Being a Shonen Jump series, Rurouni Kenshin naturally has numerous characters. This list, though far from complete, has all of the major ones, grouped into their respective "factions".
Note: All names are in Eastern Order, family name first
- Main Charactersnote Kamiya Kaoru, Sagara Sanosuke, Myojin Yahiko, Shinomori Aoshi, Takani Megumi, Saito Hajime aka Fujita Goro, Makimachi Misao
- Supporting Charactersnote Sekihara Tae, Sanjou Tsubame, Tsukayama Yutaro, Tsukioka Tsunan, Hiko Seijuurou XIII, Sawagejo Cho, Kashiwazaki Nenji aka Okina, Masukame, Oumime, Okita Souji, Yukishiro Tomoe, Kiyosato Akira, Katsura Kogoro, Takasugi Shinsaku, Iizuka, Dr. Elder
- Rivals and Minor Villainsnote Hiruma Gohei and Hiruma Kihei, Kurogasa/Udo Jin-e, Takeda Kanryuu, Isurugi Raijuta, Arundo Akamatsu, Saito Hajime aka Fujita Goro, Abukuma's Four Priests, Senkaku, Yaminobu, Espiral Rotación
- The Meiji Governmentnote Yamagata Aritomo, Okubo Toshimichi, Chief Uramura/Muriaki, Kawaji Toshiyoshi, the unnamed Chief Officer, Ito Hirobumi, Takano, Ujiki, Shindo Tashiwachi, Tani Jusanro
- Oniwabanshunote Shinomori Aoshi, Hannya, Shikijo, Hyottoko, Beshimi, Makimachi Misao, Kashiwazaki Nenji aka Okina, Masukame, Oumime
- The Ten Swords / Juppongatananote Shishio Makoto, Komagata Yumi, Seta Soujirou, Honjou Kamatari, Fuji, Saizuchi, Yukyuzan Anji, Sadojima Houji, Uonuma Usui, Sawagejo Cho, Kariwa Henya, Iwanbou
- The Six Comradesnote Yukishiro Enishi, Gein, Kujiranami Hyogo, Inui Banjin, Otowa Hyoko, Yatsume Mumyoi, Wu Heishin, The Sushin
- Manga Only Charactersnote Oibore aka Geezer, the Higashidani family, Hanabi, Akari and Kogari, Ichigase Sameo, Alan Inoue, Ashitaro Hasegawa, Asahi Kubota.
- Anime Only Charactersnote Muto Shougo aka Amakusa, Muto Sayo aka Magdaria, Shura, Lorenzo Shouzo, Gentatsu Takatsuki, Shigure Takimi, Toki Takatsuki, Yasuharu Musashino, Sadashiro Kajiki, Ebin Tamono, Elsten, Melders, Schneider, Sanada Misanagi
