About “The Rising of the Shield Hero” in a few words:

“The Rising of the Shield Hero” is an anime series based on the light novel of the same name by Aneko Yusagi. The story revolves around Naofumi Iwatani, who is summoned to a parallel world as one of four legendary heroes tasked with saving the kingdom from destruction. However, Naofumi’s journey is far from easy as he is falsely accused of a crime and becomes ostracized by the kingdom. The series follows Naofumi’s quest for justice and his growth as a hero as he teams up with other characters to save the world.

Meet the characters from The Rising of the Shield Hero

Raphtalia

Okay, Raphtalia is basically the heart-wrenching, sword-wielding cinnamon roll who somehow learned to be terrifyingly good at stabbing things while still insisting on tiny hand-holds. She’s fiercely loyal to a fault, old-soul trauma mixed with puppy-level affection, and honestly I cry a little every time she smiles — or maybe that’s just allergies, who knows. She collects ribbons (and probably snacks) and will defend her friends with that adorable growl that makes you feel both safe and like you’re in danger. Also sometimes she’s dramatic and petty in the cutest ways, which is exactly why you love her, even if she swears she’s “totally calm” and then slams a door.

Ren Amaki

Ren is the tall, sword-silent type who gives off “stoic poet” vibes but secretly loves cheesy romance novels — don’t tell anyone. He’s cool and precise in battle, kind of broody, and definitely the friend you go to for a calm, rational plan (even if his idea of a plan is just “slice things”). He’s quietly honorable and has this weird habit of fixing his hair right after a fight like he’s on a runway, which is ridiculous and charming. Sometimes he’s almost too collected and then will crack into sarcasm at the worst moment, which I live for.

Itsuki Kawasumi

Itsuki is the painfully earnest, justice-obsessed archer who reads like a walking moral compass with a quiver — and yes, he does actually read moral philosophy before breakfast. He tries so hard to be the perfect “good guy” that it’s adorable and slightly concerning, like a boy scout with a bow and a stash of tea bags. He’s compassionate to a fault, gives really long speeches about fairness, and then quietly cries into his archer’s glove when things go sideways (or he watches a sad dog video). Also I’m 80% sure he collects tiny porcelain cups even though he never drinks from them — it’s a mood.

Filo

Filo is pure, chaotic fluff energy wrapped in feathers and an infernal speed boost; like, she’s bubblegum sunshine who transforms into a giant terrifying bird on demand and you love her for it. She lives for bread (and maybe rolls? definitely bread), screams “I’M A FILOLIAL!” at inconvenient times, and will shove you into safety with a grin that’s both triumphant and suspiciously sticky. She’s childlike but also, somehow, suspiciously competent with logistics, like someone taught her spreadsheets in between naps. Tiny detail: she hoards crumbs and occasionally attempts to make jewelry out of twigs — it’s very on-brand.

Motoyasu Kitamura

Motoyasu is the flashy, must-love-romance spear bro who’s charming, a little clueless, and earnest to the point of dramatic declarations at the wrong moment. He’s the “everyone’s friend” type — sings loud, flirts loudly, cries loudly — but he’s also loyal and will dive headfirst into a fight with enthusiastic panic. He has a habit of complimenting everything, even trash, and once tried to hold a tea ceremony and accidentally turned it into a wrestling match; iconic. Also, deep down he’s surprisingly philosophical when nobody’s watching, which is such a mood swing and I’m here for it.

L’Arc Berg

L’Arc is the roguish, rakish wildcard who acts like he’s allergic to rules but will protect his people like the grumpiest teddy bear ever. Looks like a troublemaker, talks like a poet when tipsy, and is somehow both charming and infuriating in the same breath — which is basically his superpower. He’s got a soft spot for underdogs and a weird hobby of collecting tiny maps no one understands, and I swear he winked at me through a book once. Occasionally he’ll do something unexpectedly heroic and then immediately make a sarcastic comment to cover it up, which is peak L’Arc energy.

Therese Alexanderite

Therese is the frosty, regal schemer who floats around courts with a smile that says “I have five plans and you’re on plan number three.” She’s polished, witty, and can be manipulative in the most elegant way possible — like a chessmaster who wears designer cloaks. Beneath the cool exterior though, there’s this fragile insecurity that makes her human (and kind of relatable), and she collects gloves for no obvious reason which I find suspiciously adorable. Don’t underestimate her; she’ll sip tea, correct your posture, and ruin your day with impeccable timing.

Naofumi Iwatani

Naofumi is the grumpy, stubborn shield dad who starts off bitter and becomes your chaotic, soft-hearted protector-cactus — prickly but will heal you with like, three different herbs and an awkward pep talk. He’s resourceful to the point of MacGyver-level improvisation, deeply loyal, suspicious of nonsense, and low-key sweet in this “I will name all my items and maybe knit you socks” way. He gets mad fast but loves harder, and his delivery of one-liners is both exhausted and legendary. Also he hoards snacks and probably has a secret stash of motivational quotes; I believe it.

Fitoria

Fitoria is this ancient, ethereal queen vibe — regal and tragic and soft at the same time, like if moonlight could be a person and also give you a hug. She’s wise, melancholy, and carries centuries of stories in a single tired smile, and somehow manages to be both impossibly powerful and heartbreakingly gentle. She collects tiny trinkets from travelers (like matchbox-sized thrones? I don’t know) and hums the kind of lullaby that makes you cry even if you don’t want to. There’s a bittersweet kindness about her that makes you want to do something heroic just to see her smile, which is manipulative but also very effective.

Glass

Glass is the quiet, mysterious type who glides into a scene and everyone’s like “wait—who was that?” and then she’s already solved three problems and redecorated the room. She’s elegant, sharp, and has that unsettlingly calm vibe like she knows the ending of every story and maybe wrote some of them. She likes shiny things (literal glass, you see the theme?) and has the odd habit of polishing things at odd hours, which is both soothing and slightly eerie. Also, she’s unexpectedly snarky when cornered and will roast you with the politest sentence you’ve ever heard — so watch it.