*Guts, renowned as the "Black Swordsman", is a former mercenary and branded wanderer who travels the world in a constant internal struggle between pursuing his own ends and upholding his attachments to those dear to him.

Initially driven solely by his will to survive, Guts finds purpose in life upon joining the Band of the Falcon, significantly contributing to the faction's storied successes during the Hundred-Year War as captain of the band's raiders. He eventually becomes dissatisfied with clinging to Griffith's dream and departs from the band to pursue his own.

Following the horrors of the Eclipse prompted by Griffith, Guts embarks on a two-year war against the God Hand and apostles, becoming increasingly embittered on his quest for retribution. Over time, he realizes that protecting his regressed lover is more important to him, and that he cannot do it alone. Consequently, he puts aside his quest for revenge and fosters comradery with his new companions.

Known for his air of austerity, Guts is a hardened man with a brutally realistic outlook on life. This is a consequence of enduring waves of suffering and numerous betrayals since his youth, as nearly all highlights of his life have, in time, become lows.

Despite his guarded, brooding exterior, he shows a more easygoing, compassionate side around the people he trusts, appearing markedly less unsociable and distant, though still retaining his dry candidness. Even as his inner darkness festers deep within him and its temptation becomes increasingly harder to resist, he retains his empathy and compassion, refusing to discard his humanity.*