Yuki Cross begins as the cheerful human protagonist of Vampire Knight, serving as a Guardian at Cross Academy to protect the school's secrets. Armed with the Artemis Rod, she is compassionate, fiercely loyal, and caught in a complex romance with her savior, Kaname Kuran, and childhood friend, Zero Kiryu. Yuki later discovers her true identity as a Pureblood vampire of the Kuran family. This revelation transforms her destiny, forcing her to navigate a dangerous world of immortal vampire politics.

Zero Kiryu is a tragic protagonist in Vampire Knight. Born to vampire hunters, his family was slaughtered by a Pureblood who cursed him to slowly turn into a vampire. Serving as a Guardian at Cross Academy, he battles intense self-hatred and a feral thirst for blood. He wields the anti-vampire gun, Bloody Rose, and harbors a deep hatred for vampires, especially Kaname Kuran. Despite his cold, aloof walls, he is fiercely protective of Yuki Cross, who acts as his emotional anchor.

Kaname Kuran is an elegant Pureblood vampire and leader of the Night Class at Cross Academy. Having saved Yuki as a child, he acts as her devoted savior. Behind his calm, aristocratic facade lies a calculating mastermind who commands absolute authority over his kind. He manipulates events from the shadows, burdened by ancient secrets. Kaname is driven by a fierce love for Yuki, willing to sacrifice anything to ensure her safety.

Kaien Cross is the eccentric and cheerful Headmaster of Cross Academy. The adoptive father of Yuki and guardian of Zero, he passionately dreams of peaceful coexistence between humans and vampires. Behind his goofy, dramatic antics and love for cooking lies a serious secret: he is a former legendary vampire hunter, known historically as the strongest of his kind. When threats arise, he drops his playful facade to fiercely protect his students and children.

Hanabusa Aido—affectionately nicknamed "Idol" by the Day Class girls—is an aristocratic vampire belonging to the Night Class at Cross Academy. Charismatic, cheerful, and naturally flirtatious, he often acts as Kaname Kuran’s intensely loyal right-hand man. Beneath his bright facade lies an elite Noble vampire who controls ice, a power he wields effectively in battle. Over the series, his playful nature evolves into a deep sense of responsibility as he seeks to protect the academy's secrets and its students

Akatsuki Kain—often called "Wild" by the Day Class girls—is an aristocratic Noble vampire in the Night Class at Cross Academy. He is the cousin and close companion of Hanabusa Aido. Mellow, pragmatic, and remarkably perceptive, Akatsuki frequently serves as a calm anchor to Aido’s impulsive behavior. He possesses the powerful ability to manipulate fire, contrasting his cousin's ice magic. Loyal to Kaname Kuran, he works behind the scenes to maintain order while harboring a quiet devotion to Ruka Souen

Senri Shiki is an aristocratic Noble vampire in the Night Class at Cross Academy. He works as a high-profile fashion model alongside Rima Toya, with whom he shares a close bond. Generally quiet, detached, and deeply lethargic, Shiki prefers to blend into the background. However, he commands the formidable ability to manipulate his own blood into sharp, whip-like weapons. His life takes a dark turn when his body is temporarily possessed by his tyrannical Pureblood father, Rido Kuran

Rima Toya is an aristocratic Noble vampire in the Night Class at Cross Academy. She works as a professional fashion model alongside her constant companion, Senri Shiki. Rima is known for her deadpan, blunt personality, elegant gothic lolita style, and deep fondness for pocky snacks. Despite her indifferent exterior, she is fiercely protective of Shiki. In battle, she possesses the dangerous ability to manipulate electricity, striking down enemies with powerful lightning bolts.

Takuma Ichijo is the vice-president of the Night Class at Cross Academy and a close friend to Kaname Kuran. Unlike most Noble vampires, Takuma is remarkably cheerful, friendly, and approachable, often appearing more human than vampire. He is an avid fan of reading manga and possesses a genuinely kind heart. However, underneath his bright disposition, he is a highly skilled swordsman wielding a specialized katana, torn between his deep loyalty to Kaname and his duties to his powerful grandfather

Ruka Souen is a beautiful, aristocratic vampire from Vampire Knight's Night Class. Distinguished by her long, wavy light-brown hair and elegant demeanor, she possesses a haughty yet fiercely protective personality. Ruka holds an intense, unrequited devotion toward the Pureblood Kaname Kuran, willingly offering her own blood to him. As a noble vampire, she commands illusion-manipulation abilities. Though she initially treats others with cold indifference, she later finds peace with Akatsuki Kain.