Bungo Stray Dogs characters are some of the most fascinating and complex personalities in modern anime. Each character, inspired by real literary figures, carries a unique ability and backstory that makes the series deeply captivating. From the mysterious Dazai to the brave Atsushi, their powers reveal layers of emotion and intellect.

Dive into this detailed guide to explore every faction, ability, and hidden secret behind your favorite heroes and villains. Keep reading at Japan Figure to discover the full list of Bungo Stray Dogs characters and their incredible powers!

1. All about Bungo Stray Dogs the anime and manga series

“Bungo Stray Dogs” is a Japanese manga series written by Kafka Asagiri and illustrated by Sango Harukawa. It has since been adapted into an anime and a variety of spin-offs. The story centres on a world where many individuals possess supernatural abilities (known as “Abilities”), and it follows organisations such as the Armed Detective Agency, Port Mafia, Government, The Guild and others as they interact, often with intense conflict.

bungo stray dogs characters

Why is this series so popular globally? Here are some key differences and benefits that make the Bungo Stray Dogs characters and their world appealing:

  • Literary inspiration: Many characters are named after real-world authors or poets, giving depth and a unique twist to their design and stories.
  • Distinct abilities: Each character has a distinct “Ability” (異能力, Inōryoku) which makes for exciting battles, interesting powers and character development.
  • Complex organizations & alliances: The narrative isn’t just about “good vs evil”; the dynamics among the various groups (Armed Detective Agency, Port Mafia, The Guild, etc) add layers of intrigue and moral ambiguity.
  • Global appeal through style and storytelling: The stylish character designs, combined with action, drama and supernatural elements, resonate with audiences around the world, making the Bungo Stray Dogs characters easy to love, easy to collect (figures, merchandise) and easy to follow.
  • Merchandise & fan culture: Because of the strong character cast and visually striking ability designs, fans are eager to buy figures, apparel and accessories based on their favourite characters, from Japan Figure and other retailers, boosting global interest.

Many fans are especially drawn to the darker psychological depth and hidden motives of certain characters, which places several BSD figures among the most mysterious anime characters frequently discussed in the anime community.

2. Bungo Stray Dogs characters and powers

The real charm of Bungo Stray Dogs characters lies in their depth, each figure inspired by a famous author or literary work, each with a unique supernatural “Ability.” From justice-driven detectives to ruthless mafia elites, every group reveals a different moral shade in this thrilling universe.

Below we explore the four most prominent organizations and the powers that make their members unforgettable.

  1. Armed detective agency
  2. Port Mafia
  3. Government
  4. The guild
  5. Rats in the House of the Dead
  6. Order of the Clock Tower
  7. The decay of the angel
  8. Japanese military
  9. Other 

2.1 Armed detective agency

The Armed Detective Agency is a private investigation team protecting Yokohama from crimes involving ability users. Their members balance everyday heroism with supernatural skill. The bungo stray dogs main character, Atsushi Nakajima, begins his journey here, searching for purpose and belonging.

Name

Gender

Ability

Personality

Power Summary

Atsushi Nakajima

Male

Beast Beneath the Moonlight

Kind, anxious, courageous

Transforms into a white tiger with enhanced regeneration and power.

Osamu Dazai

Male

No Longer Human

Witty, suicidal humor, genius tactician

Nullifies any ability on touch, making him key in every fight.

Doppo Kunikida

Male

The Matchless Poet

Idealistic, meticulous

Creates real objects from what he writes in his notebook.

Ranpo Edogawa

Male

Super Deduction (technically non-ability)

Playful, confident

Exceptional analytical skills, solves mysteries instantly.

Akiko Yosano

Female

Thou Shalt Not Die

Strict, caring, fierce

Heals fatal injuries, restoring those near death to full health.

Yukichi Fukuzawa

Male

All Men Are Equal

Calm, noble, protective

Regulates the abilities of his subordinates for perfect teamwork.

bungo stray dogs characters

2.2 Port Mafia

If the Agency represents light, the Port Mafia embodies the darkness ruling Yokohama’s underworld. Ruthless yet disciplined, these Bungo Stray Dogs characters reveal how power and loyalty coexist in crime. Their leader, Mori Ōgai, manipulates both fear and charm to maintain control.

Characters like Chūya Nakahara, with his striking hair color and intense personality, often stand out visually and thematically, similar to iconic pink haired anime characters that leave a lasting impression through bold design choices.

Name

Gender

Ability

Personality

Power Summary

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

Male

Rashōmon

Cold, ambitious

Can manifest his coat into a black beast that slashes through anything.

Chūya Nakahara

Male

Upon the Tainted Sorrow

Hot-headed, loyal

Controls gravity; can create singularities when enraged.

Mori Ōgai

Male

Vita Sexualis

Manipulative, strategic

Controls Elise, a young girl who acts as his manifestation and weapon.

Higuchi Ichiyō

Female

None specified

Dedicated, brave

Skilled combatant, loyal to Akutagawa.

Gin Akutagawa

Female

None specified

Silent, stealthy

Expert assassin using close-range weapons.


2.3 Government

Acting as a stabilizing force, the Government (sometimes called the Special Ability Department) oversees the legality and control of ability users. These Bungo Stray Dogs characters rarely appear on the battlefield but influence every organization behind the scenes.

Name

Gender

Ability

Personality

Power Summary

Ango Sakaguchi

Male

Discourse on Decadence

Intelligent, reserved

Reads and reconstructs information from documents or memories.

Santōka Taneda

Male

Undefeated by the Rain

Stoic, dutiful

Absorbs damage, protecting allies.

Katai Tayama

Male

Laplace’s Demon

Recluse, genius programmer

Can control electronic systems remotely through hacking.


bungo stray dogs characters

2.4 The guild

The Guild is an American organisation of ability users led by the charismatic F. Scott Fitzgerald. Representing foreign influence and literary might, they bring international flair to Bungo Stray Dogs characters.

Name

Gender

Ability

Personality

Power Summary

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Male

The Great Fitzgerald

Arrogant, ambitious

Strength increases in proportion to money spent.

Edgar Allan Poe

Male

Black Cat in the Rue Morgue

Shy, intellectual

Can trap others within his stories using a notebook.

H. P. Lovecraft

Male

The Great Old One

Calm, inhuman

Body transforms into an eldritch monster; immune to pain.

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Male

The Scarlet Letter

Religious, judgmental

Manipulates blood through crosses drawn in it.

John Steinbeck

Male

Grapes of Wrath

Grounded, loyal

Controls vines that extend from his body for attack and defense.

Some of these powers evoke the same raw intensity seen in legendary anime fire characters, where overwhelming force and dramatic visuals define their presence on the battlefield.

2.4 Rats in the House of the Dead

The Guild is an American organization inspired by Western literature, bringing a global twist to the Bungo Stray Dogs characters lineup. They use wealth, intelligence, and advanced technology to achieve their goals.

bungo stray dogs characters

Their presence expands the story beyond Japan, showing cultural contrasts and cooperation between gifted users worldwide.

Name

Gender

Ability

Personality

Power Summary

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald

Male

The Great Fitzgerald

Ambitious, proud

Strength increases with the amount of money he spends.

Lucy Maud Montgomery

Female

Anne of Abyssal Red

Playful, loyal

Creates a pocket dimension called “Anne’s Room” to trap enemies.

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Male

The Scarlet Letter

Religious, guilt-ridden

Uses his blood to form weapons and project holy energy.

2.5 Order of the Clock Tower

The Rats in the House of the Dead are among the most mysterious and dangerous factions. Their leader, Fyodor Dostoevsky, is an enigmatic genius known for his manipulative mind and philosophical motives.

This group operates from the shadows, often orchestrating chaos to achieve their vision of a “cleansed” world.

Name

Gender

Ability

Personality

Power Summary

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Male

Crime and Punishment

Calculating, calm

Can kill anyone with a simple touch.

Ivan Goncharov

Male

The Precipice

Loyal, unstable

Manipulates geological materials and rock formations.

Mushitaro Oguri

Male

Perfect Crime

Arrogant, clever

Erases all evidence of any crime he commits.


2.6 The decay of the angel

Originating in the United Kingdom, the Order of the Clock Tower is a secretive organization that works behind the scenes. They are composed of elite agents, some of whom have political or royal connections.

This group adds an international dimension to the series, linking the supernatural with history and power.

Name

Gender

Ability

Personality

Power Summary

Dame Agatha Christie

Female

Unknown

Strategic, composed

Mysterious leader of the organization.

Agent 1

Male

Unknown

Loyal, disciplined

A top field operative within the Order.

Agent 2

Female

Unknown

Efficient, calm

Skilled in intelligence and stealth missions.


2.7 Japanese military

The Decay of the Angel is an anti-organization made up of terrorists and extremists who aim to destroy the current world order. Their members are powerful, unpredictable, and driven by nihilistic ideals.

bungo stray dogs main character

This group raises the stakes, showing what happens when chaos meets genius.

Name

Gender

Ability

Personality

Power Summary

Nikolai Gogol

Male

The Overcoat

Chaotic, playful

Creates portals through his coat, allowing teleportation.

Bram Stoker

Male

Vampirism

Cold, dignified

Turns victims into vampires through infection.

Sigma

Male

Unknown

Curious, desperate

Exchanges information and secrets with others through contact.

2.8 Other 

Beyond the main organizations, Bungo Stray Dogs characters include independent figures and civilians who enrich the narrative. They may not have grand abilities, but their emotional impact and stories bring balance to the world of gifted individuals.

Name

Gender

Ability

Personality

Power Summary

Aya Kōda

Female

None

Spirited, brave

Non-ability user who aids the protagonists.

Kenji Miyazawa

Male

Undefeated by the Rain

Cheerful, simple

Possesses immense physical strength and durability.

Kyoka Izumi

Female

Demon Snow

Quiet, compassionate

Controls a deadly spirit with a sword.

The world of Bungo Stray Dogs characters is a remarkable blend of literature, mystery, and supernatural power. Each group, from the Armed Detective Agency to the Port Mafia, reveals a different layer of humanity and intellect that continues to fascinate fans across the globe. Their unique powers and personalities remind us that strength comes not only from ability but also from purpose and connection.

FAQs - People also asked about Bungo Stray Dogs characters

Before diving into fan-favorite questions, let’s clear up some of the most asked mysteries surrounding the Bungo Stray Dogs characters. From the complex minds of Dazai and Fyodor to the identity of the main hero, these insights will help you understand the heart of the story even better.

Who is the suicidal character in BSD?

Who is the suicidal character in BSD?

The suicidal character in BSD is Osamu Dazai, one of the most iconic Bungo Stray Dogs characters. Known for his dark humor and fascination with death, Dazai hides deep trauma behind his carefree personality. His ability, No Longer Human, allows him to nullify any other ability through physical contact.

Who did Dazai marry in BSD?

Who did Dazai marry in BSD?

In both the anime and manga, Dazai Osamu has not married anyone. However, the question often arises because of his teasing and mysterious interactions with female characters. Fans sometimes link him with Ango Sakaguchi or Chuuya Nakahara in fan theories, but canonically, Dazai remains single and emotionally detached.

Is Atsushi a boy or a girl?

Is Atsushi a boy or a girl?

Atsushi Nakajima is a boy and the bungo stray dogs main character. He is a kind-hearted young man who struggles with self-worth but ultimately becomes the emotional core of the series. His ability, Beast Beneath the Moonlight, lets him transform into a white tiger with incredible regenerative powers.

Who is the suicidal character in BSD?

Who is the suicidal character in BSD?

The main character in BSD is Atsushi Nakajima. His journey from an abandoned orphan to a valued member of the Armed Detective Agency defines the series. Through him, audiences explore themes of identity, morality, and purpose, key reasons why Bungo Stray Dogs characters resonate with fans worldwide.

Who is the rat guy in BSD?

Who is the rat guy in BSD?

The “rat guy” in BSD refers to Fyodor Dostoevsky, the enigmatic leader of Rats in the House of the Dead. His ability, Crime and Punishment, can kill anyone with a single touch. Intelligent, manipulative, and philosophical, Fyodor represents the dark intellect among Bungo Stray Dogs characters.

 

Soma Higarashi

Soma Higarashi

Soma Higarashi has over five years of experience covering anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture. He is also an active community leader who moderates several large fan groups dedicated to anime and Japanese culture, sharing insights with audiences worldwide.

View articles by Soma Higarashi

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