Matou Shinji

Dark Magus

A character from Fate/stay night. Older brother of Matou Sakura, a shadowy villainous magus. Bears a complex family environment and a harsh fate.

Quotes

  • I absolutely won't lose, in my own way.
  • Like hell I'd lose to that bastard (Sakura).

Trivia

  • Matou Shinji is depicted as a strong villain in the original work, but is also highly popular among players and viewers as a tragic character.
  • His treatment in the 'Heaven's Feel' theatrical version has garnered particular attention.

Alternate names

Matou Shinji Shinji Shinji

Tags

Matou Shinji Fate Magus Villain Sibling Fantasy Holy Grail War Dark Character

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Slim young man with black hair. Usually displays a restless demeanor and haggard expression. In combat, shows a ruthless side as a magus.
Height
Approximately 170cm
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Slightly haggard facial features
  • Sharp gaze
Iconic items
  • Magic Crest
  • Mystic Code

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Complex
Detailed personality
Harbors deep anguish inside, with strong negative emotions. Intense anger and jealousy toward his own circumstances, but beneath it lies loneliness and an unfulfilled heart. Possesses an aggressive and arrogant side, yet occasionally reveals hesitation and weakness.
Keywords
  • Negative Emotions
  • Jealousy
  • Anger
  • Loneliness
  • Aggressive
  • Arrogant
Talents
  • Magecraft Talent
  • Magic Circuit Possession
  • Curse Manipulation
Skills
  • Dark Magecraft Practice
  • Combat Techniques
  • Curse Deployment
Motivation
To change his own circumstances, and to gain power while harboring complex feelings toward Sakura.

History

Backstory
Born as the second son of the Matou family, raised in a harsh family environment. Dragged into the Matou family's darkness, endured cruel trials. Holds complex emotions toward his sister Sakura, and has a distant relationship with the family.
Debut date
January 30, 2004
Work title
Fate/stay night
Media type
Visual novel

Participation in the Holy Grail War

Significant event
Participation in the Holy Grail War
Description
Harboring a dark past and negative emotions, participates in the Holy Grail War. His dark powers manifest during the battles.

Sibling Relationship Conflict

Significant event
Sibling Relationship Conflict
Description
The complexities of his relationship with Sakura become a major story element.

Relationships

Matou Sakura

Sibling

Younger sister. Complex sibling relationship, mixed with jealousy, hatred, and affection toward Sakura.

Matou Zouken

Guardian

Grandfather. Ruthless magus who manipulates Shinji and others.

Matou Family

Matou Family: unknown

Media appearances

Fate/stay night

Visual novel / Protagonist

Released in 2004

Fate/stay night

Anime / Supporting

2006 TV Series

Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel

Anime / Supporting

2017-2020 Theatrical Trilogy

Voice cast and creators

Megumi Ogata

Voice actor
Megumi Ogata
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Anime Version

Kousuke Toriumi

Voice actor
Kousuke Toriumi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Heaven's Feel Theatrical Version

Kinoko Nasu

Creator name
Kinoko Nasu
Role
Original author

Takashi Takeuchi

Creator name
Takashi Takeuchi
Role
Character designer

Studio Deen

Creator name
Studio Deen
Role
Animation studio

ufotable

Creator name
ufotable
Role
Animation studio

Related goods

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