Ranma Saotome is one of the main characters of Ranma ½. They're the heir to the Saotome Branch of Anything Goes Martial Arts, the only child of Genma Saotome and Nodoka Saotome, the self-acknowledged fiancé of Akane Tendo, and the reluctant fiancé of Shampoo, Ukyo Kuonji, and numerous others.

== Appearance == Ranma is 16 years old, stands at approximately 5'6" (167 cm) in his male form, and weighs around 132 lbs (60 kg). In his female form, he appears slightly shorter, around 5'2" (157 cm), and lighter at roughly 110 lbs (50 kg). He has a fair skin complexion and sports a short, black ponytail at the back of his head in both forms.

In his male form, Ranma has black hair and dark gray or black eyes, a lean but muscular build, and a confident, sometimes smug expression. In his female form, his hair and eye color shift to a vibrant red (though some versions depict it as pink), and his facial features become softer and more delicate. Despite the drastic change in appearance, Ranma retains his fighting skills and agility regardless of gender.

His typical attire consists of a traditional Chinese-style outfit. The most common version is a red or dark red changshan-style shirt with frog buttons and black kung-fu pants. In alternate outfits, he sometimes wears a yellow short-sleeved shirt with red trim and slashes on the sleeves. His footwear includes simple black slip-on shoes or kung-fu slippers. While he occasionally wears other clothing when situations demand it (including disguises or feminine clothing when cursed), he tends to favor his standard martial arts uniform for practicality.

== Personality == Ranma Saotome is headstrong, proud, and highly competitive, often refusing to back down from a challenge, especially if it involves his martial arts prowess. Though talented and courageous, he’s also incredibly stubborn and quick to anger, especially when his masculinity or pride is questioned. He frequently boasts about his skills but is prone to childish arguments—particularly with Akane, with whom he shares a classic love-hate relationship.

Despite his brash exterior, Ranma is not without a kind heart. He frequently puts himself at risk to help his friends and family, even if he complains about it. His discomfort with expressing vulnerability or affection—especially in romantic contexts—often results in misunderstandings or awkward situations. Ranma is also deeply insecure about his curse, which transforms him into a girl when splashed with cold water. While he tries to hide or downplay how much it bothers him, it remains a source of significant frustration and embarrassment.

Ranma also shows signs of immaturity, often refusing to take responsibility or brushing off serious matters with sarcasm or bravado. However, beneath all that, he’s loyal, brave, and capable of great empathy when the moment demands it.

== Trivia ==

• Ranma is cursed to turn into a girl when splashed with cold water and back into a boy with hot water, due to falling into the "Spring of Drowned Girl" at Jusenkyo.
• His name is a pun: “Ranma” (乱馬) can mean "chaotic horse" or "wild horse," reflecting his wild, unpredictable nature.
• Rumiko Takahashi originally designed Ranma to be female full-time, but changed the concept to include a dual-gender curse for more comedic and dramatic potential.
• Ranma is a natural martial arts prodigy and has learned dozens of styles and techniques throughout the series, some of which are comedic, like the "Cat Fu" or "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire Fist."
• Despite his complaints, Ranma shows signs of returning Akane’s affection, though he rarely admits it outright.