Shirou Emiya

Grew up… an orphan. After a mysterious fire killed his parents, Shirou was rescued by Kiritsugu Emiya, a powerful mage who decided to adopt the young boy. Shirou adored his adoptive father, and at the time of Kiritsugu's death, Shirou was preparing to carry on his magical legacy.

Living… on his own. Since Kiritsugu's death, Shirou's neighbor has been helping him with his expenses, so financially, he's in no trouble, but his psychological state might be another matter. Despite whatever front he might put up, Shirou is still clearly affected by the loss of his adoptive father. 

Profession… high school student and inadvertent participant in the Fifth Holy Grail War. Shirou never had time to advance far in magic before Kiritsugu's death, so he's as surprised as the next person when he manages to summon Saber, a powerful Heroic Spirit. Even more shocking than this is the fact Shirou has accidentally entered the Fifth Grail War, a battle to the death between magicians and their spirits for the sacred Holy Grail.

Interests… cooking, cleaning, and taking care of others. For all his insistence that Saber try to act more feminine, Shirou's the one who spends the most time in the kitchen, to the great delight of those who try his cooking.

Relationship Status… single, though not from want of options. From childhood best friend Sakura to icy mage Rin, Shirou's surrounded by beautiful women. But his true affections seem to lie with his newly-summoned Servant, Saber.

Challenge… acquiring the Holy Grail with as little violence as possible. Like everyone else, Shirou has plenty of things he would like to change, but he sees no use for the Holy Grail to fulfill them. As Shirou puts it, "I don't have any wishes that won't come true or that are impossible. Because if it's a dream I can't reach by myself, I won't even dream it." Still, if winning the Grail will end the War, then Shirou's set on doing it.

Personality… kind, idealistic, and almost compulsively self-sacrificing. While Shirou's selflessness is certainly laudable, it also comes with an alarming willingness to be a martyr – often senselessly, since Shirou's lack of magic makes it difficult for him to save anyone. Still, he shows promise, and with Saber's help, Shirou might just gain the skills and self-confidence needed to truly protect others.