Death Note Encyclopedia
Every note wielder, detective, shinigami, and genius deduction — covering the complete Death Note manga universe.
L Lawliet Guide
L (L Lawliet) is the eccentric, genius detective who hunts Kira. With his distinctive sitting posture, love of sweets, and barefoot stance, L is as strange as he is brilliant. He deduces Light is Kira early but cannot prove it, leading to a psychological battle spanning years. His death at Light's hands is one of the most shocking moments in anime history.
Ryuk Guide
Ryuk is a bored shinigami who drops his Death Note into the human world for entertainment. Bound to Light until the notebook is destroyed or Light dies, Ryuk is neither ally nor enemy — he observes with amusement, eats apples, and claims total neutrality. His puckish, creepy demeanor and iconic laugh make him unforgettable.
Misa Amane Guide
Misa Amane is a famous pop idol and model who becomes the Second Kira, obtaining a Death Note from Rem. She kills herself for Kira's cause, obtains the Shinigami Eyes, and becomes Light's willing tool and lover. Her obsessive devotion to Light is both her strength and her tragedy. Misa is a darker portrayal of blind faith in a charismatic figure.
Near Guide
Near (Nate River) is L's successor from Wammy's House, a prodigy detective with eccentric habits — he plays with toys while solving complex mysteries. Cold, patient, and methodical, he spends years gathering evidence against Light. His final confrontation with Light in the warehouse is the climax of the manga, ultimately bringing Kira to justice.
Mello Guide
Mello (Mihael Keehl) is the other successor of L from Wammy's House, chosen through competition with Near. Impulsive, emotional, and willing to get his hands dirty, Mello partners with the Mafia to capture Kira through unconventional means. His ruthless methods and kidnapping of Sayu Yagami directly lead to key breakthroughs in the Kira investigation despite never matching Near's intellect.
Soichiro Yagami Guide
Soichiro Yagami is Light's father and the head of the Kira Task Force. Honorable, compassionate, and fiercely dedicated to justice, he never suspects his own son of being Kira. His unwavering integrity stands in stark contrast to Light's corruption. He dies in the line of duty, earning the Death Note's ownership and seeing 'Light' one last time with heartbreaking irony.
Watari Guide
Watari (Quillsh Wammy) is L's handler and the founder of Wammy's House orphanage. A brilliant inventor and financial backer, he provides all of L's equipment, logistics, and connections. Quiet and dignified, Watari's death alongside L is one of the series' most poignant moments. His legacy continues through Near and Mello.
