Sebastian Michaelis

Sebastian Michaelis

Sebastian Michaelis (セバスチャン・ミカエリス Sebastian Mikaerisu) is the title character of Black Butler. He is the demon butler of the Phantomhive household who acts as Ciel Phantomhive's bodyguard. Being a butler is a job he is completely devoted to, following Ciel's orders with great loyalty and swiftness. He enjoys challenging Ciel and doesn't seem to be truly concerned about his well-being at times, insulting and irritating him to see his reaction. However, there are times that he displays concern for Ciel's life, such as when he was worried when Ciel had an asthma attack, and again later on when he had a panic attack. Sebastian has a fondness for felines in general, stating he cannot foresee or control his own reactions and feelings when in presence of one. As a demon, he has also shown to be extremely ruthless, sadistic, and manipulative to his opponents and is intrigued with humans' behaviors and attitudes, as he finds them interesting because of their insatiable greed.

He is highly skilled at practically everything and handles every task, no matter how impossible it is, as well as any problem that arises from the errors of the other staff, with ease. Due to the fact he is a demon who is bound by a Faustian contract, he must abide by Ciel's will and his contract mark is located on his left hand, allowing Sebastian to find Ciel wherever he is whenever Ciel's contract mark is exposed. In return, Ciel is able to summon and give orders to Sebastian.

Sebastian is voiced by Daisuke Ono (Japanese) and J. Michael Tatum (English).

Appearance

Sebastian is a tall and handsome pale-skinned man with short black hair that has long bangs in the front and dark red eyes. He is seen wearing a butler's outfit; black trousers, a six-buttoned double-breasted tailcoat and a gray vest. He has the Phantomhive crest on his shirt cuffs and tie. Sebastian also sports white gloves, a pocket watch and a chained silver lapel pin bearing the Phantomhive crest, which is traditionally worn by the house's head butler.

Trivia

• The name Sebastian means "venerable" or "revered" in Latin.
• Sebastian's surname Michaelis originates from the Japanese word 見返り mikaeri meaning "repayment", signifying his contract with Ciel Phantomhive.
• Sebastian is named after "Sebastian" (Ciel's dog) and a French inquisitor named Sébastien Michaëlis.
• Sebastian bears a striking resemblance to Vincent Phantomhive.
• Sebastian's age is stated to be a "secret".
• Sebastian profoundly adores cats that he keeps at least thirteen of them hidden in his wardrobe to prevent Ciel from finding out.
• It is shown that Sebastian hates dogs.
• In the Victorian era, butlers were called by their last name:
  • Sebastian should technically be called Michaelis by Ciel
  • Mr. Michaelis by the other servants