The ever-expanding world of One Piece has an immense amount of characters, most of whom feel so alive it’s almost like they jump from the pages. This article will cover information regarding the main figures in the series, giving summarized profiles of their backgrounds and roles in the story. Readers are warned that this contains spoilers of plot points throughout the series.

It’s worth noting that the information here reflects the status of the characters after the major time-skip in the series. The two-year time-skip was a period where everything around the characters changed: appearance, abilities, and, for some characters, their goals. All ages, heights, or any other details represent the most updated confirmed information available as of the current anime arc (Egghead).

Monkey D. Luffy

Monkey D Luffy is the protagonist of the series. He was born on May 5th in Foosha Village in the Goa Kingdom, located in the East Blue. He dreams of becoming the King of the Pirates and is the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. He’s well-known for his cheerful and carefree personality, unyielding determination, and insatiable appetite.

He was raised by a band of mountain bandits led by Curly Dadan, but he also received some “tough love” (severe, borderline abusive training) from his grandfather, Marine Vice Admiral Monkey D Garp. Luffy’s love for pirates came from his mentor and idol, Red Haired Shanks, who saved his life. Shanks inspired Luffy to surpass him and become King of the Pirates.

Luffy consumed the Gomu Gomu no Mi, a Devil Fruit that gave his body the properties of rubber. This allows him to stretch his body to perform all kinds of crazy feats. However, it was later revealed that he actually ate the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. Luffy has become the incarnation of the Sun God Nika.

Roronoa Zoro

Roronoa Zoro, also known as "Pirate Hunter" Zoro, is the swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates. He is one of the two “Wings of the Pirate King”. Born on November 11th in the East Blue and raised in Shimotsuki Village, he was trained at Koshiro's dojo. There, he established a rivalry with Kuina which formed his ambition. He vowed to become the world's greatest swordsman after her death. He created his three-sword style before joining Luffy's crew.

Zoro aims to be known as the world's greatest swordsman. To do so, he must take the title from the current “World’s Greatest Swordsman,” Dracule “Hawkeye” Mihawk. He’s also sincerely dedicated to making Luffy the Pirate King and to protecting his fellow crew members, being one of the most loyal persons in the One Piece world.

Being the first member of the Straw Hats crew means Zoro is, in theory, Luffy's right-hand man and Vice Captain. He complements what Luffy lacks in his character through his collected and stoic nature.

Nami

Nami, AKA “Cat Burglar”, is the skilled navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates, and one of the first members of the crew. Born on July 3rd, she was raised by her adoptive mother, Bell-mère, along with her adoptive sister, Nojiko, in Cocoyasi Village. Her childhood was marked by tragedy thanks to the occupation of her home village by the Arlong Pirates. Little Nami had grown to love cartography, with big goals to chart the entire world… until Arlong killed Bell-mère and had Nami join his crew as a cartographer.

She secretly worked to buy her village's freedom until Luffy's crew rescued her. Nami aims to create a world map and protect her newfound family. Her strong character and navigator skills are vital for the crew's survival in the Grand Line's treacherous waters.
Nami's character arc, from a distrustful thief to a loyal crewmate, makes her bonds with the crew, especially Luffy, a central pillar to the Straw Hats' dynamic narrative.

Usopp

Usopp, AKA “God Usopp” is the Straw Hat Pirates' sniper. He was born on April 1st in the East Blue’s Syrup Village. Son of Yasopp, a member of Shanks' crew, Usopp was raised by his sickly mother Banchina. He developed a habit of telling tall tales to cheer her up, which continued after her passing. Usopp formed a close bond with Kaya, a wealthy but ill girl, comforting her with his stories of all his grand adventures at sea. Despite initial cowardice, Usopp dreams of becoming a brave warrior like his father. He aims to visit Elbaf, the giants' homeland, and support Luffy's quest to be Pirate King.

Usopp's role extends beyond his exceptional marksmanship. He's the crew's inventor and handyman, creating gadgets and ammunition for his slingshot. His journey from fearful liar to courageous warrior and his humor, creativity, and loyalty make him essential to the Straw Hats. His struggle to overcome insecurities forms a central theme in his character development.

Vinsmoke Sanji

Sanji, AKA “Black Leg”, is the Straw Hat Pirates’ chef and the other Wing of the Pirate King. Born on March 2nd somewhere in the North Blue, he’s a member of the Vinsmoke family. He was abandoned by his ruthless family by his father, Judge, and his genetically modified siblings.

Pirate Chef Zeff and Sanji found themselves trapped on an island together after a shipwreck. Once they were saved, Zeff trained Sanji as a cook and as a fighter aboard the floating restaurant, Baratie. Sanji dreams of finding the All Blue, a legendary sea in which all fish of this world can be found, a chefs' paradise.

He has a goal to protect his crew, especially the women, showing his chivalrous nature. Sanji is deeply committed to helping Luffy become Pirate King. Being the cook of this ship, Sanji is one of the most important crew members to Luffy. Often, it is Sanji's intelligence and resourcefulness that help the crew out of tight spots, while also being one of the strongest crew members. His flirtatious behavior and code against harming women showcase his complex character.

Tony Tony Chopper

“Cotton Candy Lover” Tony Tony Chopper is the doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates. He was born on December 24th on the wintry Drum Island. A reindeer who ate the Hito Hito no Mi and gained human-like intelligence, Chopper was rejected at first. He found acceptance with Dr. Hiriluk, who gave him his name. After Hiriluk’s death, he was taken in by Dr. Kureha, who taught him medicine.

Chopper wants to be a doctor who can heal any disease. He wants to prove himself useful and, therefore, be of service to Luffy in his quest to be a Pirate King. The expertise Chopper has in being a doctor is the key to the well-being of the crew.

His Devil Fruit powers allow him to turn into several forms, providing flexibility in combat and medical situations. Chopper's innocence, curiosity, and tenderheartedness make him dear to crewmates and audiences alike. His story, from being a misunderstood creature to a much-needed crew member, showcases themes of acceptance and self-worth, even though he’s thought of as just being the crew’s “pet” by the World Government.

Nico Robin

Nico Robin, the "Devil Child," is the archaeologist of the Straw Hat Pirates. Born on February 6th in Ohara, she became an archaeologist early in her childhood. Her life took a sad turn when the World Government destroyed Ohara just to suppress its scholars' research into forbidden history. She was the only survivor, forever chased by the World Government. She lived the life of a fugitive where she relied on her wits and powers of the Hana Hana no Mi that gives her the power to sprout limbs from any surface to live.

Robin wants to discover the forbidden history of the world, the Void Century, through the ancient writings in Poneglyphs. This desire came from her late mother, Nico Olvia, and the great minds of Ohara. She is also dedicated to the protection of her new family, who gave her the strength and desire to keep living, the Straw Hat crew.

As the archaeologist of the crew, Robin provides much-needed historical knowledge and the ability to read Poneglyphs, an invaluable (and super rare) quality. Powered by her Devil Fruit, she is an extremely skilled combatant, able to take multiple enemies at the same time, and does not panic as much compared to most characters. Robin's calm demeanor, intellect, and morbidly adorable sense of humor helps balance out the hyperactive energy of the Straw Hats.

Franky

Franky, born Cutty Flam on March 9th, is the Straw Hat Pirates' shipwright. Abandoned by his pirate parents, he was raised by Tom, a lmaster shipwright in Water 7 who built Gol D. Roger’s legendary ship, the Oro Jackson. After a life-changing incident involving the government and Tom's arrest, Franky rebuilt his body with scrap metal, becoming a cyborg.

Franky's dream is to build and sail a ship capable of circling the globe. This will, hopefully, be realized through the Thousand Sunny. This goal honors his mentor Tom and showcases his pride as a shipwright. He's also committed to supporting Luffy's quest to become Pirate King and helping the crew find the One Piece.

As the Straw Hats' shipwright, Franky maintains and upgrades the Thousand Sunny, ensuring it withstands the Grand Line's dangerous surprises. His engineering skills and cyborg enhancements make him both an invaluable inventor and a formidable fighter. Franky has a flamboyant personality, cola-powered body, and a very "SUPER!" energy

Brook

"Soul King" Brook is the Straw Hat Pirates' musician. Born on April 3rd, he was originally a member of the Rumbar Pirates. After a tragic encounter, Brook and most of his crew died, but he was resurrected as a skeleton by the Yomi Yomi no Mi Devil Fruit. He spent decades alone in the fog before joining Luffy's crew.

Brook's primary goal is to reunite with Laboon, a whale he befriended years ago, fulfilling a promise to return after sailing around the world. He's also committed to supporting Luffy's quest to become Pirate King. As the crew's musician, Brook boosts morale with his music. His unique Devil Fruit powers, especially his soul separation technique, prove invaluable in various situations. A skilled swordsman, he wields a shikomizue (sword cane) in combat. Brook's skeletal appearance and humorous personality bring a distinct dynamic to the crew.

Jinbe

Jinbe, the "First Son of the Sea", is helmsman for the Straw Hat Pirates. Born on April 2nd at Fish-Man Island, he learned Fish-Man Karate at an extremely early age and became an adept warrior. He was once a valued member of the Sun Pirates, formed by the legendary Fisher Tiger. After the dissolution of the crew and the death of Tiger, he became one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Jinbe dedicated his life to pursuing the goal of the Sun Pirates of seeing a world where fish-men and humans live in harmony.

Seeing that the Straw Hats had the potential to change the world, Jinbe resigned as Warlord and joined the Luffy crew. Jinbe also wants to join Luffy in finding the One Piece and starting a new, free era for fish-men and humans alike.

As the helmsman, Jinbe pilots the Thousand Sunny. Years of mastery in Fish-Man Karate, combined with gigantic strength, easily ranks him as one of the physically strongest members. Jinbe brings calm, wisdom, experience, and leadership that will guide the Straw Hats. His deep sense of honor, loyalty, and commitment to justice add a strong moral compass to the crew.

Nefertari Vivi

Nefertari D. Vivi, born February 2nd, is a princess of the Alabasta Kingdom and a former Straw Hat Pirate. She infiltrated Baroque Works as Miss Wednesday to gather information about Crocodile's intentions concerning her homeland. During the time she spent with the Straw Hats, Vivi managed to bond closely with them while saving Alabasta and defeating Crocodile.

Vivi’s goal is to protect and maintain peace in Alabasta. She is dedicated to her people, working for their welfare and prosperity of their kingdom. Even after returning to her royal duties, Vivi wants to rejoin the Straw Hats and have many more adventures. However, due to her royal status, she is willing to cheer from a distance and let them move on.

Being a princess and ex-crew member, her role comes to be complex on all levels. It was by exposing Crocodile's plan and showing courage, wit, and a love for justice, she was able to save her people. Her diplomatic skills and sense of Alabasta’s needs underline her many commitments to her duties.

Portgas D. Ace

Portgas D. Ace, AKA "Fire Fist" Ace, is Gol D. Roger and Portgas D. Rouge's son. He was born on January 1st and has since been raised by Monkey D. Garp and Curly Dadan with Luffy. Ace possesses the Mera Mera no Mi Devil Fruit which gives him fire-based Logia abilities. He became the 2nd division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, deeply loyal to Edward "Whitebeard" Newgate whom he considered his true father.

Ace's main goals were to support Whitebeard in his ambitions to become Pirate King, create an identity independent of his heritage, and be a strong figure for his crew and family. The person Ace trusted the most was Luffy. He honestly believed that one day, Luffy would be able to fulfill his dream. He wanted to prove his worth because he often thought his life was troubled by the fact of him being Roger's son and his life itself being worthless.

Ace was an incredibly consequential character in the series and keeps being very relevant long after his death. His strength and legend added depth to the world of the series. Captured by the World Government, then executed in Marineford, Ace triggered one of the most defining events of the series: the Summit War. His sacrifice to save Luffy from Admiral Akainu hit hard on Luffy's growth and determination.

Sabo

Sabo, the Revolutionary Army Chief of Staff, AKA the Flame Emperor, was born on March 20 in Goa Kingdom. He’s Luffy and Ace’s sworn brother. Born in a noble family, Sabo gave up a life of privilege due to the corruption and cruelties that would happen in front of him. He escaped to Grey Terminal, where he met and created a brotherhood with Ace and Luffy. After nearly dying in his childhood, Sabo was saved by the Revolutionary Army and lost his memories. He only regained his memory after being informed of Ace's death.

Sabo's goal is to overthrow the corrupt World Government and create a new world of justice; this is the same objective as that of the Revolutionary Army. He wants to protect Luffy, also aiming to fulfill Ace's death wish by living free. As the Chief of Staff, Sabo holds the second-highest position in the Revolutionary Army, directly beneath Monkey D. Dragon, Luffy’s dad.

Sabo acts to bridge Luffy's past with the overall political setting of the One Piece world. That said, his standing within the Revolutionary Army shows there is a worldwide resistance against the World Government. Having consumed Ace’s Mera Mera no Mi and his martial arts skills in Dragon Claw style, Sabo has grown to be a mighty ally and symbol of hope to all those who fight for liberty and justice.

Shanks

"Red-Haired" Shanks is one of the Four Emperors, born on March 9, and captain of the Red Hair Pirates. His true origin is still unknown, but it has just recently been revealed that, as an infant, he was discovered by Gol D. Roger inside a treasure chest at *THE* God Valley incident. There are also hints at a relationship with the Figarland House of high-ranking Celestial Dragons, but how they fit together remains unknown.

As a child, he was a pirate apprentice under Roger along with Buggy. After the execution of Roger, Shanks founded his own crew and became an influential pirate himself. He played a very influential role in inspiring Monkey D. Luffy to become a pirate and even saved young Luffy's life in Foosha Village by losing his left arm. Before he left, Shanks gave Luffy his signature straw hat, treading the path for Luffy to become the King of Pirates.

As a Yonko (Emperor of the Sea), Shanks has immense influence over the New World and the events of the world as a whole. He is well known for his extraordinary ability in Haki, especially in Conqueror's Haki. He seems to seek balance and peace, as seen when he ended the Summit War alone at Marineford. What Shanks' real goals are and how much of the world secrets he truly knows have yet to be exposed, keeping Shanks as one of the most mysterious characters in the series.

Trafalgar Law

Trafalgar D. Water Law was born on October 6 in the North Blue and is captain of the Heart Pirates and former Warlord of the Sea, a member of The Worst Generation. He is known as the "Surgeon of Death." Law survived the destruction of his hometown, Flevance, and was later adopted by the Doflamingo crew. His life was shaped by chaos, death, and destruction from a young age. Thankfully, Corazon, Doflamingo’s brother, saved his life and served as his mentor, becoming a father figure to Law.
Ope Ope no Mi is the Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that allows Law to control and manipulate anything within a spherical territory. With this ability and his medical skills combined, he becomes an incredibly powerful pirate and miraculous surgeon.

From the very start, their alliance with the Straw Hat Pirates was to take down Doflamingo and avenge Corazon’s death, but Law had evolved the plan to take down Emperor Kaido and also to learn the truth about Will of D. He’s been an ally and rival to Luffy, with their relationship growing from one of convenience to becoming one of the most trustworthy allies of the Straw Hats.

Monkey D. Garp

Monkey D. Garp, born on May 2nd, is a legendary Marine vice admiral known as "Garp the Fist" and "Hero of the Marines". Renowned for cornering Gol D. Roger multiple times, he's the grandfather of Monkey D. Luffy and father of Monkey D. Dragon. Garp raised both Luffy and Portgas D. Ace, showcasing a complex character torn between duty and family.

His strength is legendary, mastering Haki and famously throwing cannonballs with his bare hands. Garp's personality is characterized by his boisterous laugh, love of crackers, and tendency to fall asleep in odd situations. He has a playful side and a strong sense of moral justice that sometimes conflicts with his role as a Marine.

Garp is also a member of SWORD, a secret Marine organization that does not align with the World Government, indicating his involvement in covert operations within the Marines. Throughout his career, he has trained several notable Marines, including Admiral Aokiji, and later took a particular interest in training Koby and Helmeppo, shaping their growth in the Marines.

After the Summit War his loyalties were tested and he had to retire to an instructor role. His sense of justice does not align with the World Government, but he strives to protect those in need and his loved ones.

Koby

Koby, born May 13, is a Marine captain and a member of the secretive SWORD. First introduced as the timid cabin boy of Alvida's pirate ship, Koby was inspired by Monkey D. Luffy to follow his own dream of becoming a Marine officer. Physically and mentally, Koby has improved much under the training of Vice Admiral Garp. He can perform many techniques in Rokushiki and has even awakened his Observation Haki.

Overall, Koby's goals are to rise through the ranks in the Marines and to uphold justice. However, through his friendship with Luffy, he has come to redefine justice, which many times puts him into conflict with the absolutism of the Marines, especially under Akainu. As a member of SWORD, Koby gets involved in covert operations that sometimes may lead him to play a role in reshaping the Marines from within.

Koby becomes a foil to Luffy: showing the "good" side of the law but still being on good terms with a pirate. Koby’s big dream is to become the Fleet Admiral of the marines and work to bring real justice to the world

Boa Hancock

Boa Hancock was born on September 2 and is captain of the Kuja Pirates. She is also the empress of Amazon Lily, known as the "Pirate-Empress," and has been called the most beautiful woman in the world. She has consumed the Mero Mero no Mi, which allows her to turn people who become attracted to her into stone.

Tragedy colors Hancock's past. As a little girl, she and her sisters were kidnapped and made slaves by the World Nobles. This experience instilled in her an intense and almost pathological hate for men and a bias against the World Government. Freed, they were adopted by the previous empress of Amazon Lily, Gloriosa, and Hancock became one herself after time.

Although proud and apparently cold to all, Hancock has shown a softer side with Monkey D. Luffy. She fell in love with him when he learned her secret past and was still so kind to her. This led to her taking the side of Luffy during the Marineford War and onwards, probably at the risk of losing her position as a Warlord of the Sea.

She aims to protect both the independence of Amazon Lily and to support Luffy. Hancock's role evolved from a possible antagonist to one of his most powerful allies. She considers herself to be Luffy's wife-to-be, despite Luffy’s complete lack of interest in romance.

Kozuki Momonosuke

Kozuki Momonosuke, born on October 7th, is the son of Kozuki Oden and Toki, and the current Shogun of Wano Country. Due to his mother's Time-Time Fruit power, Momonosuke was sent 20 years into the future, making him biologically 28 years old but mentally still a child.

Momonosuke possesses several unique abilities. He can hear the Voice of All Things, allowing him to communicate with entities like Zunesha. He also consumed an artificial Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit, granting him the power to transform into a pink Eastern dragon, create Flame Clouds, and fly.

Initially introduced as a timid child, Momonosuke has shown significant growth throughout the story. During the battle against Kaido, he had his body aged 20 years by Shinobu's Juku Juku ability, playing a crucial role in saving the Flower Capital from a falling Onigashima.

As the new Shogun, Momonosuke's primary goals are to rebuild Wano, open its borders, and fulfill his father's dream. He proudly flies the Straw Hat Flag in Wano, becoming one of the strongest forces on Luffy’s side with all the might of the samurai of Wano.

Rebecca

Rebecca, born August 4th, is a former gladiator and princess of Dressrosa. Daughter of Kyros and Scarlett, her life changed when Doflamingo usurped the throne. Her initial goals were to survive in the Corrida Colosseum, protect her father (the "Thunder Soldier"), and win the Mera Mera no Mi for safety.

Despite her gladiatorial background, Rebecca is gentle and kind-hearted. She developed a unique, evasion-focused fighting style reflecting her pacifist nature. Her determination and resilience make her formidable when necessary. Rebecca plays a crucial role in the Dressrosa arc, linking the Straw Hats to Dressrosa's history. Although not an official member, she becomes a strong Straw Hat supporter, grateful for their role in liberating her country and reuniting her family.

Post-Dressrosa, Rebecca's goals shift to reconnecting with her family and adapting to royal life. Even so, she remains an ally to Luffy and a personal friend, making Dressrossa part of the Straw Hat Emperor’s territories. Her story embodies themes of family bonds and perseverance against adversity.

Princess Shirahoshi

Princess Shirahoshi was born on April 4 and is the youngest of the Ryugu Kingdom's royal family and one of the Ancient Weapons, Poseidon. Shirahoshi is the Mermaid Princess and has the ability to communicate with and command Sea Kings.

This made Vander Decken IX want to take Shirahoshi. Her father kept her inside the Hard-Shell Tower for ten years, evolving her character into a shy and cowardly one. Her aim is to conquer her fears and go out into the world outside her tower, fulfilling her mother's dream of finding coexistence between humans and fish-men.

Shirahoshi plays a central role in the Fishman Island arc, where she becomes highly attached to Luffy, who encourages her to gain confidence and be fearless. Although not a crew member, she actually becomes an extremely powerful ally for the Straw Hats out of extreme gratitude for their protection and friendship.

Shirahoshi's dream is to reach the surface world and realize her late mother's wish of peace among species, something that aligns with the mission of the Straw Hats: freedom and adventure.

Bartolomeo

Bartolomeo is the captain of the Barto Club and one of the leaders in the Straw Hat Grand Fleet; he was born on October 6. After witnessing Luffy's execution attempt in Loguetown, Bartolomeo became a pirate. He eats the Bari Bari no Mi to be able to create impenetrable barriers. Bartolomeo is a hardcore fan of the Straw Hat Pirates, though he himself bears the cruel reputation of "Bartolomeo the Cannibal."

The main role of Bartolomeo is to support Luffy and his crew to prove himself as a worthy ally. He is a comic relief character who has taken on a supporting role in the storyline. While his fanatical admirations give comic relief, it is his barrier powers that enable him to be very useful during battle. Being a founding part of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, Bartolomeo represents the growing network of allies surrounding Luffy in his quest to become the Pirate King.

Bon Clay

Bentham is a former agent of Baroque Works who turned ally to the Straw Hat Pirates. His Devil Fruit, the Mane Mane no Mi, will help him change into the image of anyone he has touched. Bentham will not be easily forgotten because of his flamboyant personality and his unique fighting style that channels ballet with martial arts.

He is driven by freedom and true friendship in that he strives to find a place where he can fit himself in. He shows undying loyalty towards Luffy, which often makes him sacrifice much in favor of his friends.

Bentham was introduced as a villain but developed into one of the series’ kindest characters. In the Alabasta and Impel Down arcs, he proved to be courageous and loyal. Not only is he a fan favorite, but also one of Luffy’s most beloved friends, having saved his life on more than one occasion.

Silvers Rayleigh

“Dark King” Silvers Rayleigh is the former first mate of the Roger Pirates and right-hand man to the Pirate King himself, Gol D. Roger. He possesses exceptional swordsmanship and Haki abilities. After the Roger Pirates disbanded, Rayleigh retired to Sabaody Archipelago as a ship coater but later emerged to train Luffy in Haki during the two-year time skip.

Rayleigh's primary objectives include preserving his freedom, supporting Roger's legacy, and guiding the next generation—particularly Luffy—in their quest for the One Piec. He also safeguards the secrets of the Void Century and True History, waiting for worthy successors. Rayleigh serves as a crucial mentor and link to the past. His vast experience and knowledge make him instrumental in Luffy's development through mentorship and training.