On the surface, Haikyuu isn't any different from most shounen anime; it revolves around underdogs, features sports-centric action, and highlights the day-to-day snags of its teenage characters. But, beyond its sports drama, what makes Haikyuu!! such an entertaining series is its complex and well-written characters.
Its large roster features a myriad of characters, all of whom are finding their way through the ups and downs of school while staying true to the spirit of the sport of volleyball. So, even if viewers aren't necessarily interested in the sport, they'll have a good time relating to the diverse personalities and zodiac traits of its characters.
Aries - Keishin Ukai (D.O.B: April 5, 1986)
While most may see Keishin as a lazy coach who spends most of his time reading newspapers and casually talking about alcohol, he's can get highly competitive when necessary. Akin to others who share his Zodiac sign, he uses the same competitiveness to fuel his passion and leadership skills to guide his team.
Even before he was a coach, he would serve as a confident leader to underclassmen who were struggling to find their way through high school and college. From an academic standpoint, he isn't among the best in his class, but his strong analytical skills shine right through on the volleyball court.
Taurus - Satori Tendō (D.O.B: May 20, 1994)
When he was younger, Satori had a hard time fitting in because of his seemingly offbeat demeanor. But, after becoming a successful middle blocker, he garnered enough confidence to accept himself and ignore those who look down on him.
Like his fellow Taurians, he rarely questions his abilities and strives to seek perfection in almost everything he does. Because of his tenacity and big ambitions, he even intimidates many, and, taking this for granted, he always tries to get on the nerves of his opponents. Around his friends, though, he's usually generous and always willing to share some words of wisdom.
Gemini - Shoyo Hinata (D.O.B: June 21, 1996)
As a typical Gemini, Hinata is loud, outgoing, and almost always cheerful. He never lets his shortcomings weigh him down, and, every time he faces challenges, he tries to adapt to them and ultimately overcome them. It's so easy to get along with him that even the quietest of his peers often find themselves opening up to him.
While his adaptability helps him level up his game, it also comes with a whole lot of impulsivity; especially on the volleyball court. Prone to anxiety, Hinata often takes last-minute decisions which may or may not favor him and his team. Even so, no matter how bad things get, he shows immense fortitude and puts his team before everything else, and these personality traits are huge aspects of some of Hinata's most iconic scenes in the Haikyuu!! anime.
Cancer - Tooru Oikawa (D.O.B: July 20, 1994)
Oikawa's Cancerian traits are on full display when he goofs around and acts all childish to amuse everyone around him. Driven by his emotions and intuitiveness, he looks right through his opponents' weaknesses and helps out his friends when they need him.
However, there are also times when his emotions get a bit too overwhelming and he starts drowning himself in extreme self-doubt. During these moments, he either compares himself to others or even thinks about giving up on the game of volleyball. Luckily for him, his ambitions always overpower his pessimism, and he manages to remind himself why he loves the sport so much.
Leo - Wakatoshi Ushijima (D.O.B: August 13, 1994)
As one would expect from a Leo, Wakatoshi has a concrete sense of pride and confidence. At times, he is so self-assured that it even blinds him to the reality of things. While he is a man of few words, his bold actions, and acts of courage are enough to prove that he's a worthy leader.
Since he never fears establishing his strength and authority on the court, his teammates find him a bit too brash at times. But at the same time, they also appreciate how he sincerely praises them when they perform well and does not unnecessarily sugar-coat anything.
Virgo - Hitoka Yachi (D.O.B: September 4, 1996)
It's Hitoka's ability to negotiate and organize that makes her the perfect manager for Karasuno High. Similar to most Virgos, she's practical, methodical, and well-grounded, but she also has an overactive imagination which makes her prone to stress and nervousness.
Time and again, she also seems self-effacing, and, despite being a great manager, she undermines her own importance. But, it's these traits that help her remain grounded and humble without losing sight of the role she plays for her team.
Libra - Kenma Kozume (D.O.B: October 16, 1995)
Being a Libra, Kenma always thinks before he acts and seems to be far more analytical than Haikyuu's other characters. He hates conflict to a degree where he often avoids voicing his own opinions and rarely confronts anyone.
He doesn't talk much, though proves to be a great listener, and, for those who don't know him, he may seem a bit too stoic at times, but he's always the first one to notice behavioral changes in his friends and reach out to them when they need someone to talk to.
Scorpio - Tetsurō Kuroo (D.O.B: November 17, 1994)
Tetsuro's natural leadership traits and provocation expertise prove that he's the perfect embodiment of Scorpio. He tends to have a powerful presence every time he steps inside the volleyball court, and his intentional belittling remarks easily get on the nerves of his opponents.
However, beneath his laid-back and scheming attitude, there's a strong sense of sportsmanship that shines right through when his team is in trouble. Although seemingly secretive about it, time and again he shows a kinder side of himself which proves that there's a lot more to him than meets the eye.
Saggitarius - Keiji Akaashi (D.O.B: December 5, 1995)
One of the most noticeable traits of Keiji is his strong sense of humor. When on the court, he never holds himself back from calling out the silly blunders made by his teammates, and he often passes witty comments about anything that catches his eye.
As seen during Karasuno's match against Mujinazaka High, he isn't the best at handling pressure. Even so, using his analytical abilities, he surprises his teammates with his spontaneous decisions that often land them some crucial points.
Capricorn - Tobio Kageyama (D.O.B: December 22, 1996)
Haikyuu's Kageymana initially comes off as a blunt, short-tempered, and rude perfectionist who cares about nothing but mastering his game. Because of his self-centered game and dominating presence on the court, he was even labeled as "The King of the Court" by his peers.
Over time, however, he has shown his softer side of himself which establishes that he's a lot more sensitive than he seems. Moreover, even his strong sense of discipline and commitment to the sport show that his big ambitions tend to get in his way of being nice to the people around him, and he struggles to gain control over his overbearing emotions.
Aquarius - Hisashi Kinoshita (D.O.B: February 15, 1995)
Most Aquarians like Kinoshita are known to be chronic worriers who have the potential to lead, though they take their space and time to find their feet. When level-headed and not extremely anxious, he shows immense support and compassion for his team and tries to bring out his best game on the court.
There are times when he passes mischievous comments on his team members, but he never crosses a line with these and always seems well-intended.
Pieces - Ryūnosuke Tanaka (D.O.B: March 3, 1996)
Although he has no trouble getting along with others, Tanaka easily loses his temper and gets into fights. Compared to his teammates—and similar to his fellow Pisces—he puts pleasure over work, meaning that he often shows up late for practice.
His anger works in his favor when he uses it as fuel to get fired up during volleyball matches. Despite his brash demeanor, he's very supportive of his teammates and looks after his underclassmen at all times. All in all, he's a well-rounded Pisces.