The fifteen year old boy who joins the Shinsengumi in hopes of becoming strong and taking revenge for his murdered parents. He is young and brash, with a fiery temper and a strong will to succeed.
Ichimura Tatsunosuke
Tetsu's older brother...who constantly worries about the former. He is usually quiet and softspoken, and prefers to apoligize (over and over again) instead of getting involved with any fights.
*Kodou Isami
The leader of the Shinsengumi. He is plays a pretty small role in the series. In fact, he tends to sit back and allow Hijikata to make most of the decisions.
*Hijikata Toshizo
Dubbed the "demon" of the Shinsengumi, this remarkably strong warrior makes most of the decisions in the group. He is the type of man who would not show his emotions, even if he is sad or distressed. Instead, he is unfailingly hard (and harsh) towards his men. He keeps a cool distance from the rest of the members, with the exception of Souji.
*Okita Souji
1st Squad Captain. This man is one of the most dangerous swordsman in the country. In peacemaker, he is portrayed as a highly dangerous, highly effeminated man who has a cute, sunny deposition. However, he is quite scary when he gets serious. (In this aspect, he reminds me of Fuji Syusuke from Prince of Tennis.)
*Yamanami Seisuke
In the series, he is the softspoken commander of the Shinsengumi. He seems to prefer the scholarly ways more than fighting. Later on, he confesses that he cannot stand the sight of bloodshed. Yamanami is weak as a commander because of his compassion, and his bloody past often comes back to haunt his thoughts.
*Nagakura Shinpachi
2nd Squad Captain. The shortest of the "Comedy Trio," Shinpachi is nevertheless very strong and skilled with the sword. Easy-going and mischievous, he loves to play pranks on/or with Sanosuke.
*Toudou Heisuke
8th Squad Captain. Another member of the "comedy trio," he is a good swordsman, but holds a weakness for cute and adorable things.
*Harada Sanosuke
10th Squad Captain. The biggest and tallest of the "comedy trio," Sanosuke displays an awesome strength with the staff. He is indeed the number one staffmaster in the Shinsengumi. When he is off duty, he hangs around Shinpachi and play pranks, or seek out Tetsu to tease him.
*Saitou Hajime
3rd Squad Captain. A strange but funny man with a love for noodles and a keen sense of the "otherworld." (at least in the series) Under his sleepy visage and monotone voice, Saitou is a deadly fighter with skills that could match even Souji.
*Yamazaki Susumu
Watch (aka. spy, inspector.) One of the more mysterious member of the Shinsengumi, Susumu's job is to gather information, infiltrate the enemy, and then report back to Hijikata. He is usually passive and emotionless, but despite that, he is unable to become a "perfect" ninja. Tetsu is the only one who is able to make him feel anger.
Yamazaki Ayumu
Susumu's sister, who cooks delicious food for the entire Shinsengumi. She is well liked by all. There is some tension and conflict between Susumu and her, but I'm not going to spoil it here. ^^
Yoshida Toshimaro
A high ranking fighter and "sensei" in the Choshu. He bears a startling resemblance to Hijikata, although I'm not sure if that was done on purpose. He is Tetsu's nemesis.
Kitamura Suzu
Yoshida-sensei's page/apprentice. His past is another sad story. He became good friends with Tetsu for a while, but circumstances (like being on the opposite groups) eventually drove them apart.
Sakamoto Ryoma
The strange man who travels around the world on the Navy ship. He carries a gun and sings engrish songs. He seems to be very good-natured, although he is obviously wanted and listed as a dangerous man by the Shinsengumi. He also knew the "Peacemaker" who is incidentally Tetsu and Tatsu's father.
Saya
The little girl that Tetsu saves from a group of men who were picking on her. She is an orphan and a mute, but Tetsu has taken a strong liking to her, and they continue to be very good friends (and maybe more?) throughout the series.
Akesato
The beautiful and mysterious woman who resides in one of the brothels in the red light district. Yamanami often goes to her for comfort and rest.
Saizou
The cute little pig that Souji always carries around in his arms like a stuffed animal. It looks grumpy and irritated all the time, although that seems to amuse his master even more. Saizou hates Tetsu by sight, and has a tendency of knocking him over, biting his legs, and chasing him around.
*confirmed historical figure.
[ to be continued : Part 2.0 - Review and Personal Thoughts ]
