Guts-Guts is a wandering mercenary, who, after being defeated by Griffith, joins the Band of the Hawk. In that band, he earns the status of Captain of the Hawks' Raiders. After the war ends, he leaves the Band of the Hawk to find his own dream and to become the equal of Griffith.
Griffith-The leader of the Band of the Hawk, a band of mercenaries feared as the Grim Reapers of the Battlefield. He is a young man of striking handsomeness and possesses a charisma that enchants people around him. His dream is to acquire his own kingdom.
Casca-Unit Commander of the Band of the Hawk. She joined the band after being saved by Griffith when she was a child. She is wholeheartedly devoted to Griffith, and wishes to become his sword to help him achieve his dream. She dislikes Guts from the moment he joins the Band of the Hawk. This has resulted in countless arguments.
Judeau-Unit Commander of the Band of the Hawk. A man of many talents, he is known to carry out his tasks flawlessly. It is Judeau who assures Guts that he will find his place in the Band of the Hawk. The two go on to become friends.
Schierke-A young girl, the only pupil of Flora, the Witch of the Mansion of the Spirit Tree. She supports her companions with magic, using various spells. At first, she distrusts people, but her journey with Guts and his companions has already begun to change her.
Serpico-A slender young man with narrow eyes. His deceptively gentle and passive appearance hides the fact that he is a rather skilled swordsman with quick mind and many tricks up his sleeve. He is extremely loyal to Farnese, acting as her attendant, and when she decides to leave the Holy Iron Chain Knights to follow Guts, he follows her without any hesitation.
Zodd-A legendary swordsman nicknamed Nosferatu by fellow mercenaries. Zodd is an Apostle, said to be roaming battlefields in search for strong opponents for several hundreds of years. He develops interest in Guts and leaves him with an ominous prediction, after Guts manages to wound him.
Wyald-The mad and powerful leader of the Black Dog Knights - an army made solely of thugs and criminals, also known as the dirty secret of Midland. His credo is to Enjoy and Excite. He is ordered by the King of Midland to destroy the Band of the Hawk.