Sadao Maou
Sadao Maou |
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| Kanji | サタンジャコブ |
| Rōmaji | Satan Jakobu |
| Age: | 300+ (fabricated as 21 in Japan) |
| Birthday: | Unknown (June 23 in public) |
| Height: | 173 cm |
| Voice Actor | |
| Japanese | Ryōta Ōsaka |
| English | Jessie James Grelle |
Sadao Maou (真奥 貞夫, Maō Sadao) / Satan Jacob (サタンジャコブ, Satan Jakobu), formerly known as Satan Jacob, is the main protagonist of Hataraku Maou-sama! (The Devil is a Part-Timer!). He was once the feared Demon King of Ente Isla, who sought to conquer the world by uniting its four continents under his rule. However, his ambitions were cut short when the Hero Emilia Justina and her allies launched a counterattack, forcing him to retreat through a dimensional portal.
Upon arriving on modern-day Earth (Tokyo, Japan), he lost nearly all of his demonic powers, rendering him powerless and human-like. Now stranded in an unfamiliar world, Sadao assumes the identity of a regular Japanese citizen and takes up a part-time job at a fast-food chain called MgRonald’s, all while searching for a way to regain his powers and return to Ente Isla. Despite his former reputation as a ruthless demon king, Sadao gradually adapts to human society, developing a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and an unexpected sense of responsibility.
Background
Appearance in anime
Before his downfall, Satan Jacob ruled as the absolute overlord of the Demon Realm and waged a campaign of war and destruction against the humans of Ente Isla. He commanded a vast army of demons, including his most loyal generals, Alsiel (Shirō Ashiya), Lucifer, Malacoda, and Adramelech.
Despite being a powerful and ruthless ruler, Satan was not entirely evil, as his motivation for conquest stemmed from a desire to create a world where demons could thrive. However, his actions brought immense suffering to humanity, making him the ultimate enemy of the Church and the Hero Emilia Justina.
Following his defeat by Emilia and her allies, Satan and Alsiel fled through a portal, unexpectedly arriving on Earth, where their magic was rendered nearly useless due to the world’s lack of demonic energy. Forced to adapt to human life, Satan took on the identity of Sadao Maou, while Alsiel became Shirō Ashiya, his devoted yet struggling housemate.
Appearance
On Ente Isla, Satan Jacob had a towering, imposing physique, with sharp horns, glowing red eyes, and a dark, demonic aura. His fearsome presence made him a terrifying force on the battlefield.
After arriving on Earth, his appearance changed drastically due to his loss of power. As Sadao Maou, he takes the form of a young man with short black hair, reddish-brown eyes, and an average build. Despite his ordinary appearance, he maintains a charismatic and confident demeanor, which serves him well in human society.
His usual attire consists of his MgRonald’s uniform while at work and casual clothing (often simple shirts and jeans) in his everyday life.
Personality
Sadao Maou exhibits a dramatic shift in personality compared to his former self as the Demon King. Once a ruthless and ambitious conqueror, he has since become a hardworking, responsible, and surprisingly kind individual.
Despite his comedic and laid-back personality, he is still capable of being ruthless when necessary, particularly when his friends or subordinates are threatened. However, he generally prefers to solve conflicts through reasoning rather than violence, showing how much he has changed since his time as the Demon King.
Role in the Story
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The Struggle for Survival on Earth
After losing his demonic powers, Sadao is forced to rebuild his life from scratch. With no magic, no army, and no resources, he takes up a job at MgRonald’s, where he quickly proves to be a dedicated and ambitious employee. Despite his humble circumstances, he remains determined to rise through the ranks, treating his part-time job as seriously as ruling a kingdom. -
Conflict with the Hero Emilia and Other Forces
Despite being former enemies, Sadao and Emilia Justina (Emi Yusa on Earth) develop a complicated relationship. Emi initially refuses to trust him, believing that he is faking his good-natured personality. However, as she witnesses his kindness, work ethic, and growing concern for human life, she begins to question her hatred toward him.
Relationships
Emilia Justina (Emi Yusa)
His greatest rival and former enemy. Over time, their relationship shifts from hostility to reluctant cooperation, and eventually to mutual respect.
Shirō Ashiya (Alsiel)
His most loyal general, who has adapted to Earth as a hyper-frugal housekeeper. Ashiya remains devoted to Sadao’s cause, even if it means budgeting every last yen.
Chiho Sasaki
His co-worker at MgRonald’s, who develops a crush on him. She is one of his biggest supporters and often gets caught up in supernatural conflicts.
Hanzō Urushihara (Lucifer)
A former general who betrayed Sadao but later joins his household as a lazy NEET.
Suzuno Kamazuki
A Church inquisitor sent to kill him, but later becomes one of his closest allies.