Himura Kenshin Hitokiri Battousai Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu (Ishin Shishi)
Kenshin is a clown when he's not fighting, and spooky when he is. He carries a sword with the edge reversed so it's difficult to land a killing blow (which is the only reason he's allowed to keep it). Basically, he's just cool. He used to be a deadly assassin; now he refuses to kill anyone.
Kamiya Kaoru Raccon Girl Kamiya Kasshin Ryu
She inherited her father’s technique and now must run the Dojo by herself to ensure the technique, Kamiya Kasshin Ryu, survives to defend people. A teenage girl, Kaoru is hardworking and a tough teacher for Yahiko, as well as a friend of Kenshin.
Sagara Sanosuke Zanza, Chicken Boy Futae no Kiwami, Sekihou Tai
An ex-gangster, Sano comes to join Kenshin and company after Kenshin beats some sense into him. A freeloader and an impulsive fighter, Sano is worth more than his friends and enemies give him credit for. He was raised by the Sekihou Tai, until they were destroyed by the Meiji government. He understandably has some difficulty with this new government.
Myojin Yahiko Kamiya Kasshin Ryu
The child of a line of samurais, Yahiko has tremendous pride. When Kenshin and company first meet him, he is being forced into thievery by a gang. He is rescued to learn Kaoru’s pacifist technique, although he wants to be a warrior like Kenshin.
Megumi Fox Girl
Daughter of an apothecary, Megumi was forced to make opium for Bad Guys ™ until Kenshin rescued her. Now she uses her skills as a doctor to help the Kamiya Dojo.
Genzai-sensei
A doctor. Also the grandfather figure of the Kenshin-gumi.
Ayame and Suzume
Two cute little girls who are being raised at the dojo. Kenshin spends a lot of time with them.
Udou? Jin-E
One of the first villains.
Sagara Sekihou Tai
Sanosuke’s boss and teacher, Sagara more or less raised Sano. He and his band, the Sekihou Tai, were betrayed and murdered by the Meiji government. Sano carries his name.
Tsuioka Tsunan - Sanosuke’s friend Sekihou Tai (Katsu)
If you ever need a bomb, this is the guy to get it from. Unlike Sano, his grudge against the new government just won’t go away. But he’s still a good friend.
Hiko Seijuro 16th? Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu
A more arrogant bastard would be hard to find. Kenshin’s teacher in the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, Hiko is confident in his abilities. He also likes having pretty young women bring him sake. He risks his life to pass on the succession technique to his “stupid pupil”.
Saitou Hajime Mibu no Ookami Shinsengumi (Aku Soku Zan)
Kenshin’s rival, Saitou yearns for the day when he can finish the fight he started with Kenshin before the beginning of the Meiji era. In the meantime, he chainsmokes cigarettes, helps people get in touch with their inner wimps, and works as a policeman so he can have access to knowledge Kenshin can’t. The word badass was invented for this guy.
Shinomori Aoshi Oniwa Banshu
The leader of the Oniwa Banshu, Aoshi fights with two swords. Another one of those badasses.
Hannya, Beshimi, Hyottoko, Shikijyo
Four of the best of the Oniwa Banshu, and the first four that Kenshin meets. Pretty creepy looking bunch; Hannya’s got dental problems, Hyottoko breathes fire, Shikijyo is BIG, and Beshimi . . . well, let’s just say he has rat-like tendencies.
Misao Weasel Girl Oniwa Banshu
Young member of the Oniwa Banshu. Misao has tagged along after Aoshi and the others for as long as she could walk. Few give her enough credit for her ninja skills. She has a scary resemblance to Yufie Kisaragi in Final Fantasy Seven.
Okina Oniwa Banshu
An old member of the Oniwa Banshu, sort of in charge while Aoshi is away. Very grandfatherly, especially toward Misao, but he has a bit of a lecherous streak which surfaces occasionally.
Tsubame
A young girl who works for the Akabeko restaurant. Incidentally, she’s about Yahiko’s age.
Tae and Sae
They run a chain of Akabeko restaurants. One of them is in Tokyo; the other is somewhere else (Kyoto?).
Shishio Makoto Juppon Gatana
A burn victim from the wars, Shishio is a deadly swordsman with lots of bandages and few morals. His goal is the Kuni Tori, something on the order of total domination of Japan. He’s resourceful and cunning and Kenshin’s kind of in his way.
Yumi
Shishio’s mistress. She has no fighting skills, but is quite beautiful. Possibly was a geisha.
Seta Soujiro Juppon Gatana
The smiling youth with the very very fast sword. He has no emotions, so he smiles no matter what is happening. It’s very unnerving. He is Shishio’s protégé. Did I mention that he’s very fast with his sword?
Hoji Juppon Gatana
Shishio’s right hand man. Or maybe left. The bureaucrat in the green suit, anyway. Snake describes the man well, but he is a loyal snake.
Kamatagari Juppon Gatana
She carries a very large weapon. Come on, I can’t say any more than that without spoilers.
Iwanbo Juppon Gatana
An imbecile. Well, he is. He’s slow, in more way than one, but he’s also quite large and powerful. He has great luck.
Fuji Juppon Gatana
Okay, when I said Iwanbo was big, it was the truth. It’s just that Fuji is very, very big. Very, very big. And no one understands him (sniffle).
Old rat man Juppon Gatana
Because all giants should have keepers. This is the nice fellow who persuaded Fuji to act as a killing machine for Shishio. Anyone remember his name? Onegai?
Hennya Juppon Gatana
Not the guy with the dental problems. No, this guy looks more like Beshimi. And he flies.
Myo-o no Anji Futae no Kiwami, Juppon Gatana
He was once a priest, now . . . he’s fallen. He has this really spiffy rock-shattering technique. He uses no weapons but his fists and words.
Eye-guy Juppon Gatana
Eep. Don’t know his name. He’s blind, but somehow he can still fight. All of his clothing, headband, etc. bear depictions of eyes – makes for a creepy effect.
Katanagari Cho Broomhead Juppon Gatana
He collects katana. Hence the name. The nickname comes from his hairstyle.
Yutaro
A kid who is Yahiko’s age, but very rich and spoiled.
Hans
A Westerner who accompanies Yutaro in the later part of the series.