Naofumi Iwatani Personality: A Cynical and Vengeful Hero
Updated: Monday, December 22, 2025
MBTI
INTP
Enneagram
9w8
Alignment
Chaotic Neutral
Naofumi Iwatani is the main protagonist of the anime series The Rising of the Shield Hero. He was a university student and an otaku before being summoned to another world as one of the four legendary heroes, each wielding a different weapon: sword, spear, bow, and shield. As the Shield Hero, Naofumi’s role is to protect the world from the waves of calamity, which are periodic invasions of monsters and disasters.
Naofumi Iwatani's Personality
Naofumi’s personality is shaped by his experiences in the other world, which are mostly harsh and unfair. He is cynical, distrustful, pragmatic, and vengeful. He does not easily trust anyone and often assumes the worst of people. He is willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goals, even if they are morally questionable or illegal. He harbors a deep hatred and resentment towards those who have wronged him, especially the first princess of Melromarc, Malty S. Melromarc, who betrayed and framed him for a crime he did not commit.
Initially, Naofumi was a kind and optimistic individual, thrilled about being summoned as a hero. His strong sense of justice and desire to help others were prominent, yet his naivety and gullibility led him to believe that the other world would be akin to a fantasy game, expecting respect and admiration as a hero.
The betrayal by Malty, who initially pretended to ally with him, marked a significant shift in his personality. After she stole his possessions and falsely accused him of assault, Naofumi found himself ostracized and despised, armed with only his shield, which was deemed the weakest of the four legendary weapons. Moreover, a curse restricted him to using only the shield, further challenging his situation.
As a result of these experiences, Naofumi's outlook turned bitter and angry, marked by a loss of faith and hope. He grew distrustful of anyone who approached him and adapted by becoming more ruthless and cunning. His tactics, often underhanded, ranged from lying and cheating to blackmail and even enslavement. His obsession with gaining strength and exacting revenge, particularly on Malty and the king, became his driving force.
Despite these darker traits, Naofumi retained elements of his original kindness and compassion, particularly towards those loyal and sincere to him. He formed deep connections with his companions, such as Raphtalia, a demi-human girl he raised as his sword, and Filo, a bird-like creature he nurtured from an egg. He also extended help to those in need, like the villagers affected by the waves, refugees facing discrimination, and oppressed demi-humans.
Gradually, Naofumi's personality evolved through interactions with his companions and allies, who aided in healing his trauma and diminishing his hatred. He started to become more open and friendly, learning to trust and collaborate with others. He rediscovered his sense of justice and heroism, understanding his role as the Shield Hero extended beyond fighting waves to protecting people and the world. He even moved towards forgiving and reconciling with some former adversaries, including the other three heroes and the pope of the Three Heroes Church, who had initially antagonized him.
Relationships
- Raphtalia: Naofumi’s first and most important companion, who is a tanuki-like demi-human girl. She was a slave whom Naofumi bought from a slave trader, and whom he trained and raised as his sword. She is loyal, devoted, and affectionate towards Naofumi, and often acts as his moral compass and emotional support. She is also in love with him, and hopes to become his wife someday. Naofumi cares for Raphtalia as his partner and friend, and trusts her more than anyone else. He also develops romantic feelings for her, but he is unaware of her feelings and his own.
- Filo: Naofumi’s second companion, who is a filolial, a bird-like monster that can transform into a human girl. She was hatched from a rare egg that Naofumi bought from a monster trader, and whom he treated as his daughter. She is cheerful, energetic, and gluttonous, and often causes trouble for Naofumi and others. She is also very attached to Naofumi, and calls him “Master”. She also sees Raphtalia as her rival for Naofumi’s attention, and often fights with her. Naofumi loves Filo as his child and friend, and is proud of her abilities and growth. He also spoils her with food and clothes, and tries to discipline her when she misbehaves.
- Melty Q. Melromarc: The second princess of Melromarc, and the younger sister of Malty. She is a kind, polite, and mature girl, who is also the crown princess and the successor of the throne. She is a friend and ally of Naofumi, who helped him clear his name and reconcile with the other heroes. She is also a magic user, who specializes in water and wind magic. She is fond of Naofumi and his companions, and often joins them in their travels and adventures. She also likes to tease Naofumi and Raphtalia about their relationship, and supports them as a shipper. Naofumi respects and trusts Melty as a princess and a friend, and is grateful for her help and support. He also protects her from her enemies, such as Malty and the Three Heroes Church.
- Mirellia Q. Melromarc: The queen of Melromarc, and the mother of Malty and Melty. She is a wise, powerful, and benevolent ruler, who is also the head of the Four Heroes Church, a religion that worships all four heroes equally. She is a supporter and benefactor of Naofumi, who apologized and compensated him for the mistreatment and injustice he suffered in her kingdom. She also helped him deal with the political and diplomatic issues, and gave him the authority and resources to fight the waves. She is fond of Naofumi and his companions, and considers them as her friends and allies. She also hopes that Naofumi will marry one of her daughters, preferably Melty, and become her son-in-law. Naofumi admires and trusts Mirellia as a queen and a friend, and is thankful for her kindness and generosity. He also respects her wishes and opinions, and follows her advice and guidance.
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Other Characters
Check out the personalities of other characters from The Rising Of The Shield Hero.
