William Minerva

35th head of the Ratri family / Mysterious figure who gave hints for escape

The mysterious leader who sent books to the cattle children to give them the spark for escape, and the 35th head of the Ratri family.

Quotes

  • Freedom is always something that must be won.
  • Your future is something you must seize for yourselves.
  • Nothing can be gained without sacrifice.
  • Find hope in despair.
  • The truth is sometimes harsh, but you need the strength to accept it.

Trivia

  • William Minerva is a pseudonym, real name is James Ratri.
  • 'Minerva' may derive from the Roman goddess of wisdom.
  • The books he sent became a symbol of hope for the orphanage children.
  • Depicted as a heretic even within the Ratri family.
  • His true identity is hidden until the end of the story, serving as a major mystery element.

Alternate names

William Minerva James Ratri James Ratri

Tags

The Promised Neverland Real name James Ratri Escape leader Ratri family Cattle children support Secret society Suspense

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
A young man wearing black-rimmed glasses. His hair is dark and neatly styled, giving a calm and intellectual impression.
Eye color
Black
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Black-rimmed glasses
  • Intellectual expression
  • Calm atmosphere
Iconic items
  • Book
  • Black-rimmed glasses
  • Letter
  • Key

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Calm
Detailed personality
Rational and devoted, seriously considers and acts on the future of the orphans. Has the resolve to make sacrifices when necessary.
Keywords
  • Intellectual
  • Calm and composed
  • Devoted
  • Mysterious
  • Strategist
Motto
To achieve freedom, one must be prepared to make sacrifices
Talents
  • Advanced knowledge
  • Reading and information analysis
  • Strategic planning
Skills
  • Document encryption
  • Securing means of communication with the outside
  • Winning hearts and minds
  • Infiltration and escape planning
Motivation
Hopes that the cattle children can obtain freedom and escape their hellish fate.
Favorite foods
Coffee, Chocolate
Hobbies
Reading, Book collection
Disliked situations
Oppression, Injustice, Betrayal

History

Backstory
Real name is James Ratri. The 35th head of the Ratri family, a prestigious family that has overseen the management of cattle children for generations. His existence is kept secret, and he uses the pseudonym William Minerva to send books to the cattle children containing hints for freedom. His activities become the driving force behind the orphanage escape, but the truth and purpose remain shrouded in mystery.
Debut date
August 1, 2016
Work title
The Promised Neverland
Media type
Manga
Episode or chapter
Appears intermittently from Chapter 1 onwards

Guidance on the escape plan

Significant event
Guidance on the escape plan
Description
Conveys hints for escape to the orphanage children in the form of books.

Role as head of the Ratri family

Significant event
Role as head of the Ratri family
Description
While managing and supervising cattle children for many years, begins rebellious activities in secret.

Revelation of true identity

Significant event
Revelation of true identity
Description
His true identity as James Ratri is revealed, clarifying his position as a rebel.

Relationships

Ratri family clan

A prestigious family responsible for managing cattle children for generations, and James is the 35th head. Complex relationship due to their positions.

Emma

Ally

Greatly influences the escape plan and supports indirectly.

Ray

Ally

Influences as an advisor for escape.

Ratri family

Ratri family: leader

Escape supporters

Escape supporters: strategist

Media appearances

The Promised Neverland

Manga / Supporting

Serialization started in 2016

The Promised Neverland

Anime / Supporting

2019 TV anime

The Promised Neverland live-action movie

Movie / Supporting

Released in 2020

Voice cast and creators

Junichi Suwabe

Voice actor
Junichi Suwabe
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime version
Notes
First voice actor

Kaiu Shirai

Creator name
Kaiu Shirai
Role
Original author

Posuka Demizu

Creator name
Posuka Demizu
Role
Character designer

Shueisha

Creator name
Shueisha
Role
Publisher

Related goods

William Minerva Action Figure

Item name
William Minerva Action Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Limited

William Minerva Illustrated Postcard

Item name
William Minerva Illustrated Postcard
Category
Stationery
Availability
Regular