High School D×D - Characters & Cast

Initially, his motivation is purely carnal: to become a "Harem King." This simple, comical goal serves as a catalyst for him to gain power. However, his motivation quickly evolves. The core driver of his actions becomes the fierce, unwavering desire to protect Rias from her arranged marriage and, later, to protect all his friends and family from the numerous threats they face. His perverted desires often become a comedic source for his power-ups, linking his base instincts to his heroic feats.

Issei begins as a comically perverted and weak high schooler whose primary goal is to have a harem. After his reincarnation as a devil, his arc is one of exponential growth. Initially driven by his desire to protect Rias and his new friends, he slowly transforms from a liability into the group's powerhouse. He learns to master the Boosted Gear, unlocking powerful forms like the Scale Mail and confronting his inner demons. Over the seasons, while retaining his perverted nature, he matures emotionally, becoming a reliable leader who inspires loyalty and is willing to sacrifice everything for those he cares about.

Her primary motivation is freedom—both for herself from unwanted political marriages and for her peerage to live happily. She carries the immense pressure of the Gremory family name and wishes to be seen for who she is, not just her title. Her love for Issei becomes a central motivation, as he is the first person to see her simply as 'Rias' rather than a high-ranking noble.

Rias is introduced as a confident, powerful, and kind master to Issei, the heir to the esteemed Gremory devil clan. Her initial arc revolves around her desperation to escape an arranged marriage to Riser Phenex, seeing Issei as her potential key to freedom. After Issei saves her, her character arc shifts to her developing genuine romantic feelings for him. She learns to shed her formal 'master' persona and reveal a more vulnerable, age-appropriate side. She grows from being Issei's protector into his partner, learning to trust in his strength and standing by him as an equal.

Her early motivation is to serve Rias, her best friend who saved her from persecution. However, her deeper, underlying motivation is to find self-acceptance. Her seemingly flirtatious and sadistic personality is a coping mechanism for her internal conflict. As she develops feelings for Issei, her motivation also includes finding a place where she is loved for who she truly is, including the parts of herself she despises.

Akeno is initially presented as the Occult Research Club's second-in-command, a graceful and gentle beauty with a hidden sadistic streak. Her main arc revolves around confronting her painful past and mixed heritage as the child of a fallen angel and a human. She harbors deep resentment towards her father and is ashamed of her fallen angel side. Throughout the series, with Issei's help and encouragement, she learns to accept both halves of herself, finally embracing her full power and reconciling with her father. This allows her to move past her trauma and pursue her own happiness.

Asia's core motivation is to love and be loved. Having been abandoned and betrayed, her greatest desire is to have a family and a place where she belongs. She is fiercely devoted to Issei, who was the first person to show her kindness and treat her like a normal girl. Her actions are almost always driven by her desire to help and heal others, even at great personal risk.

Asia is introduced as a gentle, devout nun who is exiled by the Church for her ability to heal devils and fallen angels. After being killed and resurrected as a devil by Rias, her arc focuses on finding a new sense of belonging and family. She struggles with the fact that, as a devil, she can no longer pray to God. Over the seasons, she grows more confident and assertive, becoming the emotional support of the group. While remaining kind and innocent, she develops a strong will and the courage to fight alongside her friends, proving that kindness is its own form of strength.