Yuu Ishigami

Yuu Otosaka is the main protagonist of *Charlotte*, initially a selfish and arrogant high school student with the ability to temporarily possess others. His personality undergoes a significant transformation throughout the series as he confronts personal loss and learns the value of friendship and responsibility.

Quick Facts

  • What is Yuu Otosaka's age?

    15 at the beginning of the series, 16 by the end

  • What is Yuu's height and weight?

    174 cm (5' 8½"), 63 kg (139 lbs)

  • What is Yuu's initial ability?

    Temporarily possessing a person for 5 seconds

  • What is Yuu's true ability?

    Plunder (stealing abilities)

  • What is Yuu's nickname?

    One-Eyed Grim Reaper

  • What school does Yuu attend?

    Hoshinoumi Academy

  • What is Yuu's personality like at the start of the series?

    Selfish, arrogant, narcissistic

  • How does Yuu's personality change?

    He becomes more selfless and caring

  • What is a notable physical characteristic of Yuu?

    Scar on his right eye

Description

Personality

Yuu Otosaka begins the series as a selfish, arrogant, and narcissistic individual who readily abuses his ability for personal gain. He displays a lack of empathy for others, prioritizing his own desires and using his power to cheat and manipulate. However, his relationship with his younger sister, Ayumi, reveals a softer, more caring side, hinting at a complex personality beneath his outwardly selfish demeanor. Following Ayumi's death, Yuu experiences a significant and dramatic shift in personality. He descends into depression and self-destructive behavior, exhibiting signs of instability and even sadistic tendencies. His interactions with the student council and Nao Tomori, however, gradually lead to a redemption arc, marked by increased empathy, gratitude, and a growing sense of responsibility towards his friends. By the series' end, he has overcome his selfish nature, demonstrating selflessness and a deep commitment to protecting those he cares about. The immense emotional and physical toll of his actions, however, leaves him with lasting effects on his memory and personality.

Abilities

Yuu Otosaka's primary ability is **Plunder**, initially appearing as the power to temporarily possess someone for five seconds. However, his true ability is revealed to be the absorption and permanent acquisition of the target's abilities after possession. This allows him to accumulate a vast array of powers, though the process takes a significant mental toll, leading to memory loss and instability as the number of abilities increases. He demonstrates proficiency in using various abilities he's acquired, including telekinesis, barrier creation, and time leap, but his go-to abilities remain telekinesis and barrier creation even after acquiring many others. The sheer number of abilities he eventually accumulates (potentially tens of thousands) makes him incredibly powerful, earning him the moniker "One-Eyed Grim Reaper." However, this power comes at the cost of his mental stability and memories, ultimately leaving him with a near-blank slate personality by the end of the series.