Sesshoumaru // Overview

Age: Unknown (Physically and Mentally, 19)
Gender: Male
Race: Dai-youkai/Inu-youkai
Personality: Expressionless, Violent, Observant
Aliases: Sesshoumaru-sama, Sesshoumaru
Role: Antagonist/Neutral

Overall:
Sesshoumaru is the eldest son of the "Greater Youkai" and elder brother to Inuyasha. Expressionless and cruel, Sesshoumaru kills without hesitation, quickly slaughtering all obstacles that block his path. His freightening power is matched only by his effeminate beauty and hatred towards the human race. Living by a set of self-made rules, Sesshoumaru wanders forcefully through the forests of the Sengoku Jidai, his true purpose and goal a mystery.

Most details of Sesshoumaru's character are unknown, such as his "true" age (Takahashi states that Sesshoumaru is 19 in appearance and mindset in the "Inuyasha Okuki Kaiden" guide book), eating habits, or even the identity of his mother. A reserved, impersonal creature, Sesshoumaru remains one of the most unexplained characters in the Inuyasha universe.

What we do know is that Sesshoumaru is a full-blooded youkai, a fact he rubs in the face of his hanyou half-brother, Inuyasha, time and time again. Because of his untainted demonic blood, Sesshoumaru has deadly—often unmatched—skill and speed, making him one of the most powerful fighters in the series.

Sesshoumaru has two forms, one being the humanoid form fans are most familiar with. In his humanoid form, Sesshoumaru has silver hair down to his waist (sometimes lower or higher depending on the angle), with two thin stripes on either side of his face and wrists. A crescent moon—its purpose/significance has yet to be determined—rests in the center of Sesshoumaru's brow, slightly covered by long, thick bangs. Traces of color line both his eyes and mouth—depending on the image—which we assume are natural demon markings. A fur wrap of sorts encircles his shoulder, which many assume to be his "tail" (dubbed "moko-moko" in an interview with Takahashi). His clothing is richly decorated with floral patterns, brilliant colors, and an armored breastplate for protection. At his side are his two swords—Tenseiga and Toukijin (though the Toukijin is broken by Mouryoumaru's armored shell in Volume 41, Chapter 407). He has other typical markings of an inu-youkai, such as pointed ears, long claws (which, in his case, are poisonous), and orange/golden eyes. His famous expression—bored and emotionless—never/rarely changes.

Sesshoumaru's second form—his "true form"—is that of a gigantic, salivating dog. Though his "pure self" is capable of breathing poison, pouncing long distances, and smashing Inuyasha between his teeth, there are few advantages to his transformed state. For instance, his dog form loses a significant amount of speed and agility (i.e. from what I can tell), as well as his ability to wield weapons. But then, we've only seen this monstrous form once, during Volume 2. Since then, all attempts to transform have been "cut short" (i.e. stopped mid-transformation) due to one thing or another (i.e. Rin is used—against Sesshoumaru—to ensure Naraku's escape in Volume 23, Chapter 222). Completely transformed, Sesshoumaru is pure white, though he retains the demonic markings present in his humanoid form. He is also in complete control of his mind/actions during his transformation (in contrast to Inuyasha, who goes feral during his "complete youkai" state).

Sesshoumaru has a deep hatred for humans, Inuyasha, Naraku, and most anything that obstructs his path for power (or whatever it is he wishes to acquire). He hates being manipulated, evident in Volume 23 when Rin is abducted. He kills/slaughters without feeling, thought, or remorse, finding little value in human and/or youkai life (i.e. expendable). I found it interesting in Volume 33, Chapter 325 when Naraku says to Sesshoumaru, "Kokoro no Tsukuri ga Chigau" (i.e. "Your mindset is different").

The most interesting fact about Sesshoumaru is his complete disinterest in the Shikon no Tama. If you recall, the Shikon no Tama is a coveted jewel once guarded by the Priestess Kikyo, and the focal point of much of the Inuyasha universe. Both humans and youkai alike pursue this treasure in hopes of acquiring endless power to fulfill their evil desires. In Volume 21, Chapter 203, Kagura attempts to bargain with Sesshoumaru by offering him a shard of the Shikon no Tama in exchange for killing Naraku (i.e. setting her free from his control). Sesshoumaru replies, "Unfortunately for you, I have no interest in the Shikon no Tama."

Sesshoumaru has an amazing sense of smell, sound, and sight. Being as he is a youkai, Sesshoumaru is overwhelmingly evil, as shown in Volume 17 when he overcomes the wicked aura of the Toukijin and becomes the sword's master. Pride, arrogance, and a cunning wit are additional qualities evident in Sesshoumaru's character.