Despite some earlier episodes now being over two decades old, NARUTO continues to be one of the most popular anime and manga series ever released. Created by Masashi Kishimoto and released in the late 1990’s, NARUTO is loved by fans across the world for its wonderful characters, each with unforgettable personalities and ambitions.
Top NARUTO Characters of the Series
Over the course of 3 main series (and many NARUTO movies), there are some 1000 episodes, the character stories intertwine and the overall series arc develops into one of the most thrilling animes ever to hit screens. Enjoy!
Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto Uzumaki is the central protagonist in the series. He starts as a bit of a troublemaker – full of energy and mischief. But these personality traits are really rooted in his deep desire for recognition and acceptance from his village.
Naruto’s optimism and resilience are central to his character, and his dream of becoming Hokage (the village leader) is a perfect symbol of his goal to protect his friends and earn the respect he longs for. Naruto’s journey is one of self-discovery – from a headstrong young boy to a (mostly) responsible leader who’s learned the value of friendship.
Sasuke Uchiha
Sasuke Uchiha is one of Naruto’s closest friends and strongest rivals. He’s often shown as calm, reserved, and highly intelligent, but he also holds a deep inner struggle due to his childhood experiences.
Sakura Haruno
Sakura Haruno, a member of Team 7 alongside Naruto and Sasuke, starts as a determined yet somewhat insecure character. Over time, her growth into a strong, capable ninja is one of the series’ key character arcs. Known for her intelligence and quick thinking, Sakura’s initial focus on her personal feelings evolves into a strong sense of duty and loyalty to her friends. Her character brings a balance to the trio, offering emotional depth and showing the importance of both strength and compassion.
Kakashi Hatake
Kakashi Hatake is the mentor of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, playing a crucial role in their early development. Known for his calm and collected personality, Kakashi is an experienced ninja with a strong sense of responsibility, despite his laid-back attitude. His mysterious past and his ability to lead his students with wisdom and care make him a pivotal character. Kakashi’s teachings and mentorship help shape Naruto and the others into the ninjas they become.
Itachi Uchiha
Itachi Uchiha is one of the most enigmatic characters in the NARUTO series. He’s the older brother of Sasuke and is shrouded in mystery throughout the series. He’s central to the plot as he acts as the counterfoil to his younger brother – who was the only member of the Uchiha clan (his family) he spared when he killed them all. Despite him being shown as distant and often cold, his character arc isn’t as a simple villain insofar as his actions are discovered not to be so clear cut.
Jiraiya
Jiraiya, also known as the “Pervy Sage” (something that might not fly so much today), is one of the legendary Sannin and serves as one of Naruto’s primary mentors. He is a charismatic and humorous character who also possesses immense wisdom and strength. Jiraiya’s carefree attitude often masks his deep understanding of the world and his experience as a ninja.
Jiraiya’s bond with Naruto is one of the most meaningful relationships in the series, and his contributions are key to Naturo’s development as a ninja.
Madara Uchiha
Appearing in NARUTO’s Part II, Madara Uchiha is one of the most formidable characters throughout the NARUTO series due to his incredible power and even more incredible ambition. He takes on a legendary status within the series – coming to represent the pursuit of dominance and control. But, like Itachi, he’s not necessarily a one-dimensional villain. His philosophy of achieving peace through strength and force make him central throughout the series, but he only remains as a murky historical figure in Part I.
Hinata Hyuga
Hinata Hyuga, a member of the prestigious Hyuga clan, is known for her quiet and gentle nature. Her shy personality is a real contrast to her inner strength and determination, particularly in her dedication to becoming a stronger ninja. Hinata’s unwavering support for Naruto and her journey to build self confidence play an important role in the series. Despite her reserved demeanour, Hinata proves herself to be an especially capable and brave shinobi.
Gaara
Gaara, the leader of the Sand Village, is another significant character who undergoes tremendous growth. Initially cold and withdrawn, Gaara’s personality is shaped by a difficult past. However, his evolution into a compassionate and wise leader shows the impact of understanding and friendship. Gaara’s connection with Naruto highlights themes of empathy and change, making his character arc one of the most meaningful in the series.
Nagato / Pain
Nagato, also known as Pain, is one of the primary antagonists in NARUTO. His character is marked by a strong desire for peace, though his methods to achieve it are extreme. Pain’s personality is calm and calculating, but he is driven by a sense of deep loss and disillusionment. His ideals present a philosophical challenge to Naruto, and their confrontation explores the complex issues of conflict, suffering, and peace. Pain’s importance to the series lies in his ability to force Naruto and other characters to question their beliefs and strategies for achieving a better world.
Orochimaru
Orochimaru is one of the legendary Sannin and one of the most iconic villains in the series. His personality is marked by ambition and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and power. Known for his manipulative and cunning nature, Orochimaru’s actions drive much of the conflict in NARUTO.
His presence in the story adds layers of intrigue and showcases the darker side of ambition and the consequences of unchecked desires.
Shikamaru Nara
Shikamaru Nara is one of Naruto’s close friends and a highly intelligent ninja. Known for his laid-back personality, Shikamaru often appears unmotivated, but his strategic mind and problem-solving abilities make him an indispensable part of the team. His character emphasises the importance of intellect and careful planning in a world often focused on physical power. Shikamaru’s leadership skills and growth into a responsible figure highlight his importance to the overall story, particularly in times of crisis.
Show off your love of NARUTO
NARUTO remains beloved because its characters feel like real friends of ours – we’re able to join them on their journeys and feel their ups as well as their downs. And while the characters’ individual stories are what keeps us going, it’s often the fact that they’re fighting to save their village (or even the whole world) that makes their fights important.
If you want to show off your love of NARUTO, invest in a beautiful metal poster of your favourite character! Our posters are super easy to hang, just as easy to swap around, and built to last forever.
