Ciel Phantomhive

The thirteen-year-old Earl who bound a demon to his will to avenge his family.

Earl Ciel Phantomhive is the thirteen-year-old head of the Phantomhive family, a secret executive agency often called the 'Queen's Watchdogs' tasked with eliminating criminals and solving underworld cases for Queen Victoria. He runs the Funtom Company, which manufactures toys and sweets, later adding a food branch after winning a Royal Warrant. Following the murder of his parents and his enslavement by a cult where he was scheduled for ritual sacrifice, Ciel made a Faustian contract with the demon Sebastian Michaelis to exact revenge on those who humiliated and tortured him. His right eye bears a pentagram, the sign of this contract, usually hidden beneath a black eyepatch. Though physically weak, he is proficient with guns and carries one constantly for protection.

Lore & Background

Ciel serves as the Queen's Watchdog, operating in secrecy to eliminate anything that worries the monarch. Known as an 'Aristocrat of Evil,' he manages the UK underworld to prevent information from reaching the public eye. His backstory involves the death of his parents, Vincent and Rachel Dalles-Phantomhive, whose original estate was burned down; Ciel now resides in an exact replica with his servants. Before meeting Sebastian, Ciel was enslaved by a cult where his twin brother was sacrificed during a ritual session.

It is heavily implied he suffered sexual abuse during this captivity, and a brand was burned into his back that he does not want anyone to see. He assumed the identity and title of his deceased older twin to take revenge for their family, so his real name is currently unknown. He presents himself as proud, solemn, and mature, yet retains traits of a young boy, such as a fondness for sweets and games, and is clever, mischievous, and competitive.

Reader's Guide

Ciel Phantomhive is the central protagonist whose journey revolves around his Faustian contract with Sebastian Michaelis. The contract lets Ciel summon and give orders to the demon; its sign is the pentagram on Ciel's right eye, usually covered by an eyepatch, while Sebastian's contract mark is on his left hand. As payment for helping Ciel achieve his revenge, Sebastian will be allowed to consume his soul. Ciel's name means 'sky' in French.

He is physically weak but compensates with strategic brilliance and gun proficiency. His personality balances cold mercilessness toward enemies with genuine concern for those close to him. The Phantomhive family, including the replica manor outside London, operates under Queen Victoria's direct control. Ciel manages the Funtom Company alongside his supernatural duties, often relying on Sebastian to handle impossible tasks or correct errors made by other staff.

Did You Know?

Ciel's real name is currently unknown because he assumed the identity of his older twin brother who died before the manga events.
The name 'Sebastian' was given to him by Ciel after their contract, taken from the Phantomhive family's late black Borzoi dog.
Ciel carries a gun at all times for self-protection despite being physically weak.