Kuroshitsuji

Synopsis

In Victorian-era Europe, a young boy loses everything he once held near and dear to a vicious plot. In his moment of death, he strikes a deal with a demon: his soul, in exchange for revenge. Ciel Phantomhive is now the head of the Phantomhive corporation, handling all business affairs as well as the underground work for the Queen of England. His new partner is a demon butler, Sebastian Michaelis, whose powers as a butler is only surpassed by his strength as a demon.

The story follows the two along with their other servants, as they work to unravel the plot behind Ciel's parents' murder, and the horrendous tragedies that befell Ciel in the month directly after.


Main Character


Sebastian Michaelis (セバスチャン・ミカエリス)
Name: Sebastian Michaelis (Given by Ciel Phantomhive)
Age: Unknown
Birthday: Unknown
Hair: Black
Eye Color: Red
Height: 186 cm (6'1")

Sebastian Michaelis is the series' antihero. He is the butler of the Phantomhive household and acts as Ciel's bodyguard, two jobs he is completely devoted to.

Sebastian often describes himself through the phrase "Because I am one hell of a butler" (わたしはあくまで執事ですから, Aku made shitsuji desu kara?). The phrase plays on the word "demon" (あくま, akuma?) and the phrase "to the end" (あくまで, aku made?). It can also translate to "I am a demon and a butler". He is highly skilled in any area and handles every task, no matter how impossible it is as well as any problem that arises from the errors of the other staff with ease, stating it is only natural as the butler to the Phantomhive family. This is due to the fact he is a demon bound by a Faustian contract to abide by Ciel's will. A sign similar to the one marking Ciel's right eye can be found on Sebastian's left hand, which has been used on one occasion to twist the arm of a kidnapper without touching him.

The name Sebastian is in fact a temporary name given to him by Ciel and was previously held by Ciel's dog. He bears a striking resemblance to Ciel's father. In the anime adaption, Sebastian can take the form of a crow. Sebastian's true demonic form has not been fully revealed. However, a depiction of sharper teeth, high-heeled boots, and elongated nails have been given. In the manga adaptation, Sebastian appears to Ciel in his true form, while in the anime version, he appears as a crow. His name is similar to that of Father Sebastien Michaelis, who compiled a hierarchy of demons in Hell.

After the events of the first season, he goes to Alois's manor, posing as a traveler taking refuge from the storm. His real purpose to obtain Ciel's ring, which Claude has hidden in a tin in the cellar (Claude stole Ciel's soul just before Sebastian was going to eat it). In the process of trying to protect his suitcase from Claude, it is revealed that Ciel is inside. Sebastian escapes the manor and puts the ring on Ciel's finger, telling him that it is time to wake up.

When Ciel wakes up, he has no memory of the events of the previous season, and Sebastian goes to great lengths so that he doesn't find out that their contract is over. Claude and Sebastian eventually come to a deal: their masters will hunt each other down and take revenge on each other, thus 'fulfilling' both contracts. After Alois is mortally wounded, Claude decides to renig on his blood contract with Sebastian and kills Alois, as he no longer sees Alois as a fit master, so that he may pursue Ciel. He takes advantage of Ciel's confusion and brainwashes him to believe that Sebastian killed his parents, thereby causing Ciel to want Claude as his butler. Sebastian comes to his rescue and receives a final order from Ciel: that he must serve him until he is able to obtain his soul. Alois' soul posesses Ciel's body, and his wish is that neither Claude or Sebastian be able to obtain Ciel's soul, a wish Hannah grants when she turns Ciel into a demon.

Because he accepted Ciel's last order while he was human, even though he is a demon now (without a soul) Sebastian must still serve him for eternity.

Ciel Phantomhive (シエル・ファントムハイヴ)

Name: Ciel Phantomhive
Age: 12/13
Birthday: 14 December 1875
Hair: Dark Blue/Black
Eyes: Purple (Right), Blue (Left)
Height: 152 cm (5") - 158 cm (5'2") (Season 2)

The Phantomhive family has, for years, been well known for making toys and sweets for small children. However, they are also the Queen's watchdogs; the Phantomhive family keeps an eye on black market dealings in ways that Scotland Yard isn't able to. Ciel Phantomhive is the heir to this legacy.

Earl Ciel Phantomhive is the business-savvy, twelve-year-old (later thirteen-year-old) head of the English Phantomhive noble family, taking over after the deaths of his parents, Lord Vincent and Lady Rachel Phantomhive. He also runs Funtom Company, which manufactures toys and sweets, and later adds a food branch after winning a Royal Warrant. His right eye, which is usually covered with a black eyepatch, bears a pentacle sign of the Faustian contract which binds the demon Sebastian Michaelis to his will. He also has a brand burnt into his back from when he was sold as a slave after his house was burnt down.

Ciel is engaged to his cousin, Elizabeth Middleford. He sees her as an important friend and someone he needs to protect. His parents were killed and his mansion was set ablaze on his birthday, a reason why he does not like to celebrate the occasion. This tragedy causes him to not want to lose anyone important again.

Despite his young age, he runs the family company and, as such, is quite busy much of the time though he still finds time to go out investigating dubious legal matters.

Throughout the series Ciel's height has been used as a tool of mockery due to his short stature. He grows by 6 cm in the second season, but still remains shorter than the other characters, thus continuing the comical relief. Sebastian enjoys teasing Ciel about this fact. In the manga he does not grow taller.

The young earl is far more composed and mature than would be expected. He remains distant from others, aloof, preferring to spend his time on work for the company. He is oftentimes selfish and not able to fully empathize with people. However, he does express occasional concern for the well-being of those close to him.

As a side note, Ciel seems to enjoy drinking tea a lot (he is adept at distinguishing between them as well) and sweet desserts. He has asthma (inherited from his mother) and dislikes being around cats because they trigger his allergies.