Ciel Phantomhive is a 12-year-old genius who became the Earl and head of the Phantomhive family after his parents were killed. On the surface, he runs a huge toy and sweets company, but behind the scenes, he works as the "Queen's Watchdog"—the one who solves secret problems for the British royal family. Ciel has a dark secret: he is actually the twin brother who took over his late brother's name. After being sold into slavery and tortured, he formed a contract with the demon Sebastian Michaelis to get revenge on those who destroyed his family.
Ciel Phantomhive is a small and slender boy with striking features. He has dark blue hair and wears an eyepatch over his right eye, which hides a magical contract symbol. His height is 150 cm, and he looks very fragile, even more so because of his narrow waist. He is always seen wearing fine, elegant clothes that match his noble status.
Ciel acts grown-up and strict, but he can also be selfish and bossy. Even though he is smart and confident, he sometimes shows his real age by worrying or doubting himself. He is very picky about food, loving sweets but eating very little of anything else. He is not afraid to use harsh words, and even his demon butler, Sebastian Michaelis, secretly calls him a “brat.” While he is very logical and cold towards his enemies, he sometimes finds it hard to be completely heartless, wanting to avoid unnecessary harm to innocent people. He also does not look down on people based on their social status or background, which is unusual for a noble at that time.
Ciel was born on December 14, 1875, as the twin brother of the original Ciel Phantomhive. He was the weaker and more introverted child, suffering from asthma and poor health, but loved sweets and had a brilliant mind. After the family mansion was attacked when he was 10, his parents were killed, and he and his brother were sold into slavery. Both went through terrible suffering, and his brother was killed as a sacrifice in a dark ritual. In the shock and rage of seeing his brother die, he made a contract with the demon Sebastian Michaelis to get revenge, taking his brother’s name and becoming Ciel Phantomhive.
Ciel is a business genius who built the Phantomhive Company into one of the biggest toy and sweets producers in Britain, using his childlike sense for products. His intelligence is at a college level, and he is also a skilled chess player. As a noble, he understands both high society and the world of crime, handling dangerous missions for Queen Victoria.
Sebastian Michaelis is Ciel’s loyal demon butler and is bound by a contract to serve him until Ciel’s revenge is complete. His parents were Vincent Phantomhive and Rachel Phantomhive. He has a flexible attitude toward his staff and foreign friends like Soma Asman Kadar and Agni, caring more about skill than background. Ciel is also close to Queen Victoria, who trusts him to do tough jobs for the crown.
Becoming the Earl and Head of the Phantomhive Family
At the age of 12, Ciel became the head of the Phantomhive family, inheriting wide lands and the family business. He quickly built the Phantomhive Company into a huge success by selling toys and sweets that matched what kids would love.
The Attack and Tragedy
Three years before the story starts, a tragedy struck: the Phantomhive mansion was attacked, and both of Ciel’s parents and most staff were murdered except for Sebastian Michaelis and Tanaka. Ciel and his twin brother were kidnapped, sold into slavery, and treated terribly.
Making a Deal with a Demon
After one month of suffering, both brothers ended up in a cult’s dark ritual. Ciel’s brother was killed as a sacrifice, and Ciel, in his deep anger and heartbreak, threw away his belief in God and called out for help. A demon appeared—Sebastian Michaelis. Ciel made a deal: Sebastian would serve as his butler until Ciel’s revenge was complete, in return for Ciel’s soul. After the deal, Ciel took his brother’s name and became the new Earl.
The Twin Secret
During the Public School Arc, it’s revealed Ciel is actually the twin, not the original Ciel. He has always lived in his brother’s shadow, but after the terrible events, he took on his brother’s name and identity for the sake of revenge.
Life After the Anime
In the anime adaptation, Ciel’s twin status is not mentioned. After Sebastian Michaelis helps him get revenge, Ciel is supposed to give up his soul and die, but things change as different demons get involved, and Ciel ends up becoming a demon himself, leaving his human life behind forever.
- Ciel is known as the “Queen’s Watchdog,” “Evil Noble,” and “Order of the Underworld.”
- He cannot dance well and avoids society parties.
- He has asthma and is allergic to cats.
- Despite being picky, he is always up for sweets.
- He became Earl at age 12, and his birthday is December 14, 1875.
- When measured, his waist always gets thinner because of his eating habits.
- His right eye, hidden by an eyepatch, carries the contract symbol with Sebastian Michaelis.
- “I am the Earl of Phantomhive.”
- “If you want to live, pay a price.”
- “I will have my revenge, no matter what.”
- His real name is not known. He only uses the name Ciel Phantomhive as part of his new life, after making a deal with the demon.
- After his contract is complete, his soul will belong to Sebastian Michaelis.
💬 Community Discussion
Talk about this anime with people who actually care.