Ciel Phantomhive, the young earl of the Phantomhive family, is a short and slight teenage boy with distinctive grey-tinged, blue-black hair and striking peacock-blue eyes. His physique is described as well-proportioned, with thin arms and legs, narrow shoulders, and a slim waist. A dark mark known as the “noble beast” is branded on the left side of his body, a scar he carries from his time as a slave in a cult. During that period, he also had his ears pierced by slave traders to attach a price tag, and as a result, Ciel now wears earrings as a permanent reminder of his past.

Ciel’s clothing is elegant and befitting his noble standing, with an extensive wardrobe fit for a young lord. He is typically seen wearing a black eye-patch made of gauze, which covers his right eye where he has a Faustian contract with his demon butler, Sebastian Michaelis. When disguised, Ciel replaces the black eye-patch with a white one resembling a transdermal patch, attached over his ear with two cords, further aiding his anonymity.

He also sports two rings: on his left thumb, a silver ring adorned with an emerald-cut deep-blue sapphire, a family heirloom passed down through generations; and on his right hand, a gold signet ring in the shape of the Phantomhive crest, used for stamping the wax seal on important documents. The latter ring was given to him by Angelina Dalles after the fire that claimed his parents, symbolizing his survival and the remnants of his family’s legacy.

Ciel Phantomhive is a proud and shrewd young boy who commands respect with his sharp intellect and calculating nature. He is known for his “presence of mind” and “keen intuition,” qualities that Sebastian Michaelis, his demon butler, often admires. A chess prodigy, Ciel is able to navigate complex situations by visualizing them as chess moves, using Sebastian as his pawn in the game. His main driving force is the quest for revenge against those who harmed him and his family, and he is willing to sacrifice his soul to accomplish his goal.

As the Earl of the Phantomhive house, Ciel is an exceptional leader who inspires unwavering loyalty from his servants. Though he is generally undemonstrative, rarely expressing emotions or affection, Ciel does have a deep care for the well-being of those he loves. His actions, such as jumping in front of a bear to protect Elizabeth Midford and trying to shield her from a horde of Bizarre Dolls, demonstrate his protective nature. Ciel is also considerate of his servants’ needs, often going out of his way to provide for them, such as taking them shopping for new items when necessary.

Ciel is accustomed to luxury and has difficulty with tasks that are beneath his status, such as dressing himself or performing household chores. He finds staying in austere environments uncomfortable and unbefitting of his title.

As the Queen’s Watchdog, Ciel is diligent in his work, willing to resort to morally dubious methods to achieve his objectives. He is pragmatic and often lies without hesitation, particularly when working undercover. His cynicism and distrust of others’ integrity are reflected in his approach to his missions. Ciel is merciless when it comes to dealing with enemies, often instructing Sebastian to eliminate them without a second thought.

In his role as the executive chairman and owner of Funtom Corporation, Ciel exhibits impressive business acumen. He has a sharp understanding of market trends and capitalizes on them to grow his company. His ambition knows no bounds; he eagerly promotes products and celebrities that will increase sales, even when it involves questionable tactics.

Despite his wisdom, Ciel has moments of childishness, particularly when he becomes overly competitive or when he overestimates his abilities. He is averse to ties and will push until a clear victor emerges. Though he is frail in health, suffering from asthma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to his past experiences as a slave, Ciel remains vigilant, carrying a gun for protection and keeping one under his pillow at all times.

Ciel has a fondness for sweets and is allergic to cats, much like his mother. These small details of his personality add layers to the otherwise calculated and driven character of the young earl.

Ciel Phantomhive, born on December 14, 1875, to Vincent and Rachel Phantomhive, was thrust into a life of tragedy and vengeance at a young age. On his tenth birthday, he stumbled upon the brutal murder of his parents and family dog Sebastian in the Phantomhive manor. Shocked and terrified, he ran for help, encountering Tanaka, who urged him to escape. Before Tanaka could say more, he was attacked, and Ciel was subsequently captured.

Ciel was sold into slavery and branded with the mark of a “noble beast” by his captors. He was locked in a cage at a cathedral, where masked adults gathered to witness his torment. With no one coming to his aid and resigned to the fact that there was no divine intervention, Ciel summoned the demon Sebastian Michaelis, thus beginning their contract. The demon, in his true form, offered Ciel power in exchange for his soul. Ciel, driven by a desire for revenge against those who harmed him, agreed to the pact, demanding a power greater than anyone else’s. The demon marked Ciel’s right eye with the seal of their contract, causing excruciating pain. Ciel then ordered Sebastian to kill the cultists who had tortured him, which Sebastian did without hesitation, burning the building down as they escaped.

After these events, Ciel was reunited with Tanaka and returned to his manor, only to find it destroyed. Sebastian rebuilt it with his supernatural abilities. As the new Earl of Phantomhive, Ciel took over the family title and became the Queen’s Watchdog, a position where he would work as a secret operative for the monarchy. He also established the Funtom Corporation, fulfilling his childhood dream of opening a toy store in London, which became a thriving business.

Over time, Ciel’s relationship with Sebastian grew more complex. One amusing instance involved Ciel complaining about a wobbly tooth, leading Sebastian to forcibly remove it despite Ciel’s pros. This event became one of many that defined their peculiar but deep bond. Ciel’s interactions with Sebastian were often a mix of playful annoyance and deep reliance.

Sebastian also helped Ciel recruit new servants, including the gardener Finnian, housemaid Mey-Rin, and the chef Baldroy, forming a unique team to serve Ciel’s needs. Despite the trauma and tragedies of his past, Ciel maintained his cold, calculating demeanor as he worked toward his ultimate goal: avenging the deaths of his family and uncovering the mystery behind the conspiracy that led to their murders.

• Sebastian Michaelis
  Sebastian is Ciel’s demon butler, bound by a Faustian contract to serve and protect Ciel until his revenge is complete, at which point Sebastian will claim his soul. Their relationship is marked by a complex mix of trust, manipulation, and mutual reliance.

• Elizabeth Midford
  Elizabeth is Ciel’s cousin and fiancée. Despite his cold demeanor, Ciel cares for Elizabeth and values her unwavering devotion, even as he struggles to meet her expectations of happiness and normalcy.

• Vincent and Rachel Phantomhive
  Ciel’s parents, whose untimely deaths serve as the catalyst for his quest for vengeance and his resolve to rebuild the Phantomhive legacy.

• The Phantomhive Servants
  Though initially dismissed as eccentric and incompetent, Ciel’s household staff, including Bard, Finnian, Mey-Rin, and Tanaka, are fiercely loyal and capable in their own ways, often surprising their master with their dedication.

Earl Ciel Phantomhive is a defining figure in Black Butler, embodying themes of vengeance, loyalty, and the cost of ambition. His intelligence, resolve, and morally complex character make him a compelling protagonist who has captivated fans worldwide. As the head of the Phantomhive house and the Queen’s Watchdog, Ciel’s story intertwines personal tragedy with the intrigue of Victorian England, leaving a lasting impact on the narrative and the audience.