The Top 30 Characters from Hunter x Hunter

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A list of major Hunters, Phantom Troupe members, ants, & more

Co-authored by Krist Bozaia and Devin McSween

Last Updated: August 26, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Main Characters
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• Phantom Troupe
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• Chimera Ants
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• Hunter Association
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• Supporting Characters
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Hunter x Hunter is a beloved anime and manga series that’s full of hundreds of unique and complex characters. If you’re curious about who some of the major players in this series are, we’ve got you covered! We’re going over 30 of the most important and iconic characters, including the main protagonists, Phantom Troupe members, Chimera ants, and Hunter Association members, with insights from wikiHow’s anime experts.

Main Characters from Hunter x Hunter

• Protagonists: Gon, an optimistic boy searching for his father; Killua, a cheerful but deadly assassin; Kurapika, a boy seeking revenge; and Leorio, an aspiring doctor.
• Antagonists: Chrollo, the leader of the Phantom Troupe; Meruem, the king of the Chimera Ants; and Hisoka, a bloodthirsty Hunter.
• Supporting: Isaac, the chairman of the Hunter Association; Ging, Gon’s father and notable Hunter; and Illumi, Killua’s antagonistic older brother.

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Section 1 of 5:

Main Characters

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   Gon Freecss Gon is the main protagonist of Hunter x Hunter, says anime and manga enthusiast Brandon Riley. He kicks off the story by taking the Hunter Examination to become a Hunter and find his father, Ging. Along the way, he befriends Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio, who join him on his journey and help him fight the villains they meet along their way, explains anime expert Krist Bozaia. He’s a talented and powerful Nen user, and while he’s mostly friendly and optimistic, Gon has a dark, angry side and isn’t always entirely good.

   • Nen type: Gon has an Enhancement-type Nen. Anime expert Dr. Applesauce notes that Gon manifests his Nen as a more generic type of power where he manipulates his own strength and abilities.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Brandon Riley is an anime and manga enthusiast. Known as @BrandonRTalks on social media, he creates video essays where he shares his thoughts and analysis of anime and manga.

   Dr. Applesauce is an anime expert who creates content about anime, conventions, on-the-street-style interviews, and voice actor interviews. He also co-hosts the More Than A Cartoon podcast.
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   Killua Zoldyck Killua is the secondary main protagonist, notes Riley. He’s the heir of the infamous Zoldyck family, a group of deadly assassins, who has been training and completing jobs since he was born. By the time the series starts, Killua has decided to run away from home and enter the Hunter Exam for fun. There, he becomes best friends with Gon, and it’s easy to see why: Killua is mischievous and playful, a loyal and selfless friend, and a brilliant, ruthless fighter.

   • Nen type: Killua is a Transmuter. According to Dr. Applesauce, Killua’s Nen type manifests as electricity and lightning.
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   Kurapika Kurapika is another main character in the series, says Riley. He’s the only surviving member of the Kurta Clan, who were massacred by the villainous Phantom Troupe. He decides to take the Hunter Exam so he can enact revenge on the Phantom Troupe, meeting Gon for the first time on his way to the Exam. Kurapika is calm, rational, and intelligent, but due to the immense sadness and anger he feels from his clan’s murder, he’s very reserved and merciless in his desire to get vengeance.

   • Nen type: Kurapika has a conjuration Nen type, which he uses to create a chain weapon.
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   Leorio Paradinight Leorio is one of the main characters, too, Riley explains. He’s a young man (unlike the rest of the protagonists, who are children) who meets Gon and Kurapika on his way to the Hunter Exam. While he says he wants to become a hunter to become wealthy, the truth is that Leorio actually wants to be a doctor and use his wealth to help those who can’t afford care. He’s the big brother of the group and is extremely loyal to his friends, though he’s easily riled up by their teasing!

   • Nen type: Leorio possesses an emission type Nen, which allows him to shape his aura like a fist and attack people from far away.
   • Want to know which Nen type you’d have in Hunter x Hunter? Take our What Type of Nen User Am I? Quiz to find out!
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Section 2 of 5:

Phantom Troupe Members

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   Chrollo LucilferChrollo is the founder and leader of the Phantom Troupe (also known as the Spiders), a group of vicious thieves who are willing to kill to get what they want, and a major HxH antagonist. He’s intelligent, charming, and level-headed, and actually deeply cares for his Spiders. Chrollo is also extremely powerful and a ruthless fighter, making him a formidable foe for the Hunters.

   • Nen type: Chrollo has a Specialization-type Nen that allows him to steal other people’s Nen abilities. So, he has a wide range of abilities that he can draw from.
   • Curious if you’d be an optimistic hero like Gon or a complex villain like Chrollo? Take our Which Hunter x Hunter Character Am I? Quiz to find out!
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   Illumi Zoldyck Illumi is Killua’s older brother and a major antagonist throughout the series, who later joins the Phantom Troupe in the Succession Contest arc. Like his brother, Illumi is a highly skilled assassin who’s known for his ability to disguise himself. He’s extremely loyal to his family and does whatever he can to control Killua, as in his own twisted way, he’s very protective of him. Despite this, Illumi is cold, emotionless, selfish, and ruthless.

   • Nen type: Illumi has a Manipulation-type Nen, using needles to transform his body and control other people.
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   Nobunaga Hazama Nobunaga is Phantom Troupe member #2, who helped found the group alongside Chrollo. He’s extremely loyal to the Spiders and, like them, is ruthless and always ready to use violence to get what he wants. He’s fairly calm, though, and actually quite friendly, as he frequently asks Gon to join the Troupe because he reminds him of his best friend Uvogin.

   • Nen type: Nobunaga is an Enhancer who uses his aura to strengthen his own natural abilities.
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   Feitan Portor Feitan is member #2 of the Phantom Troupe who acts as the group's interrogator and torturer. And he’s a sadist who enjoys hurting others, so his main job definitely makes sense. While Feitan is mostly cold and quiet, he is very loyal to his Spiders and is particularly close to Phinks and Shalnark.

   • Nen type: Feitan has a Transmutation-type Nen, allowing him to turn his aura into a suit of armor or a miniature sun.
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   Machi Komacine Machi is member #3 of the Phantom Troupe and an original part of the group. She’s extremely cold, composed, and emotionless, never losing her head in a fight or argument with her fellow Spiders. Machi also has an incredible intuition and is rarely wrong about what she senses. Of course, she’s also a powerful and brutal thief and killer.

   • Nen type: Machi possesses a Transmutation-type Nen that transforms her aura into threads, which she uses to control people, set traps, and wield as weapons.
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   Phinks Magcub Phinks is the fifth member of the Phantom Troupe and the second strongest (after Uvogin). He’s hot-headed, quick to anger, brash, and very impatient, so he’s one to rush into action instead of waiting around. Despite his rough personality, Phinks does care deeply for his fellow Spiders, often putting them ahead of himself.

   • Nen type: Phinks is an Enhancer, specifically using his aura to increase the power of his punch.
   • There are many more unique members of the Phantom Troupe, and if you’re curious who you’d be, take our Which Phantom Troupe Member Am I? Quiz to find out!
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Section 3 of 5:

Chimera Ant Characters

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   Meruem Meruem is the King of the Chimera Ants and the major antagonist during the Chimera Ant arc. As a Chimera Ant, he’s a combination of multiple animal DNA, making him extremely powerful and one of the strongest characters in the series. He rises to power after killing the Queen during his birth, overtaking the Republic of East Gorteau and killing and eating its citizens. While Meruem starts as a cruel and arrogant ruler, he goes through a massive character arc where he discovers his humanity and questions his role as King.

   • Nen type: Meruem is an Emitter, who grows stronger with every Nen user he consumes.
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   NeferpitouNeferpitou, more commonly called Pitou, is one of the Royal Guards who serve and protect Meruem. Like their cat-like appearance, Pitou is curious and fun-loving…and also loves to play with their food. They love Meruem and are extremely devoted to ensuring his safety and happiness, which comes easily as they’re incredibly strong.

   • Nen type: Pitou has a Specialization Nen, which they can use to conjure a puppet that controls other people or a doll that heals people.
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   Menthuthuyoupi Menthuthuyoupi, better known as Youpi, is another member of the Royal Guards. He shares DNA with a magical beast, giving him extreme strength and a reputation as a brute. He’s also very straightforward and simple-minded, as his only true point in life is to serve Meruem. So while Youpi isn’t the smartest, he defends Meruem with a determination and ferocity like no other.

   • Nen type: Youpi is a Transmuter who can physically transform his body, growing additional arms, eyes, wings, or other appendages. This power increases when he’s enraged.
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   Colt Colt was a Squadron Leader for the Chimera Ant Queen, who genuinely supported her. After she died giving birth to Meruem, Colt remained loyal to her, especially after discovering she carried a daughter. He decides to raise the Queen’s daughter and receives help from the Hunters. In return, he provides information to the ant Extermination Team.

   • Nen type: Not specified, but Colt is a Nen user.
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   Ikalgo Ikalgo was a Captain in the Queen’s army. During a battle, the octopus Chimera Ant encounters Killua, who decides to save Ikalgo’s life after seeing his loyalty to his fellow ants. In turn, Ikalgo later saves Killua’s life and decides to turn his back on Meruem and the ants. He forms a genuine friendship with Killua after Killua treats him with kindness and calls him cool (as Ikalgo would prefer to be a squid), which causes Ikalgo to join the Extermination Team and take down Meruem.

   • Nen type: Ikalgo possesses both Enhancement and Manipulation Nen. He can turn his tentacles into guns and take control of corpses.
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Section 4 of 5:

Major Hunter Association Members

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   Isaac Netero Isaac is the chairman of the Hunter Association who’s regarded as the most powerful Nen user in the world. He first meets Gon and the rest of the gang at the Hunter Exam, as he was the head of the Exam Commission. Despite his serious role, the old man is playful, mischievous, and very eccentric. He also has an obsessive streak and is devoted to finding a challenger worthy to take him on.

   • Nen type: Isaac is an Enhancer whose aura takes the form of a multi-armed being, enabling Isaac to strike people with increased power and quickness.
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   Ging Freecss Ging is Gon’s father and a high-ranking Hunter, who became a Hunter as a child, like Gon. Sometime during his adventures, Ging met Gon’s mother and had Gon, though they separated soon after. Not wanting to abandon his career, Ging instead abandoned Gon and asked his family to look after him. He then decides to leave clues about his whereabouts so one day, Gon will find him. While being a father certainly isn’t his strong suit, as Ging is independent and carefree, he is an intelligent and skilled Hunter.

   • Nen type: Ging has an Emission-type Nen and can use his aura like an ultrasound or shoot it as a projectile.
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   Hisoka Morrow Hisoka is a major character who’s sometimes an antagonist and sometimes a good guy, explains Dr. Applesauce. The magician-like character enters the Hunter Examination with Gon and his friends, where he proves to be a capable fighter and sociopathic killer. Hisoka is sadistic and self-centered, whose main motivation is to take down people he deems worthy of fighting. So, he really has no affiliation as a Hunter and will align himself with the “good” and “bad” guys as long as he’s having fun and satisfying his bloodlust.

   • Nen type: Hisoka is a Transmuter. Dr. Applesauce explains that he manifests his Nen as a gooey, glue-like weapon.
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   Pariston Hill Pariston is a high-ranking Hunter who later serves as the Chairman of the Hunter Association. He’s also a major antagonist during the Chairman Election arc. He’s a cheerful and playful guy who’s always smiling…but that just hides his sly, scheming side. Pariston is essentially a troll who loves to cause chaos and mess with people.

   • Nen type: Not specified, but Pariston is a Nen user.
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   Morel Mackernasey Morel is an experienced Hunter who’s the teacher of Knuckle Bine and Shoot McMahon. He has a large part in the Chimera Ant arc, as he’s a part of the Extermination Team tasked with defeating Meruem. As an experienced and cool-headed Hunter, he keeps his calm during battles to strategize and outwit his opponents. He’s also deeply compassionate, taking in Colt when he surrenders and agreeing to protect him and the Ant Queen’s daughter.

   • Nen type: Morel is a Manipulator who manipulates the smoke from his pipe, turning it into objects and even beings capable of fighting for him.
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   KiteKite is the first Hunter Gon meets while he’s still living on Whale Island, and is responsible for telling Gon his father is alive and a Hunter, as Ging was Kite’s mentor. He takes a larger role during the Chimera Ant arc, traveling with Gon and Killua to fight the ants and taking on a mentor role to them. While he’s an unemotional and pragmatic guy who can come off as rude, he’s actually very caring.

   • Spoiler alert: While Kite dies during a battle with Neferpitou, it’s revealed that he was reincarnated as the Ant Queen’s daughter that Colt takes in.
   • Nen type: Kite is a Conjurer, which manifests as a clown that summons a random weapon depending on the number that appears on its tongue.
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   Hanzo Hanzo is a trained ninja who takes the Hunter Exam with Gon with the goal of finding the legendary Hermit’s Scroll. Funnily enough, he’s actually quite talkative, enthusiastic, and loudly arrogant. He’s also fair and sympathetic, as he decides to stop his attacks on Gon during the Exam because Gon refused to concede and give up.

   • Nen type: Hanzo is a Transmuter who can essentially astral project.
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   Biscuit Krueger Biscuit, who prefers Bisky, is a high-ranking Hunter who first appears during the Greed Island arc. Because of her experience, she takes in Gon and Killua in Greed Island and becomes their teacher, training them on how to use their Nen. And what makes Bisky really stand out is the fact that she looks like a sweet little girl, but her true form is that of a super muscular middle-aged woman. And while she’s a playful and materialistic person, she’s serious about fighting and helping her trainees.

   • Nen type: Bisky has a Transmutation-type Nen. She can change her appearance (turning herself into a younger, smaller version) and conjure a masseuse that heals people.
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   Knuckle Bine Knuckle is a Hunter who searches for fantastic or unidentified beasts. He becomes Morel’s student, alongside Shoot McMahon, and first appears during the Chimera Ant arc. While he certainly looks tough (and is a capable and intelligent fighter), he couldn’t be more caring and compassionate. He constantly tears up and has a very soft spot for animals, often feeding and taking in strays.

   • Nen type: Knuckle is a Conjurer who summons a being that attaches itself to his opponent and lends them Knuckle’s aura, which they then owe him back. During this time, he’s invulnerable to their attacks, and if they go bankrupt, they can’t use their Nen for 30 days.
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Section 5 of 5:

Major Supporting Characters

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   Silva Zoldyck Silva is Killua’s father (along with Illumi, Alluka, and Kalluto) and the head of the Zoldyck family. As such, he’s an expert assassin, and he wants Killua to take over as his heir. When he realizes that Killua wants to be a Hunter and go on adventures, he allows him because he wants him to be happy…and also because he believes he’ll come back home, no matter what. So while Silva is mostly unemotional and very composed, he does have a caring side.

   • Nen type: Silva is an Emitter who can create exploding orbs.
   • Want to test your knowledge about Hunter x Hunter? Take our Hunter x Hunter Trivia Quiz to see if you’re an HxH expert…or need some brushing up!
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   Alluka Zoldyck Alluka is Killua’s younger sister who’s not an assassin. This is largely due to the fact that Alluka is possessed by a dark creature named Nanika. When Alluka asks for 3 things and her requests are granted, she gives the person a wish. But, if they refuse her requests 4 times, they die (usually along with others, too). Alluka loves Killua, though, and is affectionate and sweet with him. Later in the series, Killua decides to break her out of the Zoldyck family home, and she accompanies him on his adventures.

   • Nen type: Unknown
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   Zeno Zoldyck Zeno is Silva’s father (and thus, Killua’s grandfather) and still a deadly assassin despite his age. While he shows up throughout the series, he takes on a larger role when he joins the Extermination Team during the Chimera Ant arc. He’s witty, logical, and calm, and despite his profession, is honorable and just, ensuring that no innocents are ever harmed during his missions.

   • Nen type: Zeno possesses an Emission-type Nen. He can change his aura into a dragon-shaped projectile or simply produce blasts that knock back opponents.
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   Genthru Genthru is a major villain who appears during the Greed Island arc. He’s the leader of the Bombers, a group of ruthless players who will do anything to win the game…including killing others. So, it’s no surprise that Genthru is a selfish and callous man who doesn’t have a care in the world about other people. He’s also very strategic and composed, planning his moves in advance rather than acting impulsively.

   • Nen type: Genthru is a Conjurer who can create bombs and explosions.
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   Razor Razor is one of the game masters of Greed Island who was actually hired by Ging. He was a former criminal apprehended by Ging, and instead of allowing Razor to die, Ging asked him to help him build the Greed Island game. He also serves as a checkpoint in the game, requiring players to beat him in a series of sports challenges to progress. And while Razor is friendly and easygoing, he takes his challenges seriously.

   • Nen type: Razor is an Emitter who can create 8 beasts that fight alongside him, as well as a seriously powerful orb of aura.
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   Komugi Komugi is a major character who appears during the Chimera Ant arc. She’s from East Gorteau and is renowned as the worldwide Gungi champion. During Meruem’s takeover, he asks Komugi to play with him. And when Komugi wins every game, he grows obsessed with beating her. And somewhere along the way, he begins to care for the quiet and mild-mannered girl, and she grows to care for him, too.

   • Nen type: Komugi is unknowingly an Enhancer who uses Nen to improve her Gungi game.
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