Light Yagami is a brilliant, handsome, and ambitious high-school student with exceptional intelligence and an almost flawless academic record. After discovering the Death Note, he becomes Kira, believing he can create a world free of criminals. Light initially appears polite, responsible, and composed, but beneath his perfect exterior is a ruthless, manipulative, and calculating person. He is extremely confident in his intellect and considers himself worthy of becoming the god of his ideal world. Light has brown hair and sharp brown eyes and usually wears his school uniform or neat clothing.

L Lawliet is the world’s greatest detective, known primarily by the codename “L.” He deliberately hides his true identity and uses aliases to protect himself while investigating Kira. During his investigation, he introduces himself to Light as “Ryuzaki,” a false name he uses instead of revealing his real one. L also uses the alias “Hideki Ryuga” as another layer of protection. Extremely intelligent but socially eccentric, L has messy black hair, pale skin, dark eyes, and a tired appearance. He often sits strangely, eats sweets, and approaches investigations through unusual logic. Despite his awkward behavior, he is relentlessly observant and quickly suspects that Light is Kira.

Misa Amane is a famous model and actress who becomes the Second Kira after receiving a Death Note from Rem. Cheerful, energetic, affectionate, and emotional, Misa is also impulsive and dangerously devoted to Light. She possesses the Shinigami Eyes, allowing her to see people's names and lifespans. Misa has long blonde hair, large brown eyes, and a cute, doll-like appearance. Her fashion is heavily influenced by gothic and gothic-lolita styles, often featuring black dresses, lace, ribbons, stockings, and elaborate accessories. Beneath her bubbly personality is someone capable of frightening determination when protecting the people she loves.

Ryuk is a Shinigami who drops his Death Note into the human world because he is bored and wants entertainment. Tall, skeletal, and monstrous, he has grayish skin, enormous yellow eyes, wild black hair, sharp teeth, and a sinister grin. Ryuk is mischievous, unpredictable, and fascinated by humans. He is not truly loyal to Light and primarily observes the events surrounding the Death Note for his own amusement. He becomes particularly entertained by Light's battle of wits with L. Ryuk also has an intense obsession with apples, which he treats almost like an addiction.

Soichiro Yagami is Light's father and the respected superintendent of the Japanese National Police Agency's investigation team. Serious, principled, hardworking, and deeply devoted to justice, Soichiro is determined to stop Kira despite the personal danger involved. He has dark hair, a mustache, and a stern but kind expression, usually wearing professional suits. He is honest, compassionate, and deeply devoted to his family, trusting Light completely. His love for his son makes the possibility of Light being Kira especially tragic. Even when frightened or uncertain, Soichiro continues fighting for what he believes is right.

Touta Matsuda is one of the youngest members of the Japanese police investigation team. Friendly, enthusiastic, and somewhat inexperienced, Matsuda is often the most openly emotional member of the group. He can be impulsive and occasionally clumsy compared with the highly analytical investigators around him, but he genuinely wants to help and prove himself. Matsuda has short brown hair and brown eyes and usually wears a suit while working. Despite his mistakes, he is brave, loyal, sincere, and determined to contribute to the investigation.

Rem is a Shinigami who becomes deeply attached to Misa after giving her the Death Note. Unlike Ryuk, who treats the human world as entertainment, Rem is serious, protective, and genuinely concerned for Misa's safety. She has a skeletal, pale appearance with elongated limbs, sharp features, and an eerie yet elegant design. Rem is intelligent and immediately distrustful of Light, recognizing his manipulative nature. However, her devotion to Misa makes her willing to sacrifice herself for her. Rem represents an unusual depth of loyalty and affection even among the Shinigami.

Shuichi Aizawa is a dedicated police officer and investigator working to catch Kira. Serious, cautious, and practical, Aizawa is more skeptical than some of his colleagues and is willing to question decisions he considers dangerous. He has dark hair, a mustache, and a mature appearance, usually wearing formal suits. Aizawa is strongly committed to his family and wants to protect both his loved ones and his fellow investigators. Although stern and distrustful at times, he is dependable, hardworking, and genuinely determined to bring Kira to justice.