History Characters / StreetFighterRyu

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[[center:[[WMG:''Franchise/StreetFighter'' [[Characters/StreetFighter characters index]]\\
[- ''Characters/StreetFighterI'' ('''Ryu''' | [[Characters/StreetFighterKenMasters Ken Masters]]) | ''Characters/StreetFighterII'' ([[Characters/StreetFighterMBison M. Bison]]) | ''[[Characters/StreetFighterIIUpdatedVersions Street Fighter II: Updated Versions]]'' ([[Characters/StreetFighterAkuma Akuma]]) | ''Characters/StreetFighterAlpha'' ([[Characters/StreetFighterDanHibiki Dan Hibiki]]) | ''Characters/StreetFighterIII'' | ''Characters/StreetFighterIV'' ([[Characters/StreetFighterSeth Seth]]) | ''Characters/StreetFighterV'' | ''Characters/StreetFighterVUpdatedVersions'' | ''Characters/StreetFighter6'' | ''Characters/StreetFighterEX'' | [[Characters/StreetFighterOtherCharacters Other Characters Part 1]] | [[Characters/StreetFighterOtherCharactersPart2 Other Characters Part 2]] | [[Characters/StreetFighterOtherMedia Other Media]]-]]]]]

!Ryu
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ryu_alt_pic_8.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[SeriesMascot World Warrior]]]]

[[quoteright:350:[[labelnote:''Street Fighter V'']]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ryuv_9.png[[/labelnote]]]]

[[quoteright:350:[[labelnote:''Street Fighter III'']]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ryu3_2.png[[/labelnote]]]]

[[quoteright:350:[[labelnote:''Street Fighter Alpha'']]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sfa3_ryu.png[[/labelnote]]]]

[[quoteright:350:[[labelnote:''Street Fighter II'']]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ryu_ssf2_0.png[[/labelnote]]]]

[[quoteright:350:[[labelnote:''Street Fighter I'']]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/52be0e85_f755_4c2f_9758_f2f49330e6ed.png[[/labelnote]]]]

->''My journey knows no end. I will continue to do what I have always done.''

->'''Origin:''' UsefulNotes/{{Japan}}
-> '''Fighting style:''' [[TheGreatestStyle Ansatsuken]]\\
'''Appears in:''' All mainline games
-> '''Voiced by:''' [[note]]Katashi Ishizuka (''VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha'', ''Street Fighter Alpha 2'', ''VideoGame/StreetFighterEX'' series, ''VideoGame/XMenVsStreetFighter'', ''VideoGame/MarvelSuperHeroesVsStreetFighter'', ''[[VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom2 Marvel vs. Capcom 2]]'')\\
Creator/BinShimada (''Street Fighter II'' [[AudioAdaptation CD dramas]])\\
Creator/ToshiyukiMorikawa (''Street Fighter Alpha 3'', ''[[VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcomClashOfTheSuperheroes Marvel vs. Capcom]]'', ''Marvel vs. Capcom 2'' (only for certain audio clips such as the Shin Shoryuken; Katashi Ishizuka's voice was used for the majority of the audio), ''[[VideoGame/CapcomVsSNKMillenniumFight2000 Capcom vs. SNK]]'', ''[[VideoGame/CapcomVsSNK2MarkOfTheMillennium Capcom vs. SNK 2]]'', ''[[VideoGame/SNKVsCapcomSVCChaos SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos]]'', ''[[VideoGame/NamcoXCapcom Namco × Capcom]]'')\\
Creator/WataruTakagi (''VideoGame/StreetFighterIII'', ''Street Fighter III: 2nd Impact'')\\
Creator/ToruOkawa (''Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike'')\\
Creator/SkipStellrecht (''Anime/StreetFighterIITheAnimatedMovie'', ''Anime/StreetFighterIIV''; Animaze Dub, ''Street Fighter Alpha: The Animation''; English)\\
Creator/BrettWeaver (''Anime/StreetFighterIIV''; ADV Dub)\\
Tommy Drake (''Anime/StreetFighterIIV''; ADV Dub)\\
Creator/KoujiTsujitani (''Street Fighter II V''; Japanese)\\
Tong Lung ([[WesternAnimation/StreetFighter American cartoon]])\\
Creator/KyleHebert (''VideoGame/StreetFighterIV'', ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom3'', ''VideoGame/StreetFighterXTekken'', ''WesternAnimation/WreckItRalph'', ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'', ''VideoGame/StreetFighterV'', ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcomInfinite'', ''VideoGame/{{TEPPEN|2019}}'', ''Street Fighter 6''; English)\\
Creator/HirokiTakahashi (''Street Fighter IV'', ''VideoGame/TatsunokoVsCapcom'', ''Marvel vs. Capcom 3'', ''Street Fighter X Tekken'', ''VideoGame/ProjectXZone'', ''Street Fighter V'', ''Street Fighter 6'', ''Super Smash Bros.'', ''TEPPEN''; Japanese)\\
Creator/RichardCansino (''Street Fighter Alpha: Generations''; English)\\
Creator/YasuyukiKase (''Street Fighter Alpha: Generations''; Japanese)\\
Taketora (''Wreck-it Ralph''; Japanese)\\
Isaac Newberry (Street Fighter motion comics)\\
Creator/SoichiroHoshi (''Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo'', ''Super Gem Fighter: Mini Mix'' (also known as ''Pocket Fighter''))[[/note]]
->'''Portrayed by:''' [[note]]Creator/ByronMann ([[Film/StreetFighter Live Action Movie]]), Jon Foo (''Street Fighter: Legacy''), Mike Moh (''WebVideo/StreetFighterAssassinsFist'', ''Street Fighter: World Warrior''), Daniel Southworth (''Street Fighter x Tekken: The Devil Within'')[[/note]]

->The lead character of the franchise, Ryu is a [[TheStoic stoic]] Japanese martial artist who [[WalkingTheEarth wanders the globe]] seeking [[ToBeAMaster the meaning of being a "true warrior."]] He can be recognized by his sleeveless white karate gi and a red or white [[MartialArtsHeadband hachimaki]] depending on the game. He trained alongside his friendly [[TheRival rival]] Ken under their mutual master Gouken. With the two having completed their training, Ryu competed in the first ''VideoGame/StreetFighterI'' tournament held by renowned Muay Thai champion Sagat to test himself. In the final match, he fought a fierce battle with Sagat, but was [[CurbStompBattle beaten to near-death]]. As Sagat approached him, sure of himself that the fight was over, Ryu's desire to win awoke a dark power within him: the Satsui no Hado (lt. Surge of KillingIntent). Under its influence, Ryu unleashed a Metsu Shoryuken on Sagat, scarring him for life and critically wounding him, resulting in Ryu's victory. The awakening of this power has attracted the attention of many who would seek to study and control it, such as the leader of the criminal syndicate Shadaloo, M. Bison, who sees Ryu as both the ultimate test subject and useful for far darker, more sinister purposes. The Satsui no Hado lay dormant until Ryu's encounter with his master's nemesis and brother Akuma during the ''VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha'' sub-series.\\
\\
Since then, Ryu has strived to rid himself of the Satsui no Hado's corruption, and through his travels and his victories, Ryu has become a LivingLegend among various fighters around the world. Through Gouken's reappearance in ''IV'', it is briefly sealed away again, and Ryu undergoes even more intense meditation and training to purge it from himself. In the events of ''V'', he successfully manages to purge himself of the Satsui no Hado and awakens a new power: the Mu no Ken (lit. Fist of the Void, localized as "Power of Nothingness".), the very same power used by his master Gouken. With it, he joins a group of fighters led by Karin Kanzuki to stop M. Bison's grand scheme for world domination. Ryu defeats the dictator in a decisive battle, and in the process destroys the evil energy empowering him, resulting in his destruction. He continues down his endless road by the time of ''III'' and ''6''.\\
\\
His [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Evil Ryu]] version has been present in the ''Alpha'' and ''EX'' series, and has made a reappearance in the arcade edition of ''Super Street Fighter IV''.\\
\\
As ''the'' fighting game character, Ryu is also the originator of what is now commonly known as the [[{{Shotoclone}} Shoto]] archetype. This eventually became [[GameplayAndStoryIntegration integrated into his storyline]]. What Ryu lacks in natural talent, he makes up for in limitless potential, honing his moves to optimal efficiency. He is a simple, but very effective character with a fireball for controlling space, a rising uppercut for catching airborne opponents, and a spinning kick that knocks the opponent down and is immune to other projectiles. Later games would expand on his fighting style while staying true to its core principles, adding various elements such as fire and lightning, corresponding to the Satsui no Hado and Mu no Ken respectively.
----

[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:A-I]]
* AdaptationalBadass: In ''Street Fighter'', his Hadoken (whether regular, Shinkuu, or Metsu) is merely a ball of ki (or fireball). In VideoGame/CapcomVs, the super versions of his Hadoken are comparable to a higher-tier [[Franchise/DragonBall Kamehameha]]. Even the regular Hadoken itself receives a buff in size and damage.
* AdaptationalJerkass: Rather strangely, VideoGame/SNKVsCapcomSVCChaos (or its localization, it's not clear) decides to interpret Ryu as an ArrogantKungFuGuy who disrespects his opponents.
* AlwaysABiggerFish: By the time of ''IV'', years after his training has finished, Ryu has finally managed to master the Metsu Hadoken and Metsu Shoryuken, meaning that he can tap into minor degrees of the Satsui no Hado and focus it into a controlled attack. An incredible accomplishment... except that Akuma has been doing so before his training was even halfway finished, before he was even Akuma.
* AnimeHair: Ryu has spiky brown or black hair, which in the earlier games (''I'' and ''II'') falls forward in a very bouffant quiff.
* ArtEvolution: Ryu's seen subtle changes to his look throughout the series' history, with characteristics like build, hair color, and his outfit all seeing tweaks over time. His hair for example goes from red in the first game to brown in ''II'' and ''Alpha'', then to black from ''III'' onward. He's also much bulkier as time goes on, looking absolutely ripped throughout the 3D era.
* AuthorAvatar: The programmers have noted that they see themselves as Ryu, and as such, he's often amongst the strongest, pick-up-and-play characters.
* BadassArmFold: His trademark VictoryPose, enhanced by DramaticWind.
* BadassBack: One of his signature poses for both his regular self and Evil Ryu.
* BadassesWearBandanas: His third alternate costume in ''IV''.
* BaritoneOfStrength: He looks and sounds like a man that's been training his body his whole life. His voice has gotten deeper throughout the series, especially from ''IV'' onward, to convey his maturity and mastery of fighting.
* BewareTheQuietOnes: While he isn't exactly a social person, he does have close friends and allies, '''who are not to be harmed in front of him'''. Bison is the living proof of this in ''Alpha 3'', whereas Crimson Viper finds this out the hard way in the ''Ties That Bind'' Blu-Ray OVA. By extension, it's also a '''very''' bad idea to threaten innocent people (especially children) just to get a fight out of him.
* BigBrotherMentor: Ryu refuses Sakura's request to train her since he doesn't think he's learned everything he can. That said, he's happy to help her practice by sparring. While Sakura has a romantic crush on him, Ryu's own view of her is more brotherly. Many of his win quotes in ''IV'' also have him give advice and encouragement to younger fighters with great potential, like Makoto and Yun.
* BigEater:
** In certain adaptations, such as Masaomi Kanzaki's manga and the UDON comics. While it helps make Ryu less of a FlatCharacter, it is also TruthInTelevision, as intense exercise routines tend to increase a person's appetite due to calorie burn. And given how much Ryu trains...
** In ''IV'', he's the only character (besides Elena) who doesn't dislike or avoid [[LethalChef El Fuerte's cooking]], and in ''VideoGame/StreetFighterXTekken'', he contemplates ''eating Kuma''.
--->(''[=SFxT=]'' win quote vs. [[Franchise/{{Tekken}} Marshall Law]]) ''You run a Chinese restaurant? I'll stop by next time! Hope it's all you can eat!''
* BlessedWithSuck: Ryu's incredible persistence towards his goal of becoming [[ToBeAMaster a great martial artist]] is what allows him to be such a strong fighter. This same persistence also opens him up to the [[SuperPoweredEvilSide Satsui no Hado]] whenever his goal is threatened.
* BloodKnight: Fighting is everything for Ryu but he's without Akuma's unbound code of combat. In other words, he's a LighterAndSofter Akuma.
-->(''in his rival match against Ken'') ''Neither of us have reached our full potential.''
* {{Bookends}}: Ryu's ''IV'' arcade intro has him throw a Shinku Hadoken at a waterfall, only for it to fizzle out, and he shakes his head in doubt. His ''Super'' arcade ending has him perform the same feat, although this time the Hadoken persists and flies straight through and into the sky, while Ryu reminisces about his friends and rivals.
* BoringButPractical: Ryu's forte is that he's a master of fundamental martial arts. In the UDON comics, the difference between him and Ken is explained in that Ryu will practice the boring old basics day in and day out to improve them beyond their maximum, while Ken (who has extremely high natural talent) will master those basics in a day or so, throw some fire on it for instant awesome, get bored, and call it a day. Gameplay-wise, Ryu's style [[JackOfAllStats spreads evenly]] across virtually any scenario. He relies on precise attacks and proper counters.
* BrainwashedAndCrazy:
%%** In the ''Street Fighter II V'' anime series.
** His story arc for ''Alpha 2'' and ''Alpha 3'' sees him being brainwashed by Bison and forced to fight other opponents.
** This is also more or less the genesis of Evil Ryu as a player character, though he is enslaved to his bloodlust rather than an outside will.
* TheCameo:
** Makes a few alongside Ken in ''WesternAnimation/WreckItRalph'' and its sequel, ''WesternAnimation/RalphBreaksTheInternet'', reprised by Creator/KyleHebert.
** He appears as a background OASIS avatar multiple times in ''Film/ReadyPlayerOne'', and even joins in the final battle on Planet Doom, bringing his signature special moves along with him.
* CallingYourAttacks: "Hadoken!", "Shoryuken!" and "Tatsumaki Senpuukyaku". The last two are rendered unintelligible due to the speed with which his Japanese VA delivers the line.
* CharacterCatchphrase: In the context of calling his attacks: "Hadoken!". Outside that context: "The answer lies in the heart of battle." is his mantra.
* CastingAShadow: In ''IV'' and its respective pseudo-sequel, Ryu gains the Metsu Hadoken and Metsu Shoryuken. The former originally appears as a super for Evil Ryu in ''Capcom vs. SNK'' (there, it functioned akin to an evil version of the [[ShockAndAwe Denjin]] Hadoken). The latter is the ''very same move he used to scar Sagat''.
* CelibateHero:
** In an earlier comic adaption, he recognizes that [[WhatHappenedToTheMouse Gouken's daughter]] has feelings for him but is unable to return them.
** While he would like to start a family someday, he believes he's not ready to consider doing so.
** While Sakura has a full-blown romantic crush on Ryu, he cares for her and looks forward to her development, but either he feels he can't return her feelings or is totally oblivious to them in the first place.
* CharacterDevelopment: Early in the continuity, such as the first game and the ''Alpha'' series, Ryu is almost as HotBlooded as Ken, quick to deal out the TrashTalk to his foes with a bit of arrogance, something of a SoreLoser when he loses to Sagat in the first Street Fighter Tournament, and prone to fits from the Satsui no Hado into becoming [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Evil Ryu]]. Though he quelled it for a while, his continued encounters with Bison inevitably bring it out time and time again, and force Ryu to finally conquer his inner demons once and for all. By the time of ''V'''s conclusion, and heading into ''III'' and ''6'', Ryu has chilled out considerably, and while he's still liable to snark if his opponent practically eggs it out of him, he's otherwise a far more resolute and battle-hardened NiceGuy with no further hesitation in his continued path of self-improvement through fighting.
* TheChosenOne:
** Chosen by Rose in ''Alpha'' and ''IV'' to take down Bison, though she feels he's not ready yet.
** Later in ''III'' he's chosen by Oro to receive special training.
* TheComicallySerious: Comes across as such, particularly in supplemental media. He's not even trying to be overly serious (he's open to trying new things as best he can), [[TheStoic it's just who he is.]]
* CompositeCharacter: In ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcomClashOfSuperHeroes'', Ryu has the ability to change his moveset and palette to Ken's and Akuma's. The [=PS1=] version of the game refers to him as "Complete Change Ryu". Because of this, his theme in the game is the ''Street Fighter II'' title tune instead of his usual theme that originated from ''II'' itself.
* ContinuityNod: By ''6'', Ryu has learned to harness Gouken's Power of Nothingness in his base fighting style, being able to enhance his attacks with "Denjin Charge".
* CounterAttack: His V-Trigger II strengthens his parry attack by giving him a counter punch that puts the opponent into a crumple state, and can be followed up on with a combo.
* DangerousForbiddenTechnique: The "Satsui no Hado" state, literally "Surge of Murderous Intent." Used by his alter-ego in the ''Alpha'' series, Evil Ryu.
* DefeatingTheUndefeatable: He's pitched against the formidable Sagat in the first game and depending on the source, he either narrowly wins and scars Sagat with the Shoryuken, ''or'' almost gets beaten to death, then scars Sagat with the power of Satsui no Hado.
%%* DeusExMachina: The Metsu Shoryuken.
* DisappointedInYou: After Ryu finally suppresses the Satsui no Hadou, Akuma often repeats how disappointed he is, how he expected more, and that Ryu is now NotWorthKilling. Ryu is actually glad of that, because he actually pities what Akuma has sacrificed (something [[DontYouDarePityMe Akuma finds irritating]]).
* DivergentCharacterEvolution: He's the lynchpin Shoto. All other [[ShotoClone shotos are HIS clones]]. As such, early on, his moveset is extremely basic and other characters' moves are basically his, with a twist. However, starting from ''III'', he's developed his own techniques that are uniquely his.
* DramaticWind: His classic VictoryPose features a gentle breeze fluttering his headband and gi.
* EleventhHourSuperpower: His ability to use the Denjin Hadoken in ''III'' is explained in ''V''. His special training to control the Satsui no Hado leads him to follow his master Gouken in unlocking the Power of Nothingness, which has lightning-based ki and nullifies negative energy. The Satsui no Hado has effectively been purged from his body, and the concept of Evil Ryu is no more. He then proceeds to use the Power of Nothingness to defy both Necalli's prophecy and the Illuminati's prophecy, defeating Necalli and killing Bison once and for all.
* EnergyBall: ''Hadoken!''
* {{Fireballs}}: His normal [[EnergyBall Hadoken]] is often mistakenly called a fireball (it's more correctly a "chi" ball), but he can turn them into the Shakunetsu Hadoken, which is imbued with fiery energy.
* FinalBoss: He is the FinalBoss to several fighters in several games.
** ''Alpha'': For Sagat and Ken.
** ''Alpha 2'': For Sagat, Ken, M. Bison, and Sakura.
** ''Alpha 3'': He is M. Bison's final boss.
** ''III: 2nd Impact'': He is Ken's final boss. This means that if Ken meets the requirements to fight Akuma, Ryu instead of Gill gets murdered to set up a grudge match.
** ''6'': He is Rashid's final boss.
* FireForgedFriends: His long and once bitter rivalry with Sagat has led to a deep understanding of and respect for each other, and it's clear that they're on good terms as of ''SFIV''.
* FriendlyRivalry: Outside of his most famous rivals, Ken and Sagat, he enjoys sparring with Chun-Li, Cammy, Sakura, Alex, Dudley, and Makoto, plus plenty of other fighters.
* GameplayAndStoryIntegration: He's the Technician to Ken's Performer, being relatively WeakButSkilled (in that he has less innate talent for martial arts, yet he makes up for it with daily training). He's also more focused on a good defense and zoning game than the combo fiend that's Ken. It's even highlighted in their V-Skills (Ryu's is a parry, while Ken's is a dash meant to close the gap).
* GracefulLoser: Multiple instances:
** After his CharacterDevelopment in the ''Alpha'' series. If Ryu is defeated, he may become hard on himself but as a SpiritedCompetitor, he always gives his opponents respect and praises their efforts in battle.
** In ''6'', he sometimes yells "Well fought!" if he is knocked out.
* GoodWearsWhite: Ryu is the lead character of the franchise. He is a SpiritedCompetitor who seeks to improve himself physically and spiritually through combat. He wears a white karate gi in contrast to his ([[AmbiguouslyEvil kind of]]) EvilCounterpart Akuma who wears a black gi.
* GuestFighter
** Has appeared in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' since the [=3DS=] and Wii U titles.
** Ryu has donned a ''Franchise/PowerRangers'' outfit and appeared in ''Power Rangers: Legacy Wars'' on mobile platforms, morphing into the "Crimson Hawk Ranger". In 2021 he also gets to mix it up in a more traditional fighting game setting with the "''Street Fighter'' Pack" DLC for ''VideoGame/PowerRangersBattleForTheGrid'' alongside Chun-Li (as the "Blue Phoenix Ranger").
* HandBlast: ''6'' gives him a special move called "Hashogeki" (based on his V-Reversal from ''V''), where he unleashes a blast of ki at close range, making for a useful combo extender.
* HandwrapsOfAwesome: Wears black hand wraps in his bearded alternate outfit in ''V''.
* HeroicNeutral: Ryu prefers to keep to himself. While he ''will'' fight injustice if he happens to find it, for the most part, he remains ignorant of the events of the world around him until he's called into action.
* HeterosexualLifePartners: With Ken. The [[http://www.flickr.com/photos/42682090@N07/4458750449/ background]] of the main menu for ''Super Street Fighter IV'' makes this clear, not to mention all of their various intro poses together (usually a fist bump for good luck before a match) as well as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__FuhlYR4kU#t=2m04s this special win pose]] from ''Alpha 3''.
* TheHerosIdol: Ryu finds himself a fan and semi-apprentice in Sakura. Sakura's own fighting style is based on studying Ryu's, including copying many of his {{Signature Move}}s[[note]]The [[KamehameHadoken Hadoken]] and the [[SuperSpecialMove Shinku Hadoken]][[/note]] while putting her own twist on others[[note]][[HurricaneKick Shunpukyaku]] and [[{{Shoryuken}} Shououken]][[/note]]. He is very supportive of her pursuits and will spar with her whenever they meet.
* HomeStage: Ryu's stage has traditionally been Suzaku Castle, starting with ''II''. It represents the franchise's Home Stage as a whole in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series.
* HopelessWithTech: Ryu typically lives an ascetic life, so it’s both charming and amusing when he uses a mobile phone (likely for the first time) to message the PlayerCharacter in ''6''’s World Tour mode, and is a little flummoxed by the process.
-->''Maybe I should ask a phone expert to teach me more.\\
Someone online who knows more about this device than I do. I believe that the answer lies…[[MangledCatchphrase In the heart of the internet…]]''
* {{Hunk}}: ''Street Fighter'' just wouldn't be the same without him, especially in his "Hot Ryu" incarnation in ''V'' that soon went memetic.
* HurricaneKick: He and Ken's Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku is the TropeNamer.
* IconicItem: Ryu's red headband, [[ItWasAGift given to him]] by Ken to help rouse Ryu in Ken's ending in ''Alpha 2''. Before this, he wore a white headband to match his gi, apparently given to him by Gouken's daughter.
** In the ''SFII'' [[Anime/StreetFighterIITheAnimatedMovie movie]] said headband also appears; the circumstances in which he receives it is different but still heartwarming. While training, a young Ryu is injured when Ken kicks him in the forehead, knocking him down some stairs. Ken runs after him and takes the band keeping his hair in place to bandage Ryu's bleeding wound. Ryu keeps the makeshift headband to honor Ken.
** ''[[WebVideo/StreetFighterAssassinsFist Assassin's Fist]]'' presents the headband in a similar vein to the movie, but different: during Ryu and Ken's final match under Gouken's tutelage, Ryu starts to succumb to the Satsui no Hado, and Ken has to knock him unconscious with a Shoryuken. However, the move breaks Ryu's skull, and Ken uses his hair band to stop the bleeding before carrying him back to the dojo.
** In the end of the Story Mode in ''V'', the headband comes off once he defeats Ken in their sparring match. Seeing as how Ryu finally manages to make peace with his soul, Ken thinks of taking the headband back, but Ryu decides to hold on to it because he feels his journey is not even close to an end.
--->''There is no end on the road of fighting. I know... I still need this.''
* IconicOutfit: Of all the three characters in ''V'' that didn't have wardrobe changes (Ryu, Chun-Li, and Zangief), Ryu is the most likely candidate to have retained the same white gi and MartialArtsHeadband that he's always worn.
* IKnowYoureInThereSomewhereFight: It takes Sagat's urging ''and'' Sakura's injuries from her fight with Bison (plus the memories of all his friends and rivals) to break Ryu out of his brainwashing in ''Alpha 3''.
* InconsistentSpelling:
** His name actually has an extended "u" vowel when written in its original form in katakana, so it's either "Ryū" or "Ryuu" in that case.
** For ''all'' of his special moves; the Hadoken, Shoryuken, and Tatsumaki Senpukyaku have extended vowels that may or may not be ignored via their romaji.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:J-Z]]
* JackOfAllStats: He's designed to be the most balanced character in the game, having a little bit of everything from zoning, mix-ups, and mobility to cover most situations. Comparatively though, he's a bit of a StoneWall compared to other shotos like Ken. It's been said ''V'' was balanced by taking Ryu as the centerpiece and making everyone else work around him.
* KamehameHadoken: The most well-known user of the second co-{{Trope Namer|s}}. It only applies to the ''Vs.'' series (''[=MvC=]'' and ''[=TvC=]'' in particular), as the Shinkuu Hadoken is an EnergyBall by default in most instances.
* LightningFireJuxtaposition: The lightning to Ken's fire.
* LimitedWardrobe: He's only ever seen wearing a dogi and going barefoot. This is taken to the extreme in one piece of artwork where Ryu is doing his laundry ''in his underwear'' at a laundromat (presumably because Ryu's gi is the only article of clothing he travels with). In ''6'', he still wears the trousers from his dogi, but he's switched out the top for a burgundy uttarasanga robe, representing his more peaceful outlook now that he's overcome his inner darkness. It’s also revealed that Ryu now owns a set of casual clothes (which appear in-game as his third selectable costume) to wear in public after getting scolded by Chun-Li for dressing in his gi everywhere.
* LoadBearingHero: Especially in the ''Alpha'' series, where the constant threat of succumbing to the Satsui no Hado is most keenly felt.
* ManlyFacialHair: One of his alternate costumes in ''V'' has him grow a full beard and mustache. As of ''6'', a slightly trimmed version of that look becomes a part of his default appearance.
* MartialArtsHeadband: Part of his IconicOutfit. Originally white in ''Street Fighter'', then red later on, except for the ''Alpha'' series, which explains how it became red (Ken gave it to him as a gift).
* {{Mascot}}: He's the face of the fighting game department of Creator/{{Capcom}}, and is sometimes considered the face of the FightingGame genre in general. He's close to being a co-Mascot to all of Capcom alongside [[VideoGame/MegaManClassic Mega Man]].
* MeaningfulName: Ryu's name was originally spelled with the kanji for [[http://jisho.org/kanji/details/%E9%9A%86 "prosperity"]], although it is actually a reference to the first game's co-designer Takashi Nishiyama, [[http://www.1up.com/features/the-man-who-created-street-fighter?pager.offset=1 whose given name (Takashi) is spelled with the same kanji]] and had a habit of naming his protagonists "Ryu" (see also ''Trojan'' and ''Avenger''). More obviously, Ryu's name is a homophone for "dragon" in Japanese.
* MindControlEyes: A rare case of the sclera changing color. Instead of the sclera being white, it turns pink -- most likely due to Bison's Psycho Power which helped brainwash him.
* MinorMajorCharacter: Takes a backseat in all of the ''III'' games and in ''6''. In the ''III'' games, he is displaced by Alex as the TheProtagonist. In ''6'', Ken or the Avatar displaces him as TheProtagonist depending on the game mode.
* MrFanservice: He’s TallDarkAndHandsome with a buff HeroicBuild, as well as being a badass on the battlefield and a NiceGuy outside of it. Following his ruggedly bearded updated appearance in ''V'' and ''6'', he was almost immediately dubbed "Hot Ryu".
* NiceGuy: While somewhat of a social recluse, he is still a sensitive and kind-hearted man with plenty of good advice to share with his friends and fellow warriors. The only major downside to befriending Ryu is the difficulty in contacting him.
* NoNonsenseNemesis: Despite being a SpiritedCompetitor that enjoys fights, Ryu's fighting style is ''very'' efficient and goes for maximum damage on every hit. It's explained that Ryu lacks the talent to do fancier moves or combos like Ken or Akuma, and he lacks the natural reach, power and stamina of Sagat. Thus, Ryu's relentless training ensures that every single hit counts. Further, in the ''Animated Movie'', Ryu uses the most efficient means of beating an opponent, such as simply headbutting a guy to break his nose, or breaking Fei Long's arm and foot to limit his ability to fight.
* NotHimself: In ''Alpha 2'', he is extremely troubled over the Satsui no Hado and what it means, thus [[TookALevelInJerkass he acts quite rash and more jerk-like than usual]] -- until Ken defeats him and gives him the red headband as a token of remembrance.
* NoSell: His V-Skill in ''V'' is a parry called "Mind's Eye". Successfully parrying an attack will prevent any damage from connecting with Ryu, give him a massive boost of V-Gauge and, if fully parried, usually leave him at an advantage next to the recovering opponent. It's not as broken as ''3rd Strike'' parrying in that it is a two-button command, so option selects are nigh impossible, has a whiff animation so a failed parry is punishable, and is not cancelable into anything other than another Mind's Eye, meaning that Ryu must fully commit to a parry and cannot interrupt a multi-hit attack after parrying only once (so none of that "Evo Moment #37" stuff here[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwxUWkwYZ2k ...mostly]]).
* NotSoAboveItAll: Ryu is generally deadly serious and respectful, but he occasionally has his DeadpanSnarker or more witty moments.
** In ''Super Street Fighter IV'', he rips on Zangief for not being able to cope with the Hadoken, which Zangief notoriously hates. Ryu also tells Vega that he might actually be able to dodge his attacks if he paid less attention to his looks and more to the battle.
** Hugo's ending in ''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterIII 3rd Strike]]'': Hugo recruits him (and several other street fighters) to be pro wrestlers. Ryu thinks he can learn a lot from wrestling. Ken's completely mortified that Ryu's actually enjoying himself.
** He has one of the funniest lines in ''[[VideoGame/SNKVsCapcomSVCChaos SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos]]'' where he [[LampshadeHanging points out]] Mai's [[{{Stripperific}} odd choice]] of a [[HighlyVisibleNinja ninja outfit.]]
-->''Ninja style? People can see you coming miles away!''
* OddlyVisibleEyebrows: Ryu's eyebrows generally project and float ''over'' his headband.
* TheParagonAlwaysRebels: Among Gouken's students, it is not the arrogant Ken Masters or the vengeful Dan Hibiki, but the polite and disciplined Ryu who is the most susceptible to succumbing to evil.
* PermaStubble: In ''III'', befitting his transition from PrettyBoy to {{Hunk}}.
* PlayingWithFire: The Shakunetsu Hadoken, a fiery version of the classic move. In ''Alpha'' and ''Alpha 2'', the fifth and final hit of his [=Lv3=] Shinkuu Hadoken sets his opponent on fire.
* PrefersGoingBarefoot:
** His constant bare footedness throughout the series is {{Lampshaded}} in ''IV'':
---> ''Shoes? No, I can certainly afford them; I go barefoot for comfort.''
** In one {{Omake}}, he isn’t allowed inside a fancy restaurant because of the "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service" policy.
** His win quote against Guy in ''Street Fighter X Tekken'' lampshades this.
---> ''You've got a nice spring in your step! Maybe I should rethink my stance on shoes...''
* RedOniBlueOni: He's the Calm and hyper-focused Blue Oni to Ken's passionate and energetic Red Oni.
* {{Retcon}}: Back when ''II'' originally debuted, Ryu had become famous after defeating Sagat. This was changed, years later, by making Sagat the actual winner of the fight. According to the updated version of events, Sagat was helping Ryu off the ground, when Ryu fell under the Satsui no Hado's influence and caught Sagat off-guard with a Metsu Shoryuken. The Satsui no Hado itself is also a retcon, as it wasn't originally part of the series' backstory. It was added into the storyline in ''Alpha 2''. ''V'' goes back to the original version of events, based on the game itself and in official Capcom posts.
* TheRival:
** Sagat, one of his greatest rivals. They have an extremely bitter grudge throughout the ''II'' and ''Alpha'' series before patching things up and becoming each others' WorthyOpponent. The two have fought in at least three tournaments, ensuring that every fight counts toward their shared development.
** Ken, his best friend, and former training partner. Theirs is very much a FriendlyRivalry, as they grew up together, and most of their battles take place while training outside of the ring as they try to keep each other on their toes.
** Akuma, who doubles as Ryu's ArchEnemy. Ryu thought that Akuma had killed his adoptive father Gouken, for years. At the same time, Akuma wants Ryu to give in to his SuperPoweredEvilSide and give him the best match possible after forsaking his humanity.
** Gouken, his adoptive father and former teacher. Now that Ryu is a grown adult, Gouken has declared that he has nothing left to teach him and challenges him in ''IV'' to see how much Ryu has grown as a fighter.
* SeanConneryIsAboutToShootYou: In the intro to ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_-OMGTBVZk Super Street Fighter II]]'', ''Puzzle Fighter'' and ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf20vlxkRzU Street Fighter Alpha 2]]''. Referenced in his [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG_gdJeJxng character trailer]] for ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros for Wii U[=/=]3DS''.
* SecretlyWealthy: ''6'' reveals he has a credit card that Ken "forced" him to get. Ryu states that he isn't in charge of the account it's linked to, but he reveals that he's amassed savings through tournament winnings and helping out local crises, and Ken states that Ryu would soon have enough to retire comfortably. When the Avatar implies Ryu is rich, he modestly downplays it but admits he finds comfort in being able to travel the world without much hassle.
* SeriesMascot: Ryu ''is'' the ''Franchise/StreetFighter''.
* ShipTease:
** With Chun-Li, in non-canon material, such as the Malibu comic, various manhua, and since the release of ''V'' in various official merchandise (the Pocky snacks has to be the most blatant one). But the official word from Capcom is they're JustFriends.
** With Sakura, since by the time ''IV'' hits, she's pretty clearly crushing on him. While he's still a CelibateHero, it ''is'' quite telling that she's the only one capable of bringing him back from being almost taken over by the Satsui no Hado. Plus, in ''V'' one of the most poignant moments in Sakura's Story Mode takes place as a talk between her and Ryu.
* ShirtlessScene:
** He appears shirtless for the brick-breaking bonus stages in the first game.
** He has a [[ClothingDamage battle-damaged]] costume in ''IV'' which gives him slightly torn pants and ''shredded'' shirts. His first premium outfit for ''V'' also has him fight shirtless with the addition of a Beard and HandwrapsOfAwesome.
** In the teaser for ''6'', his appearance harkens to said premium outfit, while also demonstrating the ''[[ArtEvolution contractions of his muscles]]'' as he stands idly.
* ShockAndAwe: Ryu can enhance his attacks with electric properties by tapping into the Power of Nothingness.
** There's [[SuperSpecialMove Denjin Hadoken]]; it's unblockable and [[ChargedAttack charging it up to the maximum]] fully dizzies his foe.
** In ''V'', his V-Trigger I, the "Denjin Renki", makes his Hadoken and Shoryuken techniques electrified for the duration. If you have a full Critical Gauge, you can cash out the entire V-Trigger meter to turn the Shinku Hadoken into the Denjin Hadoken.
** In ''6'', he's honed the technique enough to electrify most of his base moveset. And with Denjin Charge, he enhances his attacks even further.
* {{Shoryuken}}: [[SharedSignatureMove His and Ken's]] Shoryuken is the TropeNamer. Despite Ryu being more focused on Hadoken techniques, his various Shoryukens, most notably the Metsu Shoryuken, are important to the story; this same attack is what he used to defeat Sagat in his first tournament.
* {{Shotoclone}}: The originator, from which all Ryu/Ken-types spring, laying the groundwork for playstyle, tools, and ease of play that most shotos emulate to varying degrees. He's the reason why Shotos all share similar special moves, having a projectile, uppercut and advancing attack that defines his ability to adapt in combat.
* SignatureMove:
** Hadoken and Shoryuken, which are also the two most famous moves in ''Street Fighter''. The Hadoken is Ryu's specialty, while Ken specializes more in the Shoryuken than Ryu does, though Ryu's various uses of the move are pretty important to the story. [[VideoGame/StreetFighterII You must defeat it]] [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBros to stand a chance]] after all.
** His Denjin Hadoken and Metsu Shoryuken latterly, so much so that they are shown in the first-ever footage of ''V''.
* SixDegreesOfKevinBacon: Thanks to crossovers, quite a few video game characters have a ‘Ryu number’. The easy way in is through ''VideoGame/{{Brawlhalla}}'' or ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros''; ''VideoGame/{{Fortnite}}'' and ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom'' also open up countless possibilities. If a character appears in the same game as Ryu, their Ryu number is 1.
* SociallyAwkwardHero: As he grew up in an isolated part of Japan, Ryu isn't accustomed to interacting with people who aren't Gouken or Ken. He does start meeting new people like Chun-Li and Sakura as he travels the world, and that helps him become more adjusted over time, though.
* SpidersAreScary: Ryu fears spiders, due to a prank that Ken pulled on him when the two were kids.
* SpiritedCompetitor: A heroic version; he's always on the lookout for meeting strong opponents and treats every battle with sportsmanlike conduct. If taken too far he becomes [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Evil Ryu]], though.
* SpotlightStealingSquad: A rare case of a character who took the spotlight ''back'', along with more of it than ever. Ryu is the main character of the original ''VideoGame/StreetFighterI'', but there is virtually no story to tell. In ''VideoGame/StreetFighterII'', the developers consider Guile to be the main character, who inherited from Charlie in the prequel ''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Alpha]]''. And in ''VideoGame/StreetFighterIII'', the mantle is passed to Alex. Ryu's only part in each is to satisfy a few existing rivalries. That started to change in ''Alpha 2'', where Ryu's battle against Akuma and the Satsui no Hadou take center stage. ''Alpha 3'' {{Arc Weld|ing}}s that plot into the main Shadaloo plot, where Bison seeks Ryu as a replacement body, and ''VideoGame/StreetFighterIV'' introduces a subplot where [[BigGood Rose]] seeks to protect him as TheChosenOne and last hope against Bison. By ''VideoGame/StreetFighterV'', Ryu is so important to the story that the other characters acknowledge that their final goal is to disrupt/weaken Shadaloo and Bison as much as possible until Ryu is ready to give the final blow, with the temporarily resurrected Nash even sacrificing his rebirth to that effect.
* SuckingInLines: his Metsu-Hadoken super move is stylized with lines swirling into his palms before he fires off the shot.
* SuperSpecialMove: Many of Ryu's super moves are simply versions of his standard attacks that he's achieved greater mastery of.
** ''Shinku Hadoken'' is an empowered version of the standard [[KamehameHadoken Hadoken]], dealing more hits and sometimes using purple coloring to differentiate itself. There's also "Denjin Hadoken" which empowers it [[ShockAndAwe with lightning]].
** One of Ryu's strongest attacks is the "Shin {{Shoryuken}}" ("True Rising Dragon Fist"). He begins with a basic Shoryuken that freezes an opponent in place and then unleashes an even stronger one that sends them flying.
** ''6'' introduces "Shin Hashogeki", a super version of [[HandBlast Hashogeki]]. Like Shinku Hadoken, it's a version that deals more hits.
* SupportingProtagonist: Despite being the main character of the series, Ryu doesn't do that much to contribute to the [[AllThereInTheManual plot]]. His role only matters in the original game and in ''Alpha''. In most of the other games, he's pretty much a LivingMacGuffin.
* SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome: Ryu is a wanderer seeking challenges, and whenever he goes flying to other countries, Ryu still wears his gi. But this causes a lot of red flags to be set off at the airport. So leave it to Chun-Li to buy him new clothes.
* TalentVsTraining: Ryu dedicates every moment of his life to training and fighting to become stronger. His rival Ken, meanwhile, is a talented fighter who tends to slack off; if his skills atrophy, he can get back in top shape with only a month's worth of training at most.
* TarotMotifs: Ryu represents The World in the 30th Anniversary Tarot Deck. The World represents wholeness and completion, fitting with Ryu's world-wandering journey to keep getting stronger.
* TechnicianVsPerformer: The Technician to Ken's Performer, practicing the fundamentals every day and bearing a BoringButPractical fighting style. Ryu's moves tend to hit once for maximum damage, while Ken's hit multiple times for lesser damage per hit. Ryu's attack options are simple and straightforward, but also more versatile and less risky, while Ken is geared more towards close-quarters combos that open him up to counterattacks.
* TigerVersusDragon: When written in a certain kanji, "Ryu" can mean "Dragon." This is in direct contrast to Sagat's tiger AnimalMotifs. As the main page says, ''this refers to two spirits so wildly different and yet wildly similar at the same time, intricately linked together in destiny.'': Ryu and Sagat were enemies in the past, but now they are each other's {{Worthy Opponent}}s.
* ToBeAMaster: He travels all over the world taking on several opponents, each of them skilled fighters in their own right, to become the greatest fighter of them all. He's a warrior, first and foremost. Having the ability to beat the tar out of any villains and evil men he comes across as just a kick-ass bonus for him.
* TookALevelInBadass: Ryu's improved a lot over the series, coinciding with his journey to be a stronger fighter and master his fundamentals. The culmination of all that shows in his ''6'' incarnation, set years after settling from his globe-trotting; he has a stronger mastery over the Power of Nothingness, able to imbue more of his attacks with otherworldly ki. And his supers all show a massive increase in strength, his Shin Shoryuken for example striking with enough power to crumble the earth below and create visible fractures in the space around him. It even rains debris when the attack is finished.
* TheComputerIsACheatingBastard: In the early games, he is severely overpowered, always Dragon Punching a jumping opponent, always getting through their block, his damage being increased...etc.
* ThemeNaming: Is the "Ryu" in Shoryuken, with his best friend being the "Ken."
* TheStoic: He's nearly always composed, calm, and relentlessly polite -- the ideals of a Japanese warrior.
* WalkingTheEarth: Is always traveling in search of new opponents and challenges, although he allegedly returns to Suzaku Castle (the burial ground of his NotQuiteDead sensei Gouken) once a year. In the fourth ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'', there is a list of his unique notable opponents across all of his appearances in video games. He has the distinct honor of having fought at least ''three-hundred'' unique opponents over the course of his on-screen career.
* WarriorTherapist: From ''III'' onwards, Ryu comes off as a supportive version, since he kindly encourages the opponent to improve themselves and overcome their weaknesses.
--> ''(Vs Cody) Instead of running away, face your problems head-on. I'm sure you will get back on the right track.''
* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: Ryu hates spiders, stemming from an incident in which one had crawled into his open mouth while he was sleeping. Naturally extends to his match-up against ComicBook/SpiderMan in ''[[VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom3 Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]'', though he does respect Spidey for being an honorable hero and worthy opponent.
* WorldsBestWarrior: In the first two games of the series. In ''Street Fighter'', Ryu, after defeating Sagat, is declared the 'World's Greatest Street Fighter', and carries that title all the way into the ''II'' series. However, starting with the ''Alpha'' series, Ryu's characterization shifts in that he ''wants'' to become a great martial artist, but there are others far ahead of him (Bison, Oro, Gill etc).
* WorldsStrongestMan: He is one of the few contenders for the title, having been taught by both Gouken and Oro, and succeeding in defeating M. Bison (three times), as well as Seth and Necalli. In the ''Ryu Final'' manga (which is a DistantFinale), Ryu manages to kill Akuma by making peace within himself. In the (non-canon) comics and other media, Ryu has also overpowered Oni (essentially Akuma's OneWingedAngel form) with his own SuperpoweredEvilSide and even defeated DarkMessiah Gill. In {{crossover}} titles like ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom'' Ryu has shown to be able to match the [[ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk Hulk]] in strength and his ending in ''[[VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom MVC3]]'' has him learn the ComicBook/IronFist’s martial art and deliver a CurbStompBattle to Akuma. As a guest fighter in ''[[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosForNintendo3DSAndWiiU Super Smash Bros 4]]'' Ryu in his trailer is shown to able to beat up both Mewtwo (one of the most powerful Pokémon ever) and even Ganondorf who’s an outright GodOfEvil at his best.
* WorthyOpponent: Ideally, he considers ''everyone'' a WorthyOpponent as he believes he can always learn something new from every battle. However, in the strictest context, Ken and Sagat are typically mainstays. In a twisted sense, he desires to be one to Akuma, but as a means to show him that even without succumbing to the Satsui no Hadou, he can still be a complete fighter. Ryu desires to seek his path in life and grow as a martial artist, and the more people he meets to learn from, the better. Many of his ''IV'' win quotes have him commending his opponents for their fighting skills and spirit.
* XRaySparks: His Denjin Hadoken Super Art from ''3rd Strike'' has such an effect on the opponent.
* YearsTooEarly: Post-Alpha, both he and Sagat admit that Ryu was nowhere near ready to challenge him in the [[Videogame/StreetFighterI first World Warrior tournament.]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Evil Ryu]]
[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b48befa9_255f_49eb_98d7_65f3746e60e9.jpeg]]
[[caption-width-right:300:[[FallenHero Embodiment of the Satsui]]]]

->''Violence...is who I am!''

->'''Origin:''' Japan
->'''Fighting style:''' Unknown (martial arts rooted in Ansatsuken)
->'''Voiced by:''' [[note]]Creator/ToshiyukiMorikawa (''Street Fighter Alpha 3'', ''Capcom vs. SNK'', ''Capcom vs. SNK 2'', ''Namco × Capcom''), Creator/HirokiTakahashi (''Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition''; Japanese, ''Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers''), Creator/KyleHebert (''Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition''; English)[[/note]]

->When Ryu fought Sagat in the first tournament, he was beaten to the point of near-death. Sagat, already battered from the fight, approached Ryu to deliver the final blow, but at that moment, something awoke within Ryu. That "something" was the ''[[KillingIntent Satsui no Hadou]]'', and it forced Ryu, against his will, to deliver a cheap-shot Metsu Shoryuken to Sagat, scarring him for life. It then lay dormant within Ryu until the appearance of Akuma. After that incident, the Satsui no Hado began to manifest within his mind as "Evil Ryu", a corrupt, warped version of himself who craves only a fight to the death and delights in others' suffering and pain. It is for this reason that many forces have targeted him, such as M. Bison and Seth, who wish to force this side of Ryu to the surface and attempt to manipulate it, turning Ryu into their weapon of mass destruction.\\\
In ''Super VideoGame/StreetFighterIV: Arcade Edition'', Ryu is rendered unconscious after a grueling battle with Seth. The BLECE generator resonates with his Satsui no hado, bringing Evil Ryu to the surface. After killing several remaining S.I.N. grunts, he wanders seeking worthy opponents. His path is cut short by the revived Gouken, who uses the Mu no Ken (Power of Nothingness) to seal away the Satsui no Hado again, bringing Ryu back to his senses. However, it still lingers within, waiting for the chance to finally seize control of Ryu for good.\\\
Gameplay-wise, Evil Ryu started out as just a simple clone of Ryu with his only notable changes being the addition of Akuma's teleport, Messatsu-Goshoryu super, and Raging Demon. In ''Street Fighter IV'', however, Evil Ryu was re-imagined into more of a mixture between Ryu and Akuma's styles. In essence, he is a more offense-oriented version of Ryu with the extra bells and whistles of Akuma, combining the former's raw power with the technical aspects of the latter. He lacks Akuma's aerial fireballs and he has a weaker teleport, but he gains Akuma's more powerful command normals and his Shakunetsu Hadoken which gives him an edge in fighting against other zoning strategies that Ryu otherwise would have to expend more resources to counter. He also gains his own signature special move which makes his style unique among his fellow Shotos: the Ryusokyaku axe kick, a deadly 50/50 mixup between a damaging combo extender and a deceptive overhead which causes a hard knockdown. Being a combination of Ryu and Akuma, however, he also gains their weaknesses. His overwhelming power comes at the cost of making him as "honest" as Ryu and as [[GlassCannon brittle]] as Akuma.\\\
For Kage, the physical manifestation of Evil Ryu, check ''Characters/StreetFighterV''.
----
* AdaptationalBadass: In ''VideoGame/AsurasWrath'', he's presented as being [[PhysicalGod Asura's]] equal.
* AdaptationalVillainy: Evil Ryu is already a ruthless {{jerkass}} to begin with. In ''SSFIV: AE'', he takes a step further by being much more unhinged and having a macabre sense of humor when mocking his opponents. A trait that is also carried on to Kage.
* AirDashing: Like Akuma, he can use "Ashura Senku" to move around in the air and approach opponents from above
* AxCrazy: In ''SSFIV: Arcade Edition'', his obsession with fighting makes him much more wrathful and sadistic, and he relishes in the fear of those he defeats.
* BadassBack: Both him and "normal" Ryu.
* BattleAura: The version of Evil Ryu in ''Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition'' sports one. Instead of Ten, it forms the kanji ''metsu''[[note]]滅[[/note]], meaning Destruction.
* BattleInTheCenterOfTheMind: One possible interpretation of his encounters with Ryu, as indicated by his intro pose with Ryu in ''Alpha 3'' and Shin Evil Ryu's dialogue for Ryu in ''AE''.
* BlackEyesOfCrazy: In ''Street Fighter IV'' and ''Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers'', Evil Ryu is given black or dark red sclera to match his more demonic appearance.
* BloodKnight: More so than his regular incarnation. If Ryu emphasized the Knight aspect, Evil Ryu focuses on the ''blood'' part, being ruthless and vicious in battle.
* BodyHorror:
** The ''Super Street Fighter IV'' version of Evil Ryu seems to have some pulsating orb embedded in his chest. Ryu refers to it as a "heart" of some kind.
** The image that normally appears on a user's gi when they execute the Shun Goku Satsu is now more or less ''burned'' onto his skin. This conforms with what happened to Rugal when he drew out Akuma's Satsui no Hadou power in ''[[VideoGame/CapcomVsSNK2MarkOfTheMillennium Capcom vs. SNK 2]]'', suggesting that all users of this power have this happen to them and the image will brand itself to their body.
** Watch Oni's Ultra technique Meido Gouhadou when it hits close range. Not only does it hit the opponent in the chest (where Evil Ryu's "heart" is), the second fireball Oni launches slams into them, and then ''explodes'' out of their back (just like it's been burned in Evil Ryu's back). It's been theorized that Oni ''killed'' Ryu with the Meido Gouhadou and that Ryu was subsequently revived by the Satsui no Hadou. This scenario is played out in the UDON comics. After Ryu absorbs the Satsui No Hadou from Sakura, Akuma fires a Hadoken at Ryu, leaving a scar in his chest and awakening Evil Ryu.
* BrainwashedAndCrazy: More or less the genesis of Evil Ryu as a player character, though he is enslaved to his bloodlust rather than an outside will.
* CanonImmigrant: First appeared in Masahiko Nakahira's ''Street Fighter Alpha'' manga adaptation. Although in his case, it's more like a retcon, considering that Evil Ryu was shoehorned into Ryu's fight with Sagat from the original game.
* CastingAShadow: His attacks use dark ki.
* CharacterizationMarchesOn: Originally, in the ''Alpha'' series, he was just a cockier version of Ryu, always open to state how much of a better fighter he was against his opponents, and while he had killing intent during the matches, Evil Ryu still looked very focused and calm while at it; in conclusion, he still looked less evil than Akuma, who isn't ''exactly'' evil to begin with. Evil Ryu's comeback in ''SFIV'' changed his character quite a lot, though; not only did his appearance change, but his mannerisms changed as well. Now, he lives up to the "Evil" in his name instead of the original and tamer ''Satsui no Hadou ni Mezameta Ryu''[[note]]"Ryu Succumbed to the Dark Hadou", the name the character is given in Japan and better aligns with his characterization pre-''IV''[[/note]], Evil Ryu is now a bloodthirsty demon, grunts and love for violence included.
* ChargedAttack: His first Ultra Combo, the Metsu Hadoken, adds the property of being briefly chargeable before launching. If charged to the hilt and connecting right in front of Evil Ryu, it will trigger a camera shift and do more damage than at range.
* DangerousForbiddenTechnique: The "Satsui no Hadou" state, literally "Surge of Murderous Intent"; it's what makes Ryu "Evil." Within that state, two specific moves that fit the trope are [[CastingAShadow the Metsu Shoryuken and Metsu Hadouken]].
* DarkReprise: Evil Ryu's theme in ''Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition'' is like a hybrid of his original theme with Akuma's set in the instruments of Akuma's theme.
* {{Deconstruction}}: Evil Ryu examines Ryu's attraction to fighting not as a means of growth but purely to win.
* DivergentCharacterEvolution: His sprites were, for the most part, [[PaletteSwap a darker recolor]] of the main Ryu's. ''IV'' gives him a much more tattered outfit, a hole-shaped gash in his chest, as well as eyes and spiky hair more along the lines of Akuma, giving him a slightly more distinct look.
* DrunkOnTheDarkSide: Compared to Akuma, who has full rein of his emotions and consciousness while interacting with the ''Satsui no Hadou''. Evil Ryu just draws on it without restraint, causing him to be less concerned with victory and more about just killing everyone in battle.
* EnemyWithin: In ''VideoGame/StreetFighterV'' he serves as the personification of the Satsui no Hado within Ryu.
* EnergyBall: He can use the normal Hadoken, the Shakunetsu Hadoken, the Shinku Hadoken, the Metsu Hadoken, and the Rakuyo Hadoken.
* EvilSoundsDeep: Evil Ryu's voice is deeper and [[EvilSoundsRaspy more guttural]] than his normal form's.
* EvilSoundsRaspy: His voice is a lot more throaty compared to his normal self, showing just how much the Hado has a hold on him.
* FanDisservice: Many fangirls ([[EvenTheGuysWantHim and more than one fanboy]]) wanted to see the TallDarkAndHandsome [[MrFanservice Ryu]] shirtless. They got their wish with Evil Ryu... but he has a horrifying hole-shaped scar on his chest and a kanji carved on his back.
* FangsAreEvil: In ''IV'', Evil Ryu was given fangs as part of his updated demonic design.
* FightingFromTheInside: A scant amount of dialogue in both ''Alpha 3'' and ''SSFIV: AE'' has Ryu expressing doubt and regret over what he's now become.
* FinalBoss: For the SNK roster in ''Videogame/SNKVsCapcomMatchOfTheMillennium''.
* {{Foil}}: To Akuma. Both are users of the Satsui no Hado who seek to test the extent of their power to kill opponents without remorse. Akuma is bound to a moral code that he refuses to attack opponents weaker than him or he views as a nuisance, unless if he is willing to purge any of it to achieve greater levels of power. Evil Ryu willingly discards any sense of honor and morality Ryu has for the sake of violence itself.
* GlassCannon: Much like Akuma, his attacks hit hard and he has a wider variety of moves compared to the standard shoto, but has below-average health.
* GoodColorsEvilColors: He wears a black gi in contrast to Ryu's white gi, to emphasize TheDarkSide of Ryu.
* GoodScarsEvilScars:
** As of ''Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition'', the much more menacing rendering of Evil Ryu has a big hole-shaped scar on his chest.
** Remember the kanji that appears on his back when he performs the Shun Goku Satsu? It is now carved on in ''Arcade Edition''.
* HadesShaded: Takes on a darker skin tone than regular Ryu, colors going from anywhere [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha tan]] to [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV reddish]]-[[VideoGame/SNKVsCapcom purple]].
* HeWhoFightsMonsters: A version of Ryu who seeks uncompromising victory over challenge and self-development.
* HurricaneKick: Unlike Ryu's, his hits multiple times and can juggle the opponent (hitting a light version can leave them in a state where you can connect with a two-hitting Shoryuken afterwards).
* ImmuneToBullets: When S.I.N. agents open fire on him, their bullets do absolutely ''nothing'' and just bounce off of him.
* IronicEcho: When Evil Ryu defeats Sagat in [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV IV]] he throws Ryu and Sagat's personal motto in his face.
--> ''There is no answer in the heart of battle! Only power.''
* MartialArtsHeadband: Wears the same red headband like Ryu.
* MultiSlotCharacter: He's always treated as a separate character from Ryu.
* ObviouslyEvil: [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Right there in the name]].
* PaintItBlack: His dogi turns black like Akuma's in this form, although it's dark blue in ''[=NxC=]'' and a dark purple in ''Arcade Edition'' (Capcom-style artwork from ''[=CvS=]'' and ''[=CvS2=]'' also have Evil Ryu clad in a dark blue uniform, but his in-game sprites and SNK-style artwork keep the black garb).
* PlayingWithFire: He has surpassed even Ken in his new Evil Ryu persona, as in he is now ''literally'' on fire during his matches in ''SSFIV: Arcade Edition''.
* ProgressivelyPrettier: Inverted. In the ''Alpha'' series, Evil Ryu was just Ryu in a black gi and a bad attitude. In ''IV'', he's a murderous monster with a hole in his chest, torn up clothing, an evil red glow and BlackEyesOfCrazy.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: Like Akuma, his irises turn glowing red when he succumbs to the Satsui no Hado.
* ShirtlessScene: In ''Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition'', his gi is ripped off the shoulder so you get a pretty good look at his pecs (although he doesn't have a fully shirtless costume like Ryu does).
* ShockAndAwe: The Metsu Hadouken in his ''Capcom vs. SNK 2'' incarnation.
* {{Shoryuken}}: And quite a number of them too, ranging from your standard Shoryuken to the [[ForbiddenChekhovsGun Metsu Shoryuken]] to the [[RuleOfThree Messatsu Goshoryu]].
* {{Shotoclone}}: With emphasis on the ''clone'' part -he ''is'' Ryu after all. That said, he does a few moves that set him apart (most notably the Ryusokyaku/“Axe Kick” from ''IV'').
* SoreLoser:
** Evil Ryu has a tendency to manifest whenever Ryu is beaten ''very badly'', such as when Sagat almost beat him to death in the first [[VideoGame/StreetFighterI World Warrior Tournament.]]
** In the UDON series Retsu got a taste of this too when Gouken has him fight a young Ryu too hard. He takes a pretty mean punch to the chops for his trouble and Gouken is forced to restrain his pupil.
* {{Superboss}}: One of four in ''Street Fighter IV'' starting from the ''Arcade Edition'', with the other three being Gouken, Akuma and Oni.
* SuperpoweredEvilSide: Of Ryu, of course. Ryu famously gives into the Killing Intent after losing during the finals of ''Street Fighter 1'', scarring Sagat with a Metsu Shoryuken and gaining Akuma's attention. He went into a slight DivergentCharacterEvolution in ''SSFIV Arcade Edition''; his previous incarnations were but a tanned Ryu with a black karate Gi, a few evil taunts and some moves from Akuma's list; now his skin is even more tanned, his hair has shades of red, the eyes are just like Akuma's now, has a constant burning battle aura, a huge scar on his chest to boot. He can get even eviler during his Ultra Combos in which his whole body goes shadow-dark. In ''V'', there's an EnemyWithout named Kage, who split off from Evil Ryu once he purged himself of the Killing Intent.
* ThatManIsDead:
** Tells this to many a friend in ''SSFIV: AE''. Thrown on its head in Evil Ryu's sub-boss fight against Sagat in ''Alpha 3'', where Zagat retorts to Evil Ryu's gloating that he is not the same Ryu who gave him his scar and that he'll wait until the ''real'' Ryu returns to give him the fight he has been waiting for.
** There's a lot of irony to be found here considering that Ryu only ever gave into the ''Satsui no Hadou'' canonically during the finals of the first World Warrior tournament, upon being defeated by Sagat, and the only thing that even came of it was the Metsu Shoryuken ''that gave Sagat his chest scar in the first place''.
* UncertainDoom: Even after Ryu overcomes the Satsui no Hadou in the events of ''A Shadow Falls'', the intro to ''Arcade Edition'' shows Ryu still struggling to suppress it. Then it's shown that the Satsui no Hadou has actually manifested itself as its own being called Kage. However, Kage's own story mode ends with Ryu TalkingTheMonsterToDeath, with Kage seeming to fade from existence as quickly as he appeared. This seems to end him, but this isn't the first time Ryu's Satsui no Hadou issues have been dealt with, so it's unclear if he'll come back again.
* UnstoppableRage: This seems to be the central difference in how the ''Satsui no Hadou'' affects Ryu compared to Akuma. Akuma draws on it for strength and to exceed his physical limits by forsaking his humanity for power. For Ryu the influence is more like a mind-decaying virus, causing him to throw aside his virtues and fight purely to cause misery and suffering to his opponent. A lot of his quotes do not reference strength or power but rather hatred and murderous intent, implying he is fighting purely through his rage.
* WildHair: Evil Ryu's first alternate costume in ''IV'' gives him long black hair. The outfit returns as Kage's Story costume in ''V''.
* WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity: Whereas Ryu gains meaning and purpose in his life from growing as a warrior, the "Evil" side of him simply exists to be as strong as the power of the Satsui no Hadou allows him to be. There is no regard for life, mercy, or honor if he has crossed the line, only combat and bloodlust.
[[/folder]]
----

* BookEnds: Ryu's ''IV'' arcade intro has him throw a Shinku Hadoken at a waterfall, only for it to fizzle out, and he shakes his head in doubt. His ''Super'' arcade ending has him perform the same feat, although this time the Hadoken persists and flies straight through and into the sky, while Ryu reminisces about his friends and rivals.

* BewareTheQuietOnes: While he isn't exactly a social person, he does have close friends and allies, '''who are not to be harmed in front of him'''. Bison was the living proof of this in ''Alpha 3'', whereas Crimson Viper found this out the hard way in the ''Ties That Bind'' Blu-Ray OVA. By extension, it's also a '''very''' bad idea to threaten innocent people (especially children) just to get a fight out of him.
* BigBrotherMentor: Ryu refuses Sakura's request to train her since he doesn't think he's learned everything he can. That said, he's happy to help her practice by fighting. While Sakura has a romantic crush on him, Ryu's own view of her is more this trope. Many of his win quotes in ''Street Fighter IV'' also have him give advice and encouragement to younger fighters with great potential like Makoto and Yun.

** Certain adaptations, such as Masaomi Kanzaki's manga and the UDON comics, give him this trait. While it helps make Ryu less of a FlatCharacter, it is also TruthInTelevision, as intense exercise routines tend to increase a person's appetite due to calorie burn. And given how much Ryu trains...

* BloodKnight: Fighting is everything for Ryu but without Akuma's unbound code of combat. In other words, he's a LighterAndSofter Akuma.

* BookEnds: Ryu's [=SF4=] arcade intro has him throw a Shinku Hadoken at a waterfall, only for it to fizzle out, and he shakes his head in doubt. His ''Super'' arcade ending has him perform the same feat, although this time the Hadoken persists and flies straight through and into the sky, while Ryu reminisces about his friends and rivals.
* BoringButPractical: Ryu's forte is that he's a master of fundamental martial arts. In the UDON comics, the difference between himself and Ken is explained in that Ryu will practice the boring old basics day in and day out to improve them beyond their maximum, while Ken (who has extremely high natural talent) will master those basics in a day or so, throw some fire on it for instant awesome, get bored, and call it a day. Gameplay-wise, Ryu's style [[JackOfAllStats spreads evenly]] across virtually any scenario. He relies on precise attacks and proper counters.

* CatchPhrase:
** In the context of calling his attacks: "Hadoken!"
** Outside that context: "The answer lies in the heart of battle." is his mantra.
* CastingAShadow: In ''IV'' and its respective pseudo-sequel, Ryu gains the Metsu Hadoken and Metsu Shoryuken. The former originally appeared as a super for Evil Ryu in ''Capcom vs. SNK'' (there, it functioned akin to an evil version of the [[ShockAndAwe Denjin]] Hadoken). The latter was the ''very same move he used to scar Sagat''.

** Moreover, while he would like to start a family someday, he believes he's not ready to consider doing so.
** If Sakura's thoughts on Ryu are a full-blown romantic crush, then it's likely that he views her in a similar light: he cares for her and looks forward to her development, but either he feels he can't return her feelings or is totally oblivious to them in the first place.
* CharacterDevelopment: Early in the continuity, such as the first game and the ''Alpha'' series, Ryu is almost as HotBlooded as Ken, quick to deal out the TrashTalk to his foes with a bit of arrogance, something of a SoreLoser when he lost to Sagat in the first Street Fighter Tournament, and prone to fits from the Satsui no Hado into becoming [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Evil Ryu]]. Though he quelled it for a while, his continued encounters with Bison would inevitably bring it out time and time again, and forced Ryu to finally conquer his inner demons once and for all. By the time of ''V'''s conclusion, and heading into ''III'' and ''6'', Ryu has chilled out considerably, and while he's still liable to snark if his opponent practically eggs it out of him, he's otherwise a far more resolute and battle-hardened NiceGuy with no further hesitation in his continued path of self-improvement through fighting.

* TheComicallySerious: Comes across this way, particularly in supplemental media. He's not even trying to be overly serious (he's open to trying new things as best he can), [[TheStoic it's just who he is.]]
* ContinuityNod: By ''6'', Ryu has learned to harness the Power of Nothingness in his base fighting style, being able to enhance his attacks with "Denjin Charge".

* DivergentCharacterEvolution: He's the lynchpin Shoto. All other [[ShotoClone shotos are HIS clones]]. As such, early on, his moveset was extremely basic and other characters' moves were basically his, with a twist. However, starting from ''III'', he's developed his own techniques that are uniquely his.

** ''Alpha'': He is this to Sagat and Ken.
** ''Alpha 2'': He is this to Sagat, Ken, M. Bison, and Sakura.

* FireForgedFriends: His long and once bitter rivalry with Sagat hasn't exactly led to them being HeterosexualLifePartners, but they have a deep understanding of and respect for each other, and it's clear that they're on good terms as of ''SFIV''.
* FriendlyRivalry: With a frankly ridiculous amount of the cast. Outside of his most famous rivals, Ken and Sagat, he's been noted to enjoy sparring with Chun-Li, Cammy, Sakura, Alex, Dudley, and Makoto, plus plenty of other fighters.
* GameplayAndStoryIntegration: He's the Technician to Ken's Performer, being relatively WeakButSkilled (in that he has a limited talent for martial arts, yet he makes up for it with daily training). He's also more focused on a good defense and zoning game than the combo fiend that's Ken. It's even highlighted in their V-Skills (Ryu's is a parry, while Ken's is a dash meant to close the gap).

* HandwrapsOfAwesome: Wears black hand wraps in his bearded alternate outfit in ''Street Fighter V''.
* HeroicNeutral: Ryu only wants to keep to himself. While he ''will'' fight injustice if he happens to find it, for the most part, he remains ignorant of the events of the world around him until he's called into action.

* TheHerosIdol: Ryu finds himself a fan and semi-apprentice in Sakura. Sakura's own fighting style is based on studying Ryu's, including copying many of his {{Signature Move}}s[[note]]The [[KamehameHadoken Hadoken]] and the [[SuperSpecialMove Shinku Hadoken]][[/note]] while putting her own twist on others[[note]][[HurricaneKick Shunpukyaku]] and [[{{Shoryuken}} Shououken]][[/note]]. He himself is very supportive of her pursuits and will spar with her whenever they meet.
* HomeStage: Ryu's stage has traditionally been Suzaku Castle, starting with ''II''. It's even the franchise's Home Stage as a whole in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series.

** In the ''SFII'' [[Anime/StreetFighterIITheAnimatedMovie movie]] said headband also appears; the circumstances in which he got it was different but still heartwarming. When they were in their training, a young Ryu was injured when Ken kicked him in the forehead, knocking him down some stairs. Ken ran after him and took the band keeping his hair braid in place to bandage Ryu's bleeding wound. Ryu kept the makeshift headband to honor Ken.
** ''[[WebVideo/StreetFighterAssassinsFist Assassin's Fist]]'' presents the headband in a similar vein to the movie, but different: during Ryu and Ken's final match under Gouken's tutelage, Ryu started to succumb to the Satsui no Hado, and Ken had to knock him unconscious with a Shoryuken. However, the move broke Ryu's skull, and Ken used his hairband to stop the bleeding before carrying him back to the dojo.
** Finally, in the end of the Story Mode in ''V'', the headband comes off once he defeats Ken in their sparring match. Seeing as how Ryu finally managed to make peace with his soul, Ken thinks of taking the headband back, but Ryu decides to hold on to it because he feels his journey is not even close to an end.

* IconicOutfit: Of all the three characters in ''V'' that didn't have wardrobe changes (Ryu, Chun-Li, and Zangief), Ryu is the most likely candidate to have retained the same white gi and MartialArtsHeadband that he's always worn (even Chun-Li got a new outfit for ''Alpha'', as her qipao didn't really become iconic until her reappearance in ''3rd Strike'').

* JackOfAllStats: He's designed to be the most balanced character in the game, having a little bit of everything from zoning, mix-ups, and mobility to cover most situations. Comparatively though, he's a bit of a StoneWall compared to other shotos like Ken. It's been said ''Street Fighter V'' was balanced by taking Ryu as the centerpiece and making everyone else work around him.
* KamehameHadoken: The most well-known user of the second co-{{Trope Namer|s}}. It should be noted that this only applies to the ''Vs.'' series (''[=MvC=]'' and ''[=TvC=]'' in particular), as the Shinkuu Hadoken is an EnergyBall by default in most instances.

* LimitedWardrobe: He's only ever seen wearing a dogi and being barefoot. This is taken to the extreme in one piece of artwork where Ryu is doing his laundry ''in his underwear'' at a laundromat (presumably because Ryu's gi is the only article of clothing he travels with). In ''6'', he still wears the trousers from his dogi, but he's switched out the top for a burgundy uttarasanga robe, representing his more peaceful outlook now that he's overcome his inner darkness. It’s also revealed that Ryu now owns a set of casual clothes (which appear in-game as his third selectable costume) to wear in public after getting scolded by Chun-Li for dressing in his gi everywhere.

* {{Mascot}}: He's the face of the fighting game department of Creator/{{Capcom}}, and is considered the face of the FightingGame genre in general. He's close to being a co-Mascot to all of Capcom alongside [[VideoGame/MegaManClassic Mega Man]].

* MrFanservice: He’s TallDarkAndHandsome with a buff HeroicBuild, as well as being a badass on the battlefield and a NiceGuy outside of it. He’s also friends of both genders that he can be {{ship tease}}d with once in a while.

* NoNonsenseNemesis: This is Ryu's style. Despite being a SpiritedCompetitor that enjoys fights, Ryu's fighting style is ''very'' efficient and goes for maximum damage on every hit. It's explained that Ryu lacks the talent to do fancier moves or combos like Ken or Akuma, and he lacks the natural reach, power and stamina of Sagat. Thus, Ryu's relentless training ensures that every single hit counts. Further, in the ''Animated Movie'', Ryu used the most efficient means of beating an opponent, such as simply headbutting a guy to break his nose, or breaking Fei Long's arm and foot to limit his ability to fight.
* NotHimself: In ''Alpha 2'', he was extremely troubled over the Satsui no Hado and what it means, thus [[TookALevelInJerkass he acted quite rash and more jerk-like than usual]] -- until Ken defeated him and gave up him the red headband as a token of remembrance.
* NoSell: His V-Skill in ''Street Fighter V'' is a parry called "Mind's Eye". Successfully parrying an attack will prevent any damage from connecting with Ryu, give him a massive boost of V-Gauge and, if fully parried, usually leave him at an advantage next to the recovering opponent. It's not as broken as ''3rd Strike'' parrying in that it is a two-button command, so option selects are nigh impossible, has a whiff animation so a failed parry is punishable, and is not cancelable into anything other than another Mind's Eye, meaning that Ryu must fully commit to a parry and cannot interrupt a multi-hit attack after parrying only once (so none of that "Evo Moment #37" stuff here[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwxUWkwYZ2k ...mostly]]).
* NotSoAboveItAll: Ryu is generally serious and respectful, but he occasionally has his DeadpanSnarker moments. In ''Super Street Fighter IV'', he rips on Zangief for not being able to cope with the Hadoken, which Zangief notoriously hates. Ryu also tells Vega that he might actually be able to dodge his attacks if he paid less attention to his looks and more to the battle.

* PlayingWithFire: Not to the extent of Ken, but he does possess the Shakunetsu Hadoken and in ''Alpha'' and ''Alpha 2'', the fifth and final hit of his [=Lv3=] Shinkuu Hadoken actually sets his opponent on fire.

* {{Retcon}}: Back when ''VideoGame/StreetFighterII'' originally debuted, Ryu had become famous after defeating Sagat. This was changed, years later, by making Sagat the actual winner of the fight. According to the newer version, Sagat was helping Ryu off the ground, when Ryu fell under the Satsui no Hado's influence and caught Sagat off-guard with a Metsu Shoryuken. The Satsui no Hado itself is also a retcon, as it wasn't originally part of the series' backstory. It was added to introduce into the SF storyline in ''Alpha 2''. ''V'' seems to go back to the original version of events, based on evidence in the game itself and in official Capcom posts.

** With Sakura, too, since by the time ''IV'' hits, she's pretty clearly crushing on him. While he's still a CelibateHero, it ''is'' quite telling that she's the only one capable of bringing him back from being almost taken over by the Satsui no Hado. Plus, in ''V'' one of the most poignant moments in Sakura's Story Mode takes place as a talk between her and Ryu.

** For example, there's [[SuperSpecialMove Denjin Hadoken]]. For bonus points: it's unblockable and [[ChargedAttack charging it up to the maximum]] fully dizzies his foe.
** This gets reworked in ''Street Fighter V'' as his V-Trigger I, the "Denjin Renki", which makes his Hadoken and Shoryuken techniques electrified for the duration. If you have a full Critical Gauge, you can cash out the entire V-Trigger meter to turn the Shinku Hadoken into the Denjin Hadoken.
** By the time of ''6'', he's honed this technique enough to electrify most of his base moveset. And with Denjin Charge, he enhances his attacks even further.
* {{Shoryuken}}: [[SharedSignatureMove He and Ken's]] Shoryuken is the TropeNamer. Despite Ryu being more focused on Hadoken techniques, his various Shoryukens, most notably the Metsu Shoryuken, are important to the story; this same attack is what he used to defeat Sagat in his first tournament.

** His Denjin Hadoken and Metsu Shoryuken seem to have become this, so much so that they are shown in the first-ever footage of ''V''.

* SpellMyNameWithAnS:
** His name actually has an extended "u" vowel when written in its original form in katakana, so it's either "Ryū" or "Ryuu" in that case.
** Likewise, for ''all'' of his special moves; the Hadoken, Shoryuken, and Tatsumaki Senpukyaku have extended vowels that may or may not be ignored via their romaji.
* SpidersAreScary: Ryu apparently fears spiders, due to a prank that Ken pulled on him when the two were kids.
* SpiritedCompetitor: A heroic version; he's always on the lookout for meeting strong opponents and treats every battle with sportsman-like conduct. If taken too far he becomes [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Evil Ryu]], though.
* SpotlightStealingSquad: A rare case of a character who took the spotlight ''back'', along with more of it than ever. Ryu was the main character of the original ''VideoGame/StreetFighterI'', but there was virtually no story to tell. In ''VideoGame/StreetFighterII'', the developers considered Guile to be the main character, who inherited from Charlie in the prequel ''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Alpha]]''. And in ''VideoGame/StreetFighterIII'', the mantle was passed to Alex. Ryu's only part in each was to satisfy a few existing rivalries. That started to change in ''Alpha 2'', where Ryu's battle against Akuma and the Satsui no Hadou took center stage. ''Alpha 3'' {{Arc Weld|ing}}ed that plot into the Shadaloo plot, where Bison sought Ryu as a replacement body, and ''VideoGame/StreetFighterIV'' introduced a subplot where [[BigGood Rose]] sought to protect him as TheChosenOne and last hope against Bison. By ''VideoGame/StreetFighterV'', Ryu is so important to the story that the other characters acknowledge that their final goal is to disrupt/weaken Shadaloo and Bison as much as possible until Ryu is ready to give the final blow, with the temporarily resurrected Nash even sacrificing his rebirth to that effect..
* SuckingInLines: This is sometimes how his Metsu-Hadoken super move is stylized, with lines swirling into his palms before he fires off his shot.

** ''Shinku Hadoken'' for example, is an empowered version of the standard [[KamehameHadoken Hadoken]], dealing more hits and sometimes using purple coloring to differentiate itself. There's also "Denjin Hadoken" which empowers it [[ShockAndAwe with lightning]].
** And then there's one of Ryu's strongest attacks, the "Shin {{Shoryuken}}" ("True Rising Dragon Fist"). He begins with a basic Shoryuken that freezes an opponent in place and then unleashes an even stronger one that sends them flying.

* SupportingProtagonist: Despite being the main character of the series, Ryu doesn't do that much to contribute to the [[AllThereInTheManual plot]]. His role only matters in [[VideoGame/StreetFighterI the original]] and in ''VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha''. In most of the other games, he's pretty much a LivingMacGuffin.
* SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome: While he is a wanderer seeking challenges, whenever he goes flying to other countries, Ryu still wears his gi. But this causes a lot of red flags to be set off in the airport. So leave it to Chun-Li to buy him new clothes.

* TallDarkAndHandsome: He's 5'9", which is fairly tall for a Japanese man. He's chronologically had raven hair since Street Fighter ''IV'', and is a fine looking man, with chiselled facial features.

* TechnicianVsPerformer: The Technician to Ken's Performer, practicing the fundamentals every day and bearing a BoringButPractical fighting style.
** Ryu's moves tend to hit once for maximum damage, while Ken's hit multiple times for lesser damage per hit. Ryu's attack options are simple and straightforward, but also more versatile and less risky, while Ken is geared more towards close-quarters combos that open him up to counterattacks.
* TigerVersusDragon: When written in a certain kanji, "Ryu" can mean "Dragon." This comes in direct contrast with Sagat's tiger-y AnimalMotifs. As the main page says, ''this refers to two spirits so wildly different and yet wildly similar at the same time, intricately linked together in destiny.'': Ryu and Sagat were enemies in the past, but now they are each other's {{Worthy Opponent}}s.
* ToBeAMaster: This is the man who travels all over the world; taking on several opponents, each of them skilled fighters in their own right, to become the greatest fighter of them all. He's a warrior, first and foremost. Having the ability to beat the tar out of any villains and evil men he comes across as just a kick-ass bonus for him.

* TheComputerIsACheatingBastard: Toned down these days, but in the early games he would be severely overpowered, always Dragon Punching a jumping opponent, always getting through their block, his damage being increased...

* TheStoic: He's nearly always stoic. [[NotSoStoic Except in these situations]]:
** He cracks a joke or two in [[ComicBook/StreetFighter the UDON comics]].
** Hugo's ending in ''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterIII 3rd Strike]]'': Hugo recruits him (and several other street fighters) to be pro wrestlers. Ryu thinks he can learn a lot from wrestling. Ken's completely mortified that Ryu's actually enjoying this.
** He also has one of the funniest lines in ''[[VideoGame/SNKVsCapcomSVCChaos SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos]]'' where he [[LampshadeHanging points out]] Mai's [[{{Stripperific}} odd choice]] of a [[HighlyVisibleNinja ninja outfit.]]
-->''Ninja style? People can see you coming miles away!''
* WalkingTheEarth: Is always traveling in search of new opponents and challenges, although he allegedly returns to Suzaku Castle (the burial ground of his NotQuiteDead sensei Gouken) once a year. This even extends beyond his own series. As of his appearance in the fourth ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'', someone has tallied up his list of unique notable opponents across all of his appearances in video games. He has the distinct honor of having fought at least ''three-hundred'' unique opponents over the course of his on-screen career.
* WarriorTherapist: Does this in Street Fighter 3 onwards. Ryu comes off as a nicer version of this, for he kindly encourages the opponent to improve themselves and overcome their weaknesses.
-->'''Ryu''' (''against Cody''): [''VideoGame/StreetFighterXTekken''] Instead of running away, face your problems head-on. I'm sure you will get back on the right track.

* WorldsBestWarrior: In the first two games, this is played completely straight; Ryu, after defeating Sagat, is declared the World's Greatest Street Fighter, and carries that title all the way into the second game. However, starting with the Alpha series, later games started retconning this. Slowly, Ryu is portrayed less like a seasoned Ace and more like a spirited newcomer; for instance, it was retconned that he in fact ''lost'' against Sagat, but still managed to scar him after sucker-punching him with a Metsu Shoryuken (though ''5'' seems to have backtracked on that). Further, Gen is later retconned as a far superior fighter and was never defeated by Ryu either, but instead had to bow out of the tournament due to his health. The introductions of Akuma, Gouken and Oro, along with {{Story Breaker Power}}s like Bison, Gill, and Seth, further pushed Ryu's ranking backward. Nowadays, Ryu's characterization is that he ''wants'' to become a great martial artist, but there are others far ahead of him. Ryu's victory over M.Bison puts him on the right path to becoming this.
* WorldsStrongestMan: He is one of the few contenders for this title, having been taught by both Gouken and the aforementioned Oro, and succeeding in defeating M. Bison (three times), as well as Seth and Necalli. In the ''Ryu Final'' manga (which is a DistantFinale), Ryu manages to kill Akuma by making peace within himself. In the (non-canon) comics and other media, Ryu has also overpowered Oni (essentially Akuma's OneWingedAngel form) with his own SuperpoweredEvilSide and even defeated DarkMessiah Gill. In {{crossover}} titles like ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom'' Ryu has shown to be able to match the [[ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk Hulk]] in strength and his ending in ''[[VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom MVC3]]'' has him learn the ComicBook/IronFist’s martial art and deliver a CurbStompBattle to Akuma. As a guest fighter in ''[[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosForNintendo3DSAndWiiU Super Smash Bros 4]]'' Ryu in his trailer is shown to able to beat up both Mewtwo (one of the most powerful Pokémon ever) and even Ganondorf who’s an outright GodOfEvil at his best.
* WorthyOpponent: Ideally, he considers ''everyone'' a WorthyOpponent as he believes he can always learn something new from every battle. However, in the strictest context, Ken and Sagat are typically mainstays. In a twisted sense, he desires to be one to Akuma but as a means to show him that even without succumbing to the Satsui no Hadou, he can still be a complete fighter. Ryu desires to seek his path in life and learn his answers, and the more people he meets with their answers, the better. Many of his ''Street Fighter IV'' win quotes also have him commending many of his opponents for their fighting skills and spirit.
* XRaySparks: His Denjin Hadoken Super Art from ''3rd Strike'' has this effect on the opponent.

* AdaptationalBadass: In ''Street Fighter'', his Hadoken (whether regular, Shinkuu, or Metsu) is merely a ball of ki (or fireball for nicknamers). In VideoGame/CapcomVs, the super versions of his Hadoken are comparable to a higher-tier [[Franchise/DragonBall Kamehameha]]. Even the regular Hadoken itself receives a buff in size and damage.
* AdaptationalJerkass: Rather strangely, VideoGame/SNKVsCapcomSVCChaos (or its localization, it's not clear) decided to interpret Ryu as an ArrogantKungFuGuy who disrespects his opponents.

* AuthorAvatar: The programmers have noted that they see themselves as Ryu. [[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard You can see where this is headed]].
* BadassArmFold: The ''other'' half of his trademark VictoryPose (see DramaticWind).
* BadassBack: One of his signature poses. This applies to both his regular self and Evil Ryu.

* BaritoneOfStrength: He looks and sounds like a man that's been training his body his whole life. His voice has gotten deeper throughout the series, especially from ''IV'' onward, to convey his maturation and mastery of fighting.
* BerserkButton: Losing, as the only times Ryu has given in to the Satsui no Hado have been after getting beaten very badly. Although it's less of a personal BerserkButton than it is a trigger for his SuperPoweredEvilSide.

->'''[[TropeCodifier The]]''' FightingGame character.\\

The lead character of the franchise, Ryu is a [[TheStoic stoic]] Japanese martial artist who [[WalkingTheEarth wanders the globe]] seeking [[ToBeAMaster the meaning of being a "true warrior."]] He can be recognized by his sleeveless white karate gi and a red or white [[MartialArtsHeadband hachimaki]] depending on the game. He trained alongside his friendly [[TheRival rival]] Ken under their mutual master Gouken. With the two having completed their training, Ryu competed in the first ''VideoGame/StreetFighterI'' tournament held by renowned Muay Thai champion Sagat to test himself. In the final match, he fought a fierce battle with Sagat, but was [[CurbStompBattle beaten to near-death]]. As Sagat approached him, sure of himself that the fight was over, Ryu's desire to win awoke a dark power within him: the Satsui no Hado (lt. Surge of KillingIntent). Under its influence, Ryu unleashed a Metsu Shoryuken on Sagat, scarring him for life and critically wounding him, resulting in Ryu's victory. The awakening of this power has attracted the attention of many who would seek to study and control it, such as the leader of the criminal syndicate Shadaloo, M. Bison, who sees Ryu as both the ultimate test subject and useful for far darker, more sinister purposes. The Satsui no Hado lay dormant until Ryu's encounter with his master's nemesis and brother Akuma during the ''VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha'' sub-series.\\
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[- ''Characters/StreetFighterI'' ('''Ryu''' | [[Characters/StreetFighterKenMasters Ken Masters]]) | ''Characters/StreetFighterII'' ([[Characters/StreetFighterMBison M. Bison]]) | ''[[Characters/StreetFighterIIUpdatedVersions Street Fighter II: Updated Versions]]'' ([[Characters/StreetFighterAkuma Akuma]]) | ''Characters/StreetFighterAlpha'' ([[Characters/StreetFighterDanHibiki Dan Hibiki]]) | ''Characters/StreetFighterIII'' | ''Characters/StreetFighterIV'' ([[Characters/StreetFighterSeth Seth]]) | ''Characters/StreetFighterV'' | ''Characters/StreetFighter6'' | ''Characters/StreetFighterEX'' | [[Characters/StreetFighterOtherCharacters Other Characters Part 1]] | [[Characters/StreetFighterOtherCharactersPart2 Other Characters Part 2]] | [[Characters/StreetFighterOtherMedia Other Media]]-]]]]]

* LimitedWardrobe: He's only ever seen wearing a dogi and being barefoot. This is taken to the extreme in one piece of artwork where Ryu is doing his laundry ''in his underwear'' at a laundromat (presumably because Ryu's gi is the only article of clothing he travels with). In ''6'', he still wears the trousers from his dogi, but he's switched out the top for a burgundy uttarasanga robe, representing his more peaceful outlook now that he's overcome his inner darkness.

* GameplayAndStoryIntegration: He's the Technician to Ken's Performer, being relatively WeakButSkilled (in that he has a limited talent for martial arts, yet he makes up for it with daily training). He's also more focused on a good defense and zoning game than the [[JustForPun combo fiend]] that's Ken. It's even highlighted in their V-Skills (Ryu's is a parry, while Ken's is a dash meant to close the gap).

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ryu_alt_pic_9.png]]

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ryu_alt_pic_6.png]]

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ryu_6.png]]

** He cracks a joke or two in [[Comicbook/StreetFighter the UDON comics]].

* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: Ryu hates spiders, stemming from an incident in which one had crawled into his open mouth while he was sleeping. Naturally extends to his match-up against Franchise/SpiderMan in ''[[VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom3 Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]'', though he does respect Spidey for being an honorable hero and worthy opponent.

* MinorMajorCharacter: Takes a backseat in all of the ''III'' games and in ''6''. In the ''III'' games, he is displaced by Alex as the TheProtagonist. In ''6'', Ken and/or the Avatar displace him as TheProtagonist depending on the game mode.

* MinorMajorCharacter: Takes a backseat in all of the ''III'' games and in ''6''. In the ''III'' games, he is displaced by Alex as the main character. In ''6'', Ken and/or the Avatar displace him as TheProtagonist depending on the game mode.

* MindControlEyes: A rare case of the sclera changing color to show this trope. Instead of the sclera being white, it turns pink -- most likely due to Bison's Psycho Power which helped brainwash him.

* MrFanservice: TallDarkAndHandsome? Check. HeroicBuild? Check. Badass on the battlefield and a NiceGuy outside of it? Check. Walks barefoot? Check. Friends of both genders that he can be {{ship tease}}d with once in a while? Check...

* MinorMajorCharacter: Takes a backseat in all of the ''III'' games and in ''6''. In all of the ''III'' games, he is displaced by Alex as thet main character. In ''6'', Ken and/or the Avatar displace him as TheProtagonist depending on the game mode.

* MinorMajorCharacter: Takes a backseat in ''6'', with Ken and/or the Avatar displacing him as TheProtagonist depending on the game mode.

* CallingYourAttacks: Not as much as Ryu in ''IV''. Even in Japanese he drops the "Tatsumaki Senpu Kyaku" and only calls "Hadoken" and "Shoryuken". He also doesn't use the names of his Ultra Combos (instead merely wishing his opponent a "pleasant" death).

->'''Origin:''' Japan
-> '''Fighting style:''' Ansatsuken\\