8 Most Important Chainsaw Man Characters (Right Now)

The following article only covers the anime, not the manga.

Recently, very few anime have been as groundbreaking as Chainsaw Man. It’s shaken up the usual rules of storytelling, defied common tropes found in action anime, and proven that a raw, unpredictable style can still achieve massive success. This popularity continued with Chainsaw Man: The Movie: Reze Arc, which many fans immediately hailed as the best anime film of 2025. That’s a bold claim, especially considering the strong competition this year, including the release of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1.

The story, which began with action and a fight for survival, has evolved into a larger geopolitical conflict disguised as a personal tragedy. The events surrounding Reze aren’t just increasing the action; they’re transforming the world around Denji into a complex game of strategy, where power lies in vulnerability. Now that the conflict has expanded beyond simple devil hunting to encompass the fate of the world – tied to Denji’s unique heart – these characters will be central to what happens next in the series.

8. The Gun Devil

Image via Shonen Jump.

The Gun Devil is the central antagonist, responsible for all the suffering we’ve witnessed in the anime so far. Even though he hasn’t physically appeared, his influence is present in every gunshot and every deal made by hunters driven to desperation. He represents humanity’s greatest fear, acting more like an unstoppable natural disaster or a powerful deterrent than a conventional monster.

This entity is central to the world’s politics and the motivations of key characters. Its unique biological material is the most valuable resource globally, driving the goals of Special Division 4. Throughout the series, the hunt to find and destroy this being forms the core of the overarching narrative within Public Safety.

7. Beam (Shark Fiend)

I’ve noticed Beam is far more than just a funny character or a quick fighter. He seems to be a walking history book when it comes to the Chainsaw Devil’s origins. While everyone else sees Denji as just a hybrid, Beam genuinely admires and loves him – it’s almost like he knows something the others don’t, and it makes me think about Pochita. He’s the only one who remembers stories about the ‘Lord Chainsaw’ from the underworld, and I have a strong feeling he’s the key to finally understanding Pochita and Denji’s shared past.

Beam isn’t just helpful to Denji because of what he can do, but because he’s Denji’s most steadfast and reliable friend. Unlike other fiends who might be self-serving or unsure, Beam’s loyalty is complete and automatic. He provided the raw power and defense Denji needed to defeat Reze. Many fans rightly believe Beam was the real hero of the movie.

6. Angel Devil

Angel Devil’s introduction marks a significant shift in the series’ tone and, more importantly, highlights Aki Hayakawa’s evolving character. As a devil who unintentionally harms humans simply by existing, he embodies the tragic irony of their world. He mirrors the fate of the hunters themselves, demonstrating that even those with seemingly special abilities are ultimately trapped in a cycle of suffering and inevitable death.

The connection between the protagonist and Aki is arguably the most heartwarming aspect of the anime, filling the void left by Himeno’s absence. Aki initially despised devils, so his growing bond with one highlights his significant personal growth. Their relationship is built on shared sadness and a quiet acceptance of their short lifespans, adding a realistic and bittersweet tone to the show’s exciting action. He provides a much-needed human element to the world of devils within Public Safety, making the losses suffered by the division even more impactful.

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5. Power

I’ve been watching Denji, and it’s clear power isn’t about domination for him anymore – it’s more like something he needs to get through his incredibly messy life. This character, who used to see people as either something to eat or something to use, has really changed. Her connection with Denji and Aki has made her fiercely protective, though she’s still a bit of a wildcard. She’s become like a found sister to Denji, and honestly, she seems to be the only thing keeping him from completely falling apart with everything he deals with at work.

Currently in the anime, her value comes from how unpredictable she is and the immense power she can unleash when things get difficult. As a Blood Fiend, she has control over her life force, making her a game-changer in any battle. However, what truly makes her character stand out now is her growing sense of humanity and her genuine fear of losing the peaceful life she’s built.

4. Aki Hayakawa

Image via MAPPA.

I’ve been watching Aki closely, and it’s clear he’s really become the heart of the whole operation. He’s the one constantly caught between the wild, unpredictable hybrids and the strict rules of Public Safety. Since losing Himeno and learning about his own limited lifespan, his focus has shifted. It’s no longer just about revenge for him; he’s driven by a need to protect the few friends he has left. He feels like a classic tragic hero – he knows how things will likely end, but he’s still determined to fight for what matters.

Right now, his main focus is protecting Aki, Himeno, and Kobeni, and providing them with the guidance and rules that his friends, Denji and Power, don’t offer. The sacrifices he made through his deals with the Future Devil and the Curse Devil have deeply affected him, making his desire for revenge even stronger. He feels like his fate is already decided, which adds weight to everything he does in the current storyline.

3. Makima

Makima is the most enigmatic and influential character in the anime, manipulating others as if they were pieces on a chessboard. Despite her beautiful appearance and gentle voice, she possesses immense control and a hidden depth that keeps both the characters and viewers on edge. While she seemingly gave Denji a reason to live, she also subtly controls his fate.

Honestly, Makima just defines everything happening in Tokyo right now. Every big move, from the really disturbing long-term plans to how she controls people, seems to run through her. With everyone scrambling to find the Gun Devil, the biggest mysteries in the whole story are definitely what Makima is really up to and just how powerful she actually is. I’m completely hooked trying to figure her out!

2. Denji

Image via MAPPA.

Aki might be the driving force behind the story, but Denji is its emotional core—and that’s not just a figure of speech. He’s connected to the incredibly powerful Chainsaw Devil, and governments around the world would likely do anything to control that power, or so it seems as the story moves into Season 2. What makes Denji special is that he’s unpredictable and doesn’t play by anyone’s rules, whether human or devil.

Denji is struggling to choose between a simple, normal life and the violent path he’s always known. Through fights with enemies like Reze, he’s not just becoming a better fighter, but also more emotionally aware. Ultimately, the story centers on his journey to be seen as a person, not just a powerful weapon.

1. Pochita

Pochita is the central figure in the story, acting as Denji’s heart and the origin of everything that happens. His promise to Denji—to share his dreams—is what sets the entire plot in motion and keeps Denji alive. All other devils and hunters are desperate to understand, capture, or eliminate Pochita, making him uniquely important.

His impact extends far beyond simply being gone; it’s his hidden role as the Hero of Hell that actually sparks the global conflict. In a world filled with deceit and backstabbing, he represents unwavering loyalty. Without Pochita’s sacrifice, the story of Chainsaw Man wouldn’t exist, and the world would likely have fallen to the Gun Devil – or something even worse. Fans are eagerly anticipating news about season 2 to see what happens next.

2026-02-24 00:05