Dr. Tenma is a lean, tall man with a slightly unkempt yet professional appearance, reflecting both his dedication to his work and the toll of his arduous journey. He has medium-length dark brown hair, often tied back or falling into his face, and sharp, serious eyes that convey his intellect and resolve. His expressions frequently shift between calm professionalism and the deep emotional turmoil he experiences throughout the series.

Typically, Tenma is dressed in formal or semi-casual attire, such as button-down shirts and slacks, underscoring his identity as a doctor. As the story progresses and his pursuit of Johan takes him across Europe, his appearance becomes more rugged, reflecting the hardships he endures on his quest for justice.

Kenzo Tenma is a principled, compassionate, and deeply empathetic individual. His strong moral convictions drive him to treat every life as equal, regardless of status or background. This unwavering belief in equality and justice is both his grea strength and his Achilles’ heel, as it leads to the fateful decision to save Johan’s life a choice that haunts him for years.

Despite his gentle and thoughtful nature, Tenma demonstrates remarkable resilience and determination when faced with adversity. His guilt over Johan’s actions fuels his quest to stop him, transforming Tenma into a man willing to endure unimaginable hardships to uphold his values. As he pursues Johan, Tenma is forced to confront complex ethical dilemmas and question whether his ideals can survive in the face of such overwhelming darkness.

Saving Johan: Tenma’s decision to prioritize Johan’s life over a prominent politician’s sets off a chain reaction of events. Although his choice initially brings him professional and personal consequences, it is the revelation of Johan’s true nature that changes Tenma’s life forever.

The Manhunt: Plagued by guilt and a sense of responsibility, Tenma dedicates himself to stopping Johan, embarking on a dangerous journey across Europe. Along the way, he encounters a variety of individuals whose lives have been impacted by Johan, further highlighting the ripple effects of his fateful decision.

Confronting Evil: As Tenma tracks Johan, he is forced to grapple with the nature of evil and the moral ambiguity of his actions. His pursuit becomes a of his own humanity, challenging his beliefs about justice and whether taking Johan’s life would make him a monster as well.

• Johan Liebert: Johan serves as both Tenma’s grea regret and his most formidable adversary. Their relationship is defined by an intricate psychological battle, as Johan’s existence challenges everything Tenma believes in. Despite Johan’s atrocities, Tenma’s struggle to reconcile his desire for justice with his principles creates one of the series’ most compelling dynamics.

• Eva Heinemann: Tenma’s former fiancée, Eva’s relationship with Tenma begins to deteriorate after he prioritizes Johan’s life over her father’s. While Eva initially resents Tenma, her character arc intertwines with his journey in unexpected ways.

• Dieter: A young boy Tenma rescues during his journey, Dieter becomes a symbol of hope and innocence. Their bond allows Tenma to reaffirm his commitment to protecting life, even in the face of despair.

• Inspector Lunge: An obsessive investigator who initially suspects Tenma of being behind Johan’s crimes, Lunge’s interactions with Tenma highlight the tension between evidence-based justice and moral truth.

Dr. Kenzo Tenma is widely regarded as one of the most compelling protagonists in anime and manga. His journey is a profound exploration of morality, justice, and human resilience, challenging the audience to question their own beliefs about right and wrong. Tenma’s unwavering commitment to his ideals, even in the face of overwhelming darkness, cements his status as a symbol of hope and humanity in Monster.

Through his character, Monster masterfully balances a psychological thriller with deeply philosophical themes, ensuring Tenma’s legacy as a cornerstone of Naoki Urasawa’s masterpiece and one of anime’s most iconic protagonists.