Black Butler is a popular anime and manga series set in Victorian-era England. The story follows Ciel Phantomhive, a young aristocrat who makes a pact with a demon, Sebastian Michaelis, to avenge his parents' death. Sebastian becomes Ciel’s butler and bodyguard, always on hand and available.
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The series is known for its captivating blend of dark themes, humor, and supernatural elements. Characters such as the flamboyant Grim Reaper Grell Sutcliff, the enigmatic Undertaker, and the loyal Phantomhive staff members bring interest and diversity. Let’s look at some of the best Black Butler characters that contribute to the show’s unique appeal.
10Alois Trancy
Alois Trancy is a complex character from Black Butler II. He is the young, flamboyant head of the Trancy household, having risen to his position under suspicious circumstances. Known for his erratic behavior, Alois is viewed as cruel and erratic.
However, beneath his unstable facade, he harbors a deep-seated pain and loneliness resulting from his tragic past. Like Ciel, he is also in a contract with a demon, Claude Faustus, who serves as his butler. Alois seeks attention and love, but his methods often push people away.
Mey-Rin serves as a maid in the Phantomhive household. She’s a loyal employee, but her extreme nearsightedness often leads to accidents and general clumsiness. However, her glasses hide her true talent: an extraordinary proficiency in long-range weapons, a skill stemming from her past life as asharpshooter and sniper.
However, Mey-Rin is a highly competent and protective servant. She harbors a crush on Sebastian Michaelis, the household’s butler, often resulting in comedic moments as she’s easily flustered in his presence, making her a relatable and memorable character.
Bardroy, often referred to as Bard, is the head cook of the Phantomhive household. Bard is an American and a former soldier, and his military background often influences his unconventional and explosive cooking methods. However, his culinary skills leave much to be desired, often resulting in inedible food.
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Despite the kitchen chaos he sometimes causes, he is committed to his role and is fiercely protective of the Phantomhive estate and its inhabitants. With his unique cooking methods and loyalty to Ciel, Bard brings comedy and intensity to the series.
Finnian, also known as Finny, works as a gardener for the Phantomhive estate. Finny is known for his cheerful and innocent nature, love for plants and animals, and sunny blonde hair. But beneath this light-hearted exterior, Finny possesses superhuman strength due to past human experimentation, which he often struggles to control, resulting in unintentional destruction.
However, Finny maintains an optimistic outlook and always tries to cheer up his fellow household staff. His kindness and unusual strength add an interesting dynamic to the story, making him a beloved character among fans.
6Elizabeth Midford
Elizabeth Midford, often called Lizzy, is a prominent character. As Ciel Phantomhive’s fiancée and cousin, Lizzy embodies youthful innocence and cheerfulness, often seen trying to brighten Ciel’s unhappy life with her lively antics.
Despite her frail appearance, she is askilled swordswoman, a trait she initially hides to fit the Victorian era’s expectations of feminine delicacy. Her love for Ciel is unwavering and intense, and she often shows a deep determination to protect him, even if it means going against her usually calm and sunny disposition.
5William T. Spears
William T. Spears is known for his position as a Grim Reaper. Unlike his eccentric colleague, Grell Sutcliff, William is stoic, serious, and strictly abides by the rules of the Grim Reaper Dispatch Society. He’s highly committed to his duties and exhibits a no-nonsense attitude toward his work.
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His primary tool for reaping souls is his death scythe, which takes the form of a pair of pruning shears. William’s strict adherence to rules offers an interesting contrast to the other, more flamboyant characters in the series.
4Grell Sutcliff
Grell Sutcliff is a flamboyant character, first introduced as a mild-mannered butler but is later revealed as a Grim Reaper. Characterized by her red hair, sharp teeth, and theatrical personality, Grell is highly expressive and openly flirts with Sebastian Michaelis, much to his discomfort.
Grell’s death scythe is a chainsaw, reflecting her aggressive and energetic nature. Despite her often frivolous demeanor, Grell is efficient in her work as a Grim Reaper. She often struggles with the strict rules of the Reaper Dispatch, leading to numerous comedic and dramatic moments.
3Undertaker
The Undertaker is a complex, enigmatic character. Initially presented as a retired Grim Reaper turned Funeral Director, Undertaker is known for his long silver hair, laughter-filled eyes, and chillingly jovial demeanor. However, his eccentric exterior hides many secrets about the Phantomhive family history.
Undertaker’s motives often remain ambiguous, but he assists Ciel and Sebastian, usually in exchange for a good laugh. His character turns darker as the series progresses, revealing his deeper connections with the supernatural realm. The combination of humor, mystery, and dark elements makes Undertaker an unforgettable character.
2Sebastian Michaelis
Sebastian Michaelis is a key character and a demon bound by contract to Ciel Phantomhive, helping him seek revenge in exchange for his soul. Impeccably dressed, intelligent, and composed, Sebastian excels in every task, often stating he is simply one hell of a butler.
His skills range from cooking and cleaning to combat, and he protects Ciel from all harm. Sebastian displays an amused fascination with humans, often finding their behaviors intriguing. Sebastian’s complexity, charm, and the air of mystery surrounding him have made him a fan favorite.
1Ciel Phantomhive
Ciel Phantomhive is the main character withdark origins. As the head of the Phantomhive family and the Queen’s guard dog, he handles the underworld tasks of the British Empire, despite his young age. After his parents' tragic death, Ciel forms a contract with a demon, Sebastian Michaelis, which he commands to help him exact revenge.
Ciel is known for his intelligence, cold demeanor, and fierce determination. His complex relationship with Sebastian, unyielding resolve to fulfill his duties, and the glimpses of vulnerability behind his composed façade make Ciel a compelling protagonist.
