Shenmue has a very diverse and well developed set of distinct characters who you will encounter in the game. Some are only passive while others hold a specific role in relation to the outcome of the plot. There are many passerby type characters that you may find from time to time. Some provide you with information vital to your quest and progress the plot of the game, while others are just there to add realism.
Ryo Hazuki - Thoughout the game you are in control of Ryo and you see the world though his eyes. He is the main character and focus of the saga of Shenmue. Ryo is deeply saddened by the death of his Father and has a deep hatred for the man Lan Di who ended his life. He wants desparately to seek revenge against the atrocity that he committed. Ryo is outwardly softspoken and polite but he will not let himself be taken advatage of and will defend himself when necessary. Ryo never kills anyone, but rather incapacitates them. He is respectful of his elders, and kind to animals. Ryo likes to play Video Games and collects the toys out of the vending machines. He has his friends Ito, and his girlfriend Nozomi. He cares for Nozomi and witholds much of the strife in his life from her.
Nozomi Harasaki - Nozomi like Ryo is reticent and softspoken. She is a lovely Japanese girl preparing to enter college originally from Vancouver Canada. She has strong feelings for Ryo and wants so much for him to understand those feelings. She cares a lot for the people in her life, her family and of course Ryo. During the course of the game you have the opportunity to grow closer to Nozomi and she will give you many hints about her feelings. Is there a second ending involving her?
Iwao Hazuki - (Ryo's Father) - He is killed by Lan Di over a mysterious Mirror called the Phoenix Mirror. has Ryo has vowed to avenge his father's death. Ryo's father shows him martial arts from a very young age.
Ine Hayata - Family housekeeper. She gives Ryo his allowance everyday and cares a great deal for his wellfare. She expresses worry that Ryo will lose himself in this vengance toward Lan Di. She fears he will suffer a fate similar to his father's.
Masayuki Fukuhara - Lives with Ryo. He is under martial arts study with Iwao and is a good friend of Ryo's. They sometimes spar together.
Ling Sha Hua - Why was it I never encountered this girl? The only time we see her is at the beginning of the game and sometimes during Ryo's dreams. Is she is future love. Is she a Chinese empress or something? I think we'll find out more about her in Shenmue II.
Miki - A girl that likes Ryo, you will find her walking around the streets and working at her father's barber shop from time to time. I thought she was kind of cute, but Ryo pretty much brushes her off every time she asks him to go on a date or to a club.
Not done.
