Who is the Main Character of Hunter X Hunter?

Discover who the true main character of Hunter X Hunter is and explore the central figure driving the story.

Discover who the true main character of Hunter X Hunter is (Image via Studio Madhouse)

Hunter X Hunter is perhaps one of the few series where fans have difficulty determining the narrative’s true main character. As such, many have often wondered as to who the true main character of Hunter X Hunter is.

The series revolves around four central characters — Gon Freecss, Killua Zoldyck, Kurapika Kurta, and Leorio Paradinight. Gon has been the main character of Hunter X Hunter for the majority of the series. However, the mangaka, Yoshihiro Togashi, has an unusual habit of rotating the role of main characters throughout different story arcs.

As such, this has often caused widespread confusion among fans, leaving them to wonder who really drives the plot. Follow this guide to learn more about the different main characters of Hunter X Hunter, who the current main character in the manga is, and more.

  • The Main character of Hunter X Hunter, arc by arc
  • The current main character in the manga
  • Will Gon return to Hunter X Hunter as the main character
  • Can Hunter X Hunter progress with just Kurapika?
  • Will Killua and Leorio return to the Manga?

The Main Character of Hunter X Hunter, Arc by Arc

Kurapika. Gon, and Leorio, as seen in the anime (image via Studio Madhouse)

There have been nine story arcs in Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter X Hunter series. These arcs, along with each of their respective main characters, have been listed below:

  • Hunter Exam arc – Gon Freecss
  • Zoldyck Family arc – Killua Zoldyck
  • Heavens Arena arc – Gon Freecss
  • Yorknew City arc – Kurapika Kurta
  • Greed Island arc – Gon Freecss
  • Chimera Ant arc – Gon Freecss
  • 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc – Killua Zoldyck
  • Dark Continent Expedition arc – Kurapika Kurta
  • Succession Contest arc – Kurapika Kurta

As seen in the above list, despite being the best-known protagonist of the Hunter X Hunter series, Gon Freecss wasn’t the primary focus of every arc. The title of the main character was first transferred to Kurapika Kurta in the Yorknew City arc, as well as in the recent Dark Continent and Succession Contest arcs. Putting the spotlight on someone other than Gon benefited the series in many ways, as it allowed viewers to get familiar with other characters.

Gon was the main character of the series for four story arcs. On the other hand, Kurapika got the center stage for three arcs and Killua for two. While Gon may have started the series as the quintessential shonen protagonist, he was narratively sidelined and given a supporting role when it was time for other characters to shine.

The Current Main Character in the Manga

Kurapika Kurta as seen in Hunter X Hunter (image via Studio Madhouse)

The current main character of the Hunter X Hunter manga is Kurapika, who took over center stage when Gon and Killua’s respective stories ended in the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc. Since then, Kurapika has been the protagonist of the Dark Continent Expedition arc and the Succession Contest arc.

In the Succession Contest arc, Kurapika gets himself hired as the bodyguard for the youngest prince of the Kakin Empire to get close to the owner of the remaining Scarlet Eyes. Although protecting the prince is his priority, Kurapika is still haunted by the desire to exact his revenge on the Phantom Troupe, who are also aboard the Black Whale ship where the generational Succession War is taking place. Additionally, Kurapika is also a part of the expedition to the forbidden Dark Continent, where he has to assist the Zodiacs with managing Beyond Netero.

Will Gon Return to Hunter X Hunter As Main Character

Adult Gon as seen in the anime (image via Studio Madhouse)

Following the events of the Chimera Ant arc, Gon Freecss’s story in Hunter X Hunter seemingly ended when he completely lost his ability to use Nen and fulfilled his objective of meeting his father, Ging Freecss. It seemed like a fitting end for his character arc at the time. However, fans soon began wondering whether Togashi would eventually change his mind and bring Gon back in the latter arcs.

That said, fans can rest assured that Hunter X Hunter will eventually bring back its focus on Gon. Although he may no longer have a place in the narrative anymore, Togashi had confirmed that one of the possible endings to the series would feature Gon. It also wouldn’t make sense for Hunter X Hunter to end without bringing back the character who started it all. Therefore, fans can continue to look forward to his return.

Can Hunter X Hunter Progress With Just Kurapika?

Kurapika, as seen in the anime (image via Studio Madhouse)

While Kurapika has been doing a fantastic job as the main character of Hunter X Hunter for the past couple of arcs, his time as the central focus may soon be ending. As evident, the narrative progressed smoothly with Kurapika as the main character for two consecutive arcs. However, maintaining the long-term narrative solely around him would be challenging, at the very least.

Given that the Succession Contest arc looks to pit Kurapika against Prince Tserriednich, his story of obtaining the last of his people’s eyes is certainly coming to an end. As such, the manga is unlikely to progress much with Kurapika as the sole focus after the current arc concludes. Shifting the narrative’s focus on Leorio, Ging Freecss, or any other character would probably work better for the series.

Will Killua and Leorio Return to the Manga?

Kurapika and Leorio, as seen in the anime (image via Studio Madhouse)

Although neither Killua nor Leorio have made any significant appearances in the manga as of late, it’s important to note that the series has a history of rotating main characters between arcs. Therefore, both of them returning to the series isn’t outside the realm of possibilities.

There’s a chance that after Kurapika’s journey concludes in the Succession Contest arc, either of the two aforementioned characters may make their way back into the series. As such, fans can continue to look forward to Killua or Leorio returning to the series sometime soon.


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