The anime Snow White With the Red Hair features a colorful cast of characters, each bringing something special to the show. This sweeping romance centers on a few key ideas: Every character is capable of changing for the better, deserving of a second chance, and has the autonomy to choose their own path.
Shirayuki is an independent young herbalist whose unique red hair brings her unwanted attention from the selfish Prince Raj of Tanbarun. After running away to the neighboring kingdom of Clarines, she meets the country's second prince, Zen Wisteria, and their fast friendship blossoms into romance. From princes and commoners to royal attendants and former assassins, the personal growth of these characters takes viewers on an uplifting journey.
Prince Raj
Prince Raj's journey from foe to friend is both surprising and satisfying. When Raj tries to force Shirayuki to become his concubine, accidentally poisoning Zen in the process, his status as a villain seems inevitable. Fans might even question if such a character deserves redemption.
But when he later invites her to a ball to try and make amends, Shirayuki is willing to give him a chance. As Raj spends more time with her, inspired by her tenacity, he realizes that hard work and admitting his mistakes earn him more respect than demands and cruelty. His willingness to search for Shirayuki after she's kidnapped, as well as the title of "Friend Of The Crown" that he bestows on her, demonstrate his desire to change and make him much easier to like.
Prince Izana
Prince Izana is difficult to read and cares deeply about his country, two aspects of his personality that never change. What does shift is his view of Shirayuki and her worth, not only to Zen as a romantic partner but as an asset to Clarines, and as a human being.
Initially, Izana comes off as Zen's calculating older brother who only thinks about politics and disapproves of Zen and Shirayuki's relationship. As the two prove themselves capable as prince and court herbalist, he realizes that instead of distracting Zen, Shirayuki makes him stronger. When Izana's backstory, and what he did to save a group of his people from two unscrupulous Lords is revealed, viewers are able to enjoy him in a more positive light.
Sakaki
If Shirayuki is the vehicle for Prince Raj's transformation, Sakaki is the fuel that keeps it going. Sakaki is the faithful attendant of Raj who has been by his side since the prince was five. He's witnessed aspects of Raj that no one else has and was the first person to see the potential for good in him, long before Shirayuki arrived.
Sakaki is enjoyable for his dry sense of humor, developed over years of dealing with Raj's bratty, demanding tendencies. He's the only person who can get away with teasing Raj, making for an entertaining dynamic. He has keen insight and although he can be pushy when trying to convince Shirayuki to choose Raj as a suitor, his kind nature and loyalty to his prince are heartwarming to watch.
Chief Garak
Chief Garak is pure chaotic fun. An accomplished woman, she has made a name for herself as Chief Court Herbalist. She's Shirayuki's boss and while she runs a tight ship, she doesn't take herself too seriously. Outspoken, intelligent, and a practical joker, she brings a balance of humor and knowledge to the story.
Garak's tendency to push things slightly too far only makes her more endearing. When she gives Shirayuki and Obi a medicinal drink that contains alcohol, not realizing what a lightweight Shirayuki is, hilarity ensues. In a show where the majority of the characters are on the formal side, her open and casual personality is very welcome.
Ryuu
Ryu is a true introvert and married to his work as a court herbalist, despite only being 12 years old. After a chance meeting with Shirayuki on the day of her herbalist exam, Chief Garak appoints him as her mentor, a job he's unused to but embraces nonetheless.
Ryu is an underdog–the quiet kid who avoids people for fear of being misunderstood. Shirayuki coaxes Ryu out of his shell by coming to his defense against untrue rumors about him poisoning patients. Watching Ryu become less afraid and discover that he truly does have a place to belong, with people who accept him exactly as he is, speaks deeply to the human experience.
Kiki
Kiki is Zen's attendant and longtime friend. Unaffected and confident, she's more at home on the battlefield with a sword in hand than at a grand ball. She's part of a tight-knit unit with Zen and fellow attendant Mitsuhide, and is just as skilled a fighter as any of the boys.
Kiki boldly holds her own as a woman in a male-dominated profession. She's the palace's only swordswoman and is routinely seen teaching new recruits how to fight. She's fiercely loyal to Prince Zen who always saw her potential and shares deep bond with Mitsuhide who treats her as an equal. As a wonderful role model who proves that women can do anything, Kiki is truly iconic.
Obi
Originally hired by Lord Haruka to scare Shirayuki away from Zen, former assassin Obi becomes one of the prince's most trusted confidants and Shirayuki's greatest protector. He leaves his life in the shadows behind, choosing to stay with his newfound family at Wistal Castle.
Obi is a reformed bad boy with a heart of gold. Like Garak, he's one of the few characters unafraid to be casual, and his roguish cheek is delightful. His unrequited love for Shirayuki is as heartbreaking and beautiful as it is relatable, and his ability to remain loyal to both her and Zen without resentment points to a deep reserve of inner strength. He's devastating yet uplifting, and this complexity makes him very appealing.
Prince Zen
Life hasn't always been easy for Prince Zen, despite his royal status. Poisoned over and over again from a young age, watching a traitorous rebel he thought was his friend die in front of him, being continually manipulated by his older brother – he overcomes it all and develops a philosophy that allows him to be an excellent prince while still living on his own terms.
Zen takes the trope of the royal who wants to escape palace life and turns it on its head. He frequently leaves the castle, not because he rejects being a prince but because he wants to be a better prince by experiencing his country firsthand. This leads to his meeting with Shirayuki, who he falls deeply in love with. He's utterly devoted to her and supportive of her goals. Overall, his personality is remarkably attractive and well-developed.
Shirayuki
Shirayuki is the perfect modern-day princess, though she's not actually a princess at all. Determined to walk her own path no matter the cost, she defies Prince Raj and runs away to Clarines, meeting the love of her life and jumpstarting her career on her own merit. She does all this in a world where people objectify and write her off, her simply because of her hair color.
As far as protagonists go, Shirayuki is one of the best. She's a strong, capable person who fights for what she believes in while remaining kind and caring. Her work ethic is unparalleled to the point of replanting a whole greenhouse in one night and going without sleep for days to make sure sick soldiers get the medicine they need. She's as devoted to and supportive of Zen as he is of her, and the story wouldn't be the same without her at the helm.
Mitsuhide
Mitsuhide is Zen's attendant and best friend. Originally a knight, he became Zen's aide at Prince Izana's command. Though Zen initially rejected him, Mitsuhide quickly earned his respect by showing his willingness to treat him as a person, not just a prince.
Mitsuhide is everyone's big brother. Highly sensitive, he often knows exactly what to say and when to say it. He's the only one who perceives Obi's hidden feelings for Shirayuki, and he holds his partner Kiki in the highest regard, not at all put-off that she is a woman. He is anxious at times, especially concerning Zen, an endearing trait that shows how much he cares. Skilled with a sword and loyal to a fault, he comes in at number one in terms of likability.