History Characters / GhostsNGoblins

->'''Japanese:''' Creator/FumihikoTachiki (''VideoGame/NamcoXCapcom'', ''Manga/HighScoreGirl''), Creator/TetsuInada (''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom3'')

* OrcusOnHisThrone: After succeeding in taking over the Demon Realm, Phalanx literally loiters in his castle while Firebrand does his thing.

* DarkIsEvil: Literally in his name and is one of the most dangerous demons around.

* TheEndOrIsIt: As show in TheStinger he's as active as ever.

A demoness who is the penultimate boss of ''Makaimura for Wonderswan'', her only appearance to date.

* NobleDemon: Not as much as Firebrand, but Arma still has a strong sense of honor and does not hesitate to give Firebrand the Crests as rewards after he beats him.

A mysterious and terrifyingly powerful demon of unknown origin. The incredibly tough BonusBoss of Demon’s Crest.

* KingKoopaCopy: A large, brutish demon whose fire breathing is one of his main attacks. In ''Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection'', he shows up looking even more bestial than usual, and his secondary face now resembles a dragon.

* ImpossibleHourglassFigure: In the credits of both ''Ghouls 'n Ghosts'' and ''Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts'' her bust/waist/hip measurements are shown revealing her to be of this trope. Made more visually obvious in ''Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins'', then [[FanservicePack further exaggerated]] in ''Ghosts N' Goblins Resurrection''.

* FailedASpotCheck: When stealing people's souls, he didn't get Arthur's, only his trusty steed. Whoops.

[[folder:Satan]]

* AmbiguousSituation: Is this THE Satan, and if so why isn't he one of the big rulers of the Demon Realm? The games never clarify this, though it is potentially a mistranslation given the Japanese word applied to Satan, "Akuma", is generally used to refer to any powerful and fiery malevolent spirit.

* FanservicePack: While always beautiful, the Princess's beauty has generally been more cutesy. Her updated appearance in ''Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection'' made her more overtly attractive and have her a BuxomBeautyStandard figure.

* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: ''Ultimate Ghosts n' Goblins'' is the only game the Magician does not appear in, instead a gaseous purple specter called Hell Face acts as the resident curser. The Hell Face behaves like the Magician in the first game, popping up like a normal enemy rather than coming out of chests.

* FanservicePack: While always beautiful, the Princess's beauty has generally been more cutesy. Her updated appearance in ''Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection'' made her more overtly attractive and [[BuxomIsBetter mature]].

* FanservicePack: While always beautiful, the Princess's beauty has been generally been more cutesy. Her updated appearance in ''Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection'' made her more overtly attractive and [[BuxomIsBetter mature]].

* OurGhostsAreDifferent: Given one half of the series title is always ghost, there are a ''lot'' of different kinds found throughout the games. This includes [[BedsheetGhost classic white ghosts,]] [[AnimatedArmor phantom knights]] with unbreakable shields, pitchfork wielding wood ghosts, and the robed souls of the damned in the Demon Realm.
* OurGoblinsAreDifferent: A lot of different kinds too from purple ambushing goblins, to green flying goblins, to one-eyed running goblins.

* ALighterShadeOfBlack: Not all the residents of this realm are ''totally'' wicked, The ''Gargoyle's Quest'' and ''Demon's Crest'' games show that an amount of them would just rather live in peace and are genial to each other. It is often shown though that even the friendlier folk are still opportunistic jerks and almost all look down on humanity.

** GenderBender: If the magician curses Arthur while he wears the golden armor in ''Super Ghouls n' Ghosts'', he turns him into a village girl that can't attack or double jump.
** RapidAging: If the magician curses Arthur while he is in his underpants in ''Ghouls n' Ghosts'', he will turn him into an old man which can still attack but moves a lot slower.

* ImpossibleHourglassFigure: In the credits of both ''Ghouls 'n Ghosts'' and ''Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts'' her bust/waist/hip measurements are shown revealing her to be of this trope. Made more visually obvious in ''Ghosts N' Goblins Resurrection''.

The various ghouls, ghosts, and goblins who live in the realm. Most are fierce minions of the Emperors of Makai, though some are peaceful citizens.

* OurImpsAreDifferent: The infamous red and blue blazers are tiny demons who move around quickly and erratically.

* {{HellHound}}: Cerberus is here, though rather than being a three headed mastiff he is instead a big dog made of fire who leaps around wildly. In ''Resurrection'' he gains the ability to split into three hell hounds, in reference to his inspirations three heads.

* MinorlyMentionedMythsAndMonsters: Some of the enemies include some obscure mythical creatures, like sickle weasels from Japanese mythology.

* BalefulPolymorph: This is what makes the Magician so dangerous, if his magic hits Arthur he will turn the knight into a weaker form. What form it is varies on what color armor Arthur has or if he is in his underpants.

* EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: In the first game the Magician does not appear from chests, instead popping out if you attack gravestones or just coming out of nowhere in some later stages.

** FountainOfYouth: If the magician curses Arthur while he is in his underpants in ''Super Ghouls n' Ghosts, he turns him into a baby. This is probably the worst transformation as it not only robs of you of your attack and double jump but you move slower and become stunned after jumping.

* AntlionMonster: There are large demonic antlions who have moved into the ruins of Camelot. They will attack you if you enter their sands and are completely invicinble.

Another powerful demon lord who steals control of the Demon Realm. The BigBad of ''Super Ghouls n' Ghosts''.

[[folder:Azazel]]
A colossal demon lord who is yet another would-be conqueror of the human realm. The BigBad of ''Makaimura for Wonderswan''.

* BackgroundBoss: Due to how massive he is. Arthur has to face him on the top of a castle whilst Azazel looms in the background.
* FlyingFace: After you destroy his body, his enraged head remains alive and flies around to try and kill you.

[[folder:Phalanx]]
A pale and cunning demon who takes control of the Demon Realm after getting the Crest of Heaven. The BigBad of ''Demon's Crest''.

Powerful beings who are the most dangerous servants of the Emperors of Makai, range from mindless beasts to tactical warriors.

* CallASmeerpARabbit: A recurring boss throughout the series are cyclopes, however for the longest time they were called "unicorns". ''Resurrection'' finally called them by their proper name.

* GiantEnemyCrab: Storm Cesaris is a crab that rests on a water spout and has a ton of barnacles on its head. It is really hard to tell it is a crab in-game though, the official art is more clear on this.
* OurGargoylesRock: Shielder is a huge humanoid gargoyle who imitates a statue to try and take Arhue by surprise. After he starts moving he can [[LosingYourHead remove his head]] and wield it like a gun to spit out flames.
* OurHydrasAreDifferent: ''Super'' has a three-headed hydra as its boss for its WombLevel. It can breath fire and bizarrely split into a seahorse-like demons for each head it has who then leap around.

[[folder:The residents of the Demon Realm]]

[[folder:The bosses of the Demon Realm]]

* BigCreepyCrawlies: Alongside Beelzebub, ''Ghouls N’ Ghosts'' has Ohme; a huge slug thing with multiple hearts who gives birth to putrid worms to attack you. ''Super'' Meanwhile has a giant flying centipede who spins rapidly and spits out rocks.

* AntlionMonster: There are large demonic antlions who dwell in the ruins of Camelot. They will attack you if you enter their sands and are completely invicinble.

* MinorlyMentionedMythsAndMonsters: Some of them include some obscure mythical creatures, like sickle weasels from Japanese mythology and

* OurGoblinsAreDifferent: Given a major word in the franchise is often goblin, there are a ''lot'' of different kinds found throughout the games. This includes purple ambushing goblins, green flying goblins, and one-eyed running.

* DemonLordsAndArchDevils: The main villains of all the games are different demon rulers and noblemen. It is implied there is a constant shift of power in the Demon Realm with the various lords constantly competing for supremacy. That said, they all share the same goal: conquer the Human Realm.

[[folder:The Red Arremers]]
Also known as the Red Devils. Highly ferocious elite demons and the most infamous enemies in the series.

* ArtificialBrilliance: The main reason they are so hard. All Red Arremers are ''uncannily'' smart and have a knack for avoiding your attacks.
* BigRedDevil: Albeit most are about the height of a human. The strongest though, the Red Arremer Joker, certainly fulfills the "big" part being easily twice the size of a human.
* PlayingCardMotifs: Stronger members of the Red Arremers have titles relating to cards. The next up from the normal Red Arremer are the Red Arremer Kings, then the Red Arremer Aces, and the strongest of all is their [[KingMook leader]] the Red Arremer Joker.

[[folder:Firebrand]]
->'''Japanese:''' Creator/TakahiroSakurai (''VideoGame/NamcoXCapcom''), Shohei Yamaguchi (''Marvel vs. Capcom'' series)
->'''English:''' Creator/IanJamesCorlett (''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcomInfinite'')

An especially strong Red Arremer, nicknamed the "The Red Blaze" by the other demons. Is more noble hearted than his peers. The main character in the ''Gargoyle's Quest'' games and ''Demon's Crest''.

* AntiHero: He overall does what he wants and loves to fight, but he isn't interested in serving his corrupt leaders and works to bring peace to the Demon Realm in different ways.
* BreathWeapon: His main method of attacking. It is normally fireballs he spits out, but with the crests he can breath out a variety of elemental attacks. This includes the Crest of Fire, which gives him four more additional different fireballs he can use.
* ElementalPowers: With the Crests, Firebrand transforms into a new form that gives him distinct new abilities relating to the element.
** BlowYouAway: With the Crest of Air, Firebrand becomes the Aerial Gargoyle. He can now fly upwards at the expense of no longer being able to cling to walls and breaths out sharp gusts of wind.
** DishingOutDirt: With the Crest of Earth, Firebrand becomes the Ground Gargoyle. He loses the ability to fly, but can dash through powerful structures and gains an earth breath that goes downward and deals a ton of damage.
** LightEmUp: The Crest of Heaven, though Firebrand never actually gets this Crest on its own and it is instead used by [[BigBad Phalanx]]. It is implied the Crest of Infinity grants Firebrand the abilities of the Crest of Heaven, though what exactly it does is never elaborated on.
** MakingASplash: With the Crest of Water, Firebrand becomes the Tidal Gargoyle. He can now thrive in water, which normally harms him, and gains a steam breath that is okay on land but destroys in the water.
** PlayingWithFire: Firebrand's default ability, the Crest of Fire gave him access to whole new firebreaths but it ended up being shattered and you will need to retrieve the shards of the Crest to get access to them.
** PowerOfTheVoid: With the Crest of Infinity, Firebrand becomes the Ultimate Gargoyle. This gives Firebrand the abilities of all the other Crests.
** TimeMaster: With the Crest of Time, Firebrand becomes the Legend Gargoyle. Though the game states it allows the user to time travel, this is more of an InformedAbility as all the crest does is increase your health and damage.
* NobleDemon: Demon he may be, Firebrand though only fights for his realm and to protect its citizens from worse Demons and is regarded as a Hero by his kind.

[[folder:Astaroth]]
->'''Japanese:''' Hitoshi Bifu

One of the rulers of the Demon Realm and Arthur's most bitter enemy, appearing in almost every single game. BigBad of the first ''Ghosts 'n Goblins''.

* BellyMouth: His most notable feature, it breaths out hellish flames.
* IHaveManyNames: Originally, Astaroth was known as either "Daimao" or "Gandiaz" in materials based around the first game, not even being mentioned for the second game. The English versions gave him dozens of names, including "The Devil" in the original NES manual and "Argon" in one of the arcade flyers handed out by Taito. The GBC port instead calls him "Hades". Come the third game, he was given his current name but mistranslated as "Asutaroto", a direct Romanization of the Japanese spelling.
* KingKoopaCopy: A large, brutish demon whose fire breathing is one of his main attacks. In ''Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection'', he shows up looking even more bestial than usual, and his secondary face now resembles a dragon.
* VillainDecay: He remains a fairly dangerous combatant, but he always gets overshadowed by the other more competent demon lords in later games. Best exemplified in the ''Incredible Toons'' game where he is a bumbling oaf rather than a ferocious villain, acting as a reskin of Al E. Cat from ''Sid and Al's Incredible Toons''.

[[folder:Satan]]
A large winged demon who is the one who usually kidnaps the Princess.

* AmbiguousSituation: Is this THE Satan, and if so why isn't he one of the big rulers of the Demon Realm? The games never clarify this, though it is potentially a mistranslation given the Japanese word applied to Satan, "Akuma", is generally used to refer to any powerful and fiery malevolent spirit.
* BigRedDevil: A very furry one.
* MasterOfIllusion: Infamously so. He is the one who conjures the fake version of the final battle in the original game, forcing you to go through it all over again.
* TookALevelInBadass: In his boss fight in ''Resurrection'' he is much larger and more powerful with numerous new attacks.
* TheUnfought: Though he appears in the intro, you never fight him in ''Super Ghouls n' Ghosts''.

[[folder:The Magician]]
A recurring foe who comes out of chests on occasion and can curse Arthur.

* BalefulPolymorph: This is what makes the Magician so dangerous, if his magic hits Arthur he will turn the knight into a weaker form. What form it is varies on what color armor Arthur has or if he is in his underpants.
** BewitchedAmphibians: Regardless of what Arthur is wearing in the first game, the Magician will turn him into a helpless frog that can’t attack.
** FountainOfYouth: If the magician curses Arthur while he is in his underpants in ''Super Ghouls n' Ghosts, he turns him into a baby. This is probably the worst transformation as it not only robs of you of your attack and double jump but you move slower and become stunned after jumping.
** GenderBender: If the magician curses Arthur while he wears the golden armor in ''Super Ghouls n' Ghosts'', he turns him into a village girl that can't attack or double jump.
** RapidAging: If the magician curses Arthur while he is in his underpants in ''Ghouls n' Ghosts'', he will turn him into an old man which can still attack but moves a lot slower.
* EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: In the first game the Magician does not appear from chests, instead popping out if you attack gravestones or just coming out of nowhere in some later stages.
* YouDontLookLikeYou: In ''Ghosts n' Goblins'' he looks like a beaked demon with wings, in ''Ghouls n' Ghosts'' he looks like a stage magician complete with a top hat, and in ''Super Ghouls n' Ghosts'' he looks like a [[VillainousHarlequin jester]]. ''Ghosts n' Goblins Resurrection'' decides to combine the last two appearances and gives him a mustache for good measure.

[[folder:Lucifer]]
An ambitious demon who dethroned Astaroth as the ruler of the Demon Realm. The BigBad of ''Ghouls n' Ghosts'' [[spoiler: and the FinalBoss of ''Ghosts n' Goblins Resurrection'']].

* {{Bowdlerise}}: Called "Loki" in many early translations.
* SpellMyNameWithAThe: [[spoiler:In the soundtrack for ''Ghosts n' Goblins Resurrection'', his name is given as "The Lucifer", given that the name was originally a title, "[[LightIsNotGood The Light Bearer]]"]].
* SlouchOfVillainy: [[spoiler: He's in this pose during the earliest phase of his fight in ''Resurrection'', clearly not taking the knight seriously as he fights him from the comfort of his throne.]]
* TheUsurper: After Astaroth fell, Lucifer came in and stole control of the Demon Realm.
* VillainousBreakdown: [[spoiler:He starts his boss fight in ''Resurrection'' condescendingly looking down on Arthur and barely even putting in an effort to attack him. As Arthur damages Lucifer though, the fiend steadily gets angrier and eventually erupts into a violent rage.]]

[[folder:Samael]]
Another powerful demon lord who steals control of the Demon Realm. The BigBad of ''Super Ghouls n' Ghosts''.

* AnIcePerson: In contrast to the other demon lords, Sardius' powers are more icy than fiery.
* BellyMouth: One that generates ice platforms.
* {{Bowdlerise}}: Called "Sardius" in the English translation.
* TacticalSuicideBoss: If Sardius stopped having his stomach spit out platforms Arthur would be unable to hurt him since he can't fire up in the game. It is especially blatant as the platforms don't even cause damage, all they do is help Arthur reach Sardius' weak face.

[[folder:Phalanx]]
A pale and cunning demon who takes control of the Demon Realm after getting the Crest of Heaven. The BigBad of ''Demon's Crest''.

* LightIsNotGood: Much more brightly colored than most demons, is probably one of the most vile. Further exemplified in the final battle where he uses a lot of [[LightEmUp light attacks.]]
* MacGuffinDeliveryService: A rare version where it happens early in the game, happening literally in the intro. He waited for Firebrand to collect the six crests and then when he was weakened after his fight with the dragon Somulo, Phalanx came in and stole all the crests to get the Crest of Heaven which then kicks off the game.
* OddNameOut: The only BigBad in the franchise not to be named after a demon or dark god from a real world religion.
* OneWingedAngel: When Phalanx gets the Crest of Infinity he becomes "Ultimate Phalanx", a grotesque [[MultiArmedAndDangerous four-armed]] serpent demon and the final boss.
* OrcusOnHisThrone: After succeeding in taking over the Demon Realm, Phalanx literally loiters in his castle while Firebrand does his thing.
* ThisCannotBe: Does not take failure well in any of the endings, especially after getting the Crest of Infinity.
* WhyDontYouJustShootHim: Rather than finishing off Firebrand after getting the Crest of Heaven, he throws the red arremer in an arena with the reanimated remains of the now very vengeful dragon Somulo. Even in this weakened state, Firebrand is able to beat Somulo again and sets off to dethrone Phalanx.

[[folder:General Arma]]
Phalanx's greatest warrior and TheRival to Firebrand.

* ArrogantKungFuGuy: Very full of himself and mocks Firebrand whenever he can.
* TheDragon: To Phalanx, though this is less out of loyalty and more because Phalanx always has someone else for him to hunt down and fight.
* ElementalPowers: Phalanx gave him three crests to watch over, each of which he uses when fighting Firebrand. In the first fight he uses the Crest of Earth, the second fight he uses the Crest of Air, and the third fight he uses the Crest of Time.
* NobleDemon: Not as much as Firebrand, but Arma still has a strong sense of honor and does not hesitate to give Firebrand the Crests as rewards after he beats him.
* WorthyOpponent: Comes to regard Firebrand as this.

[[folder:The Dark Demon]]
A mysterious and terrifyingly powerful demon of unknown origin. The incredibly tough BonusBoss of Demon’s Crest.

* DarkIsEvil: Literally in his name and is one of the most dangerous demons around.
* TheDreaded: Not many are aware of his existence, but pretty much anyone who knows of him is terrified of him. [[HorrifyingTheHorror This includes Phalanx.]]
* LightIsNotGood: In contrast to his name, one form he takes is brighter and highly luminescent. He remains thoroughly wicked.
* RiddleForTheAges: Perhaps the most enigmatic character in the franchise: Just who is he? What were his schemes? How does he tie to the Crest War? Could he be the true ruler of the Demon Realm? The only things we know for sure about him is that he is the oldest demon in the realm and was in the Human Realm for a time before the Crest War, heavily implying he could very well be actual {{Satan}}.

[[folder:Hades]]
A grotesque fiend who is one of the strongest demons in the Demon Realm. The BigBad of ''Ultimate Ghosts n' Goblins'' [[spoiler: and the true BigBad of ''Ghosts n' Goblins Resurrection'']].

* YouGottaHaveBlueHair: Generally depicted as a blue-haired maiden, although some games and artworks give her purple hair instead.

A grotesque fiend is one of the strongest demons in the Demon Realm. The BigBad of ''Ultimate Ghosts n' Goblins'' [[spoiler: and the true BigBad of ''Ghosts n' Goblins Resurrection'']].

* GreaterScopeVillain: For most of the games. ''Ultimate'' implies he is the true emperor of the Demon Realm with all the other demon lords being his servants.

** BlowYouAway: With the Crest of Air, Firebrand becomes the Aerial Gargoyle. He can now fly upwards at the expense of no longer being able to cling to walls.
** DishingOutDirt: With the Crest of Earth, Firebrand becomes the Ground Gargoyle. He loses the ability to fly, but can dash through powerful structures and gains an earth breath that deals a ton of damage.

** MakingASplash: With the Crest of Water, Firebrand becomes the Tidal Gargoyle. He can now thrive in water, which normally harms him, and gains a steam breath.
** PlayingWithFire: Firebrand's default ability, the Crest of Fire gave him to four whole new firebreaths but it ended up being shattered and you will need to retrieve the shards of the Crest to get access to them.
** PowerOfTheVoid: With the Crest of Infinity, Firebrand becomes the Ultimate Gargoyle. This gives Firebrand the abilities of all the other Crests
** TimeMaster: With the Crest of Time, Firebrand becomes the Legend Gargoyle. Though the game implies it allows the user to time travel, this is more of an InformedAbility as all the crest does is increase your health and damage.

* TheDragon: To Phalanx.
* ElementalPowers: Phalanx gives him three crests to watch over, each of which he uses when fighting Firebrand. In the first fight he uses the Crest of Earth, the second fight he uses the Crest of Air, and the third fight he uses the Crest of Time.
* NobleDemon: Not as much as Firebrand, but Arma still has a strong sense of honor and does not hesitate to give Firebrand the Crests after he beats him.

A mysterious and very powerful demon who is the BonusBoss of Demon’s Crest.

* TheDreaded: Not many are aware of his existence, but pretty much anyone who knows of him is terrified of him. [[HorrifyingTheHorror This includes Phalanx]].

* RiddleForTheAges: Perhaps the most enigmatic character in the franchise: Just who is he? What were his schemes? How does he tie to the Crest War? Could he be the true ruler of the Demon Realm? The only things we know for sure about him is that he is likely the oldest demon in the realm and was in the Human Realm for a time before the Crest War, implying he could very well be actual {{Satan}}.

A grotesque fiend who may be the most powerful demon in the Demon Realm. The BigBad of ''Ultimate Ghosts n' Goblins'' [[spoiler: and the true BigBad of ''Ghosts n' Goblins Resurrection'']].

->'''Japanese:''' Creator/FumihikoTachiki (''VideoGame/NamcoXCapcom'', ''Anime/HighScoreGirl''), Creator/TetsuInada (''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom3'')