One-Punch Man - Characters & Cast

Initially motivated by the 'thrill of the fight' and a sense of duty, his motivation shifts toward maintaining a quiet, affordable life while occasionally hoping to find an opponent who doesn't die in one hit.

Saitama begins as a disillusioned salaryman who finds purpose in training to be a hero, only to lose his emotional range once he becomes too strong. Throughout the series, his arc is less about gaining power and more about finding social connection. By Season 3, he begins to value his unconventional 'family'—Genos, King, and others—realizing that while combat no longer thrills him, his relationships might provide the fulfillment he seeks.

Driven by a singular thirst for vengeance and the desire to reach 'the pinnacle of strength' by studying Saitama's every move.

Genos starts as a revenge-driven cyborg looking for a 'mad cyborg' that destroyed his village. Over three seasons, he transitions from a solo vigilante to a dedicated student of Saitama. His growth is measured by his constant mechanical upgrades and his gradual realization that Saitama's strength isn't just physical, but mental. He learns that sheer power (destructive capability) isn't the same as true heroism.

To unite humanity by becoming a common enemy (a monster) so terrifying that all petty human conflicts cease in the face of his presence.

Garou is the primary focus of the later seasons. He views himself as the 'Hero Hunter' who roots for the underdog monsters. His arc is a descent into 'Monsterization' as he hunts S-Class heroes to prove the hypocrisy of the Hero Association. By the climax of Season 3, his internal struggle between his lingering humanity and his desire to become 'Absolute Evil' reaches a breaking point.

Survival and the desire to simply stay home and play games without being summoned to die by the Hero Association.

Known as the 'Strongest Man on Earth,' King is actually a terrified otaku who accidentally takes credit for Saitama's kills. His arc involves coming to terms with his cowardice and forming a genuine friendship with Saitama through video games. He becomes Saitama’s only true 'rival,' but only in the digital world.