During the events of the Killing School Life in Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, Makoto appears younger than his actual age due to having lost two years of memory. He is notably shorter than most of his classmates. He has spiky, light brown hair with a distinct ahoge and washed-out hazel eyes. His outfit consists of black jeans, a dull green hoodie with a red stripe along the zipper, an open black jacket with gold buttons, and red sneakers with white tips. The hoodie features a red gas mask emblem on the back of the hood, and its zipper extends all the way to the top. A distinctive pin shaped like a four-pointed star overlaying a crescent moon is worn on the lapel of his jacket.

Following the Killing School Life, Makoto joins the Future Foundation, where he is often seen in a black suit. In Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls, his hair appears lighter, longer, and spikier, with slightly more detail. By the events of Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak High School, his hair is cut shorter, giving him a more mature appearance, though his round facial features still give him a youthful look. After assuming the role of headmaster of the new Hope’s Peak Academy, Makoto adopts a more professional style, wearing a black suit paired with a beige tie, a dark blue sweater vest, and a white shirt.

Makoto describes himself as an ordinary person, often showing a degree of insecurity about his lack of distinctive talents. The one trait that sets him apart, however, is his unwavering optimism, which becomes central to his character.

He is kind, supportive, and forgiving, though at times somewhat naive. Polite and approachable, Makoto is notably more grounded than many of his classmates, which helps him build meaningful connections even with those who are withdrawn or difficult to approach. These qualities allow him to earn the trust and friendship of nearly all of his peers during Free Time interactions.

Junko Enoshima refers to him as an “herbivore man,” implying passivity in relationships, a notion reinforced in some of his more timid or hesitant responses. He can be jumpy and at times a pushover, yet beneath this exterior lies a surprising determination and the ability to inspire others through his words.

A steadfast believer in hope, Makoto remains optimistic about the future even in the direst circumstances. He adheres to pacifist ideals, preferring dialogue over violence, and views despair as a destructive force with no true benefit to the world. Still, he is empathetic toward those consumed by despair, considering them victims of Junko’s manipulation rather than inherently malicious.

Junko Enoshima is the only individual Makoto openly regards as an enemy, holding her and her avatar Monokuma responsible for the deaths of his classmates during the Killing School Life. Even then, he attempted to reason with her before her self-execution, demonstrating his inclination toward understanding over retribution.

Though later celebrated as the “Ultimate Hope,” Makoto remains humble and slightly embarrassed by the title. Danganronpa Zero notes that despite his unassuming outward appearance, he possesses inner strength that surfaces in moments of crisis. His ability to inspire others and influence their way of thinking is one of his most defining traits, though not universally effective, as some characters reject his ideals outright. Despite his hopeful persona, Makoto is not invulnerable, as shown when he falls under the influence of the Suicide Video.

Before enrolling at Hope’s Peak Academy, Makoto Naegi lived an ordinary life as a seemingly average student with no outstanding skills or talents. His acceptance into the prestigious academy came only through the school’s lottery system, granting him the title of Ultimate Lucky Student. This title was not based on ability but rather on the extraordinary fortune of being selected from countless candidates.

Unlike many of his peers, who possessed extraordinary abilities or reputations, Makoto saw himself as completely unremarkable. His sense of inadequacy often left him insecure, though he balanced this with his natural optimism and belief in hope. These qualities would later become instrumental in his survival during the Killing School Life and his eventual role in influencing others.

Years after the tragedy at Hope’s Peak, Makoto’s actions and ideals earned him recognition within the Future Foundation, where he eventually took part in the Final Killing Game alongside the organization’s leadership.

Ultimate Lucky Student
Makoto gained the title of Ultimate Lucky Student after winning a lottery that selected one completely ordinary individual to enroll at Hope’s Peak Academy. His admission was itself marked by strange coincidences: on the day of his selection, a series of events led to him inadvertently apprehending a jewel thief, though his acceptance letter was destroyed in the process.

Makoto’s luck continues to play a key role throughout the Killing School Life. In the fifth trial, just before his execution could be carried out, Alter Ego intervened, opening a hatch beneath him and saving his life until Kyoko Kirigiri arrived to rescue him. His unusual fortune also influences events in Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak High School, allowing him to survive multiple dangerous encounters during the Final Killing Game. Unlike Nagito Komaeda or Izuru Kamukura, Makoto’s luck follows a different pattern that is difficult to analyze or predict, making it challenging for Junko Enoshima to account for him in her otherwise meticulous plans. Ironically, Junko allowed Makoto to live precisely because his unpredictable luck had the potential to disrupt her “perfect” scenario, which in turn contributed to her downfall.

Ultimate Hope
Makoto’s true talent as the Ultimate Hope emerges during the final trial of the Killing School Life. Unlike other titles bestowed by Hope’s Peak Academy, this was not institutional recognition, but rather a distinction earned by overcoming Junko Enoshima, the True Ultimate Despair. Unlike Izuru Kamukura, whose version of Ultimate Hope is rooted in innate talent, Makoto’s stems from his unwavering optimism, resilience, and ability to inspire others.

Junko’s manipulations and despair-inducing strategies proved ineffective against Makoto, whose unique combination of hope and luck made him resistant to her influence. Ultimately, Makoto inspired his remaining classmates to overcome despair, leading them to choose life beyond the academy’s walls. His belief that “hope is infectious” was demonstrated again in Danganronpa IF, where he unintentionally encouraged Mukuro Ikusaba to consider a life beyond Junko’s plans for despair.

In later events, including the Final Killing Game, Makoto’s role as a beacon of hope was reinforced by those around him. When he began to falter after Kazuo Tengan’s murder, Aoi Asahina and Miaya Gekkogahara (remotely controlled by Monaca Towa) reminded him of the hope he had already instilled in others. Kyoko Kirigiri, too, reassured him that even if his hope was not enough, she would support him. After her apparent death, Makoto used both his and Kyoko’s hope to persuade Kyosuke Munakata to stand with him, combining their ideals to bring an end to the killing.

Keen Intellect
Although often overshadowed by characters such as Kyoko Kirigiri and Byakuya Togami, Makoto demonstrates considerable analytical ability. He frequently identifies contradictions in testimony that others overlook and plays a critical role in class trials. In Danganronpa 3, he was able to deduce Kyosuke Munakata’s NG Code based on his refusal to open doors during the killing game. Makoto then used this knowledge strategically, setting a trap that allowed him to confront Kyosuke directly and ultimately convince him to ally with him.

Komaru Naegi
Komaru is Makoto’s younger sister and one of the people dearest to him. The siblings share a close bond, often watching television together and exchanging manga recommendations, though Komaru notes that they also argued frequently, as many siblings do. Both share the distinctive ahoge, further highlighting their resemblance.

When the Tragedy began, Makoto was separated from Komaru and forced into the Killing School Life. As part of Monokuma’s attempts to drive participants to murder, Makoto was shown a video depicting Komaru and their parents celebrating his acceptance to Hope’s Peak Academy, only for their home and family to be suddenly destroyed. Believing Komaru to be dead, Makoto became desperate to survive. He was later relieved to discover she was alive, though disappointed when she chose to remain in Towa City.

Kyoko Kirigiri
Although their pre-brainwashing relationship as classmates is unclear, Makoto and Kyoko’s bond deepens during the Killing School Life. Kyoko plays a crucial role in guiding Makoto through the first case, encouraging him to look beyond appearances in Sayaka Maizono’s murder. Thanks to her insight, he was able to uncover the truth. Over time, she becomes his closest ally, aiding him during class trials and offering him support in moments of doubt. While Makoto initially views her as a trusted friend and hopes she will place the same faith in him that he does in her, Kyoko gradually begins to embrace trust in others through their partnership.

Sayaka Maizono
Makoto and Sayaka attended the same middle school, though they had little interaction at the time due to differences in social standing. Sayaka later admitted she had always wanted to speak to Makoto, recalling how she once saw him nursing an injured crane back to health. While they graduated without much contact, it is strongly implied that Makoto harbored a crush on her, admiring her beauty and later enjoying her idol performances. After reconnecting at Hope’s Peak Academy, the two developed a friendship, as shown in Danganronpa 3: Despair Arc, where they are seen interacting more closely. A class photo even depicts Makoto glancing at Sayaka during a swimming trip, suggesting his lingering admiration.

Aoi Asahina
Makoto’s relationship with Aoi begins on neutral terms but gradually develops into a close friendship. During Free Time events, Aoi playfully asks him to act as her “practice boyfriend” to prepare for future relationships, highlighting their easy rapport. Her guilt over his near-execution during the Killing School Life further emphasizes the strength of their bond, with Makoto readily forgiving her.

Their friendship continues to deepen within the Future Foundation, where Makoto often looks out for Aoi to ensure she does not overexert herself, while she reassures him during times of stress. She stands by him during his arrest for allegedly betraying the Foundation, defending him alongside Kyoko and even aiding in his escape from Kyosuke Munakata. When Aoi despairs at the thought of another killing game, Makoto restores her determination by reminding her of the hope they must continue to protect.

Byakuya Togami
Makoto initially regarded Byakuya with a mixture of awe and unease, recognizing his impressive status as the Ultimate Affluent Prodigy while quietly disliking his cold and dismissive attitude. Despite Byakuya’s condescension, Makoto treated him with the same politeness and friendliness he extended to others, refraining from openly voicing criticism. Over time, the two develop mutual respect, particularly as Byakuya comes to acknowledge Makoto’s leadership and influence during class trials.