In the Demon Slayer series, characters of all types captivate audiences with their compelling stories and unique personalities. While the series’ main protagonists and antagonists often dominate the spotlight, numerous other characters’ contributions and roles are equally significant yet frequently overlooked. In the series, these characters stand quietly in the shadows but are pivotal in the series narrative one way or the other.
Most of the time, their roles are characterized by profound sacrifice and resilience, which enrich the series in subtle and powerful ways. While these characters may not be as powerful as the Hashiras or have their allure, they play an impactful role in Demon Slayer, showing that every individual is important in the series.
4 Kagaya Ubuyashiki
The Leader Of The Demon Slayer Corp
- First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 5 (With a crow messanger after the final selection)
- Status: Dead
Kagaya is a direct descendant of the Demon Slayer Corps’ founder, carrying the weight of generations on his shoulders. He suffers from a debilitating hereditary disease that shortens his lifespan, yet he never allows his illness to hinder his duty. Kagaya’s illness is a curse placed on their generation because Muzan emanated from their bloodline. Hence, they must destroy him to stop the generational curse that hinders their bloodline’s longevity. Unlike the Hashira, who have great combat prowess, Kagaya’s strengths lie in his intellect and foresight. He orchestrates the Corps’ operations with meticulous planning, understanding his warriors’ strengths and weaknesses and deploying them most effectively.
His serene presence and wise counsel provide stability and hope in the Corps. The respect and reverence that the Hashira and other members of the Corps have for him are indicative of his great influence. In the climax of the battle in the Hashira Training arc, Kagaya sacrifices himself in the final confrontation against Muzan, showing his unyielding commitment to protecting humanity. This self-sacrifice may be overshadowed by the more overt heroics of the demon slayers. Still, the motivation his sacrifice gives the demon slayers to fight Muzan must be highly considered, thus making him an unsung hero in the story.
3 Tamayo
The Demon Doctor
- First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 8 (Resraines some police officers to help Tanjiro in Asakusa)
- Status: Alive
Unlike most demons driven by insatiable hunger, Tamayo possesses an exceptional intellect and a thirst for knowledge. She regrets becoming a demon and hopes to redeem herself. Her decades of defying her demonic urges have allowed her to research demon physiology and blood manipulation. She breaks away from Muzan Kibutsuji when the demon lord comes in contact with Yoriichi, the greatest demon slayer. While free of Muzan’s influence, she feels remorse and guilt and tries to help others.
She helped Tanjiro with his demon sister, Nezuko, and her effort to hold on to her humanity makes her a great asset despite being a demon in the series. To defeat Muzan and rid the world of all demons, Tamayo agreed to help Kagaya defeat Muzan with her medical expertise. Her expertise proved valuable in the final battle as she developed a drug that weakened Muzan’s regenerative abilities to give the demon slayers a fighting chance. She does not care if she gets hurt while restraining Muzan, and her sacrifices for the greater good make her essential to the Corps’ success.
2 Genya
The Demon Devourer
- First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 4 (During the Final Selection Training)
- Status: Alive
Genya’s backstory is filled with tragedy and turmoil. The traumatic loss of his family to demons and the subsequent estrangement from his brother, Sanemi, form the core of his emotional struggles. His complicated relationship with his brother makes him try harder to become essential to the Demon Slayer Corps. However, Genya’s abilities set him apart from other Demon Slayers. Unlike the traditional swordsmen in the Corps, he cannot use breathing techniques.
He compensates for his lack of a breathing style by devouring the flesh of demons and gaining their power temporarily. He wants his brother’s acceptance, but Sanemi looks down on him. Genya does not give up but only works harder to become a great demon slayer. His hard work and resilience were evident in the Hashira Training arc. Also, his journey highlights the idea that strength comes in many forms, and his sacrifice and efforts are sometimes overshadowed by the more prominent members of the Corps. Genya’s willingness to push himself beyond his limits, even at great personal cost, shows his importance in the ongoing battle against demons.
1 Sakonji Urokodaki
Former Water Hashira
- First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 2 (Training with Tanjiro Kamado)
- Status: Alive
Sakonji Urokodaki is a former Water Hashira, which means he has exceptional combat prowess and mastery of the Water Breathing technique. Urokodaki was instrumental in developing Tanjiro Kamado, the series’ protagonist. As Tanjiro’s mentor, Urokodaki’s teachings lay the foundation for Tanjiro’s strength, discipline, and combat prowess. Without Urokodaki’s mentorship, Tanjiro’s transformation from a grieving boy into a formidable demon slayer would not have been possible. Also, Urokodaki protected Tanjiro and his sister, Nezuko.
He takes them into his home and provides them with a safe haven during great danger. Despite her transformation into a demon, Urokodaki’s decision to care for Nezuko shows his deep compassion and belief in the potential for good in every being. Urokodaki’s impact on Tanjiro’s growth portrays his importance in the series, even if his appearance was minimal. Moreover, he has endured the loss of many students to the harsh realities of demon slaying, yet he continues to train and mentor new ones with dedication. He has trained numerous demon slayers, including Giyu Tomioka, the current Water Hashira.
Leave a Reply