Saotome, Ranma

The only child of Genma Saotome and Nodoka Saotome.

When Ranma was six years old, Genma decided to take him on a training journey away from his mother's "female influence" to make him a "man among men" and swore if he didn't accomplish this that he and Ranma would commit seppuku (ritual suicide.)

Unfortunately, ten years into the training journey, they arrived at the Jusenkyo Training Grounds in China, which consisted of many cursed springs. Genma, who could not read or speak Chinese, was unaware of the following danger: if you fall into any of the cursed springs you turn into whatever (or whoever) last drowned there.

While training, Ranma knocked Genma into the Spring of Drowned Giant Panda and then, having turned into a giant panda, Genma knocked Ranma into the Spring of Drowned Girl. Now whenever they are splashed with cold water, Genma turns into a giant panda and Ranma turns into a female version of himself. Hot water returns them to normal.

After this unfortunate incident, they returned to Nerima, Japan which is located in Tokyo. There they stay in the home of Genma's old friend, Soun Tendo. Through a previous arrangement between the two men, Ranma has been betrothed to Akane Tendo, Soun's youngest daughter. Over time it has been revealed that Ranma, either through Genma's actions (or just plain bad luck), has been betrothed to several other girls including: Ukyo Kuonji, Kodachi Kuno, and Shampoo.

Ranma is an expert martial artist who has learned to control his ki (life energy) to the point where he can use it as a weapon. During his time in Nerima, Ranma has learned many unusual forms of martial arts. Ranma attends Furiken High.