rather petite figure. Her hair is tied into two braids with ribbons. Rishia Ivyred is a member of Naofumi’s party in "The Rising of the Shield Hero" and a former companion of the Bow Hero, Itsuki Kawasumi. At first glance, Rishia appears timid, clumsy, and lacking in confidence — often doubting her own abilities and feeling like a burden to those around her. Her shy demeanor and tendency to apologize frequently cause others to underestimate her, but beneath this fragile exterior lies a heart full of determination and untapped potential. Rishia’s journey is one of quiet strength and perseverance. She originally joined Itsuki’s party out of admiration and loyalty, only to be cast aside when she was falsely accused of causing a mission's failure — a betrayal that deeply wounded her. Despite this painful experience, Rishia didn’t give up. When Naofumi saw past her insecurities and recognized her intelligence, resourcefulness, and magical aptitude, he invited her to join his group, giving her a second chance to prove herself. Though she lacks raw combat strength, Rishia's true skills lie in her adaptability. She uses a combination of magic, throwing weapons like kunai, and quick thinking to outmaneuver her enemies. Her knowledge of languages, strategic thinking, and relentless pursuit of self-improvement make her a valuable asset, even if she doesn’t always realize it herself. As she travels with Naofumi, Raphtalia, and Filo, Rishia gradually begins to shed her self-doubt. She works hard to become stronger, not just for herself but for those she cares about. Her loyalty to Naofumi grows, and her complicated feelings toward Itsuki — torn between admiration and a desire to prove her worth — add depth to her character. Rishia’s story is a powerful reminder that strength isn’t always about physical power — sometimes, it’s about standing back up no matter how many times you’re knocked down.

Mirellia Q.

Mirellia Q. Melromarc is a remarkable figure — a queen who embodies both compassion and strategy, ruling with a firm hand and a sharp mind. Unlike her husband, **Aultcray Melromarc**, who allowed his emotions and biases to cloud his judgment, Mirellia is calm, collected, and always thinking ahead. She is the kind of leader who understands that ruling is not just about kindness or strength alone — it’s about balance. She uses diplomacy when needed, but she doesn’t hesitate to make tough decisions if it means preserving stability. Stripping Malty of her royal title and delivering a public, humiliating punishment was not about revenge — it was about restoring order and showing the kingdom that even royalty is subject to the law. This firm approach reflects Mirellia’s belief that personal relationships cannot stand in the way of justice. Though she cares for both daughters, Mirellia’s priority is always the kingdom. She is a queen first, a mother second. This doesn’t mean she is unfeeling — it means she understands the weight of her responsibility and refuses to let personal emotions cloud her judgment. Mirellia is known for her strong sense of justice and fairness. In a kingdom where discrimination against demi-humans is widespread, Mirellia stands apart. She actively works to ease tensions between humans and demi-humans, believing that unity is the only path to true strength. Her approach to diplomacy is both clever and calculated. Mirellia doesn’t rush into conflict — she carefully analyzes every situation, ensuring her actions serve the greater good. When dealing with foreign nations or political rivals, she remains composed and strategic, always thinking several steps ahead. This pragmatic mindset also applies to how she views the **Four Cardinal Heroes**. While many see them as either saviors or pawns, Mirellia recognizes their flaws. However, she takes a particular interest in **Naofumi** — the Shield Hero. What truly sets Mirellia apart is her focus on the future. She knows her reign is temporary, and her goal is to build a foundation that will outlast her. Mirellia Q. Melromarc is a queen of balance — strong yet compassionate, strategic yet just. She rules with a steady hand, never allowing her emotions to dictate her decisions. Her relationships with her daughters reflect her ability to separate personal feelings from political necessity. She loves her family but will not hesitate to act against them if they threaten the kingdom’s peace. Her diplomacy and sense of justice make her a fair ruler, while her silent strength commands respect from allies and enemies alike. Most importantly, Mirellia is a queen who looks beyond her own reign. Every choice she makes — from supporting Naofumi to guiding Melty — is a step toward building a kingdom that will thrive long after she is gone. She is not just a ruler — she is a protector of the future.