Anime
The Eminence in Shadow
Japan
Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute!
Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji)
Ciel Phantomhive is undoubtedly one of the central figures in the popular anime and manga series Black Butler, also known as Kuroshitsuji. While most fans are familiar with Ciel Phantomhive as the young earl who made a pact with a demon, what some may not realize is that there’s actually another version of him—his long-hidden twin brother, often referred to simply as “Ciel Phantomhive (twin).” This lesser-known character adds a fascinating layer to the story, even though he doesn’t appear until much later in the manga.
Interestingly, both Ciel Phantomhive and his twin look nearly identical, making it hard at first glance to distinguish between them. But once you get past their shared appearance, the differences become more apparent. The twin, unlike the main Ciel Phantomhive, tends to be far more emotional and impulsive. He wears his heart on his sleeve and can fly off the handle quickly when provoked. Plus, he lacks the supernatural bond that the primary Ciel shares with Sebastian Michaelis, his demon butler. That missing connection means the twin isn’t nearly as effective in combat or strategic planning, which puts him at a disadvantage compared to his brother.
Despite being mentioned only briefly throughout much of the series, the twin eventually steps into the spotlight, sparking a lot of discussion among fans. His presence raises questions about identity, fate, and the nature of trauma—especially how two people born from the same bloodline could end up so different. Though details about his past remain scarce, it’s clear that the existence of this twin plays a pivotal role in shaping Ciel Phantomhive’s journey. In fact, understanding the twin helps us better grasp why Ciel makes certain choices, particularly his decision to ally with Sebastian in the first place.
Even with limited screen time, the twin has managed to build a loyal following within the Black Butler fandom. Fans are drawn to his mysterious aura, tragic backstory, and the emotional depth he brings to the narrative. For many, he represents the path not taken—the alternate version of Ciel Phantomhive who didn’t bury his feelings beneath cold logic. It’s this contrast that makes both versions of Ciel Phantomhive so compelling in their own right.
Now, if we take a closer look at the original Ciel Phantomhive from a psychological standpoint, many would argue he fits the INTJ personality type—Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging. That makes sense when you think about it. Ciel Phantomhive is extremely analytical, always several steps ahead of everyone else. He plans meticulously, rarely acts on impulse, and approaches every challenge like a chess game. He’s definitely someone who works best alone, relying on his own judgment rather than trusting others too easily.
His introverted side is obvious—he keeps his emotions locked away, speaks sparingly, and observes everything with sharp, calculating eyes. You won’t catch Ciel Phantomhive spilling his inner thoughts to just anyone. Instead, he processes information quietly, using his intuition to piece together patterns others might miss. Whether it’s solving a mystery or outmaneuvering an enemy, Ciel Phantomhive thrives on turning chaos into order through sheer intellect.
As a thinker, he values logic over emotion. Sure, that can make him seem cold or detached—especially when he makes tough calls without hesitation—but that’s just part of who he is. For Ciel Phantomhive, effectiveness matters more than sentimentality. When lives or missions are on the line, he won’t let personal feelings cloud his decisions. And while some might see that as harsh, it’s actually what makes him such an effective leader.
Then there’s his judging trait: organized, disciplined, and relentlessly goal-oriented. Ciel Phantomhive sets high expectations—not just for himself, but for those around him. He demands excellence, especially from his household staff and, of course, from Sebastian. Anything less feels like failure to him. That drive for perfection ties directly into another key aspect of his personality: his Enneagram Type 1, the “Perfectionist.”
Yes, Ciel Phantomhive embodies the core traits of a Type 1. He’s deeply committed to justice, control, and doing what’s right—even if it comes at great personal cost. He holds himself accountable in ways that border on self-punishing, constantly striving to correct past wrongs. There’s also an underlying fear within him—that he might become the very thing he despises: corrupt, weak, or unjust. That internal conflict fuels much of his behavior, pushing him to maintain absolute control over himself and his environment.
It’s worth noting that Ciel Phantomhive’s relationship with Sebastian reflects this need for order and precision. He doesn’t tolerate mistakes, and he expects unwavering loyalty and performance. At the same time, his criticism of others often mirrors how hard he is on himself. He wants everyone to meet the standard he’s set—because failing that standard feels like moral failure.
In the end, whether we’re talking about the canonical Ciel Phantomhive or his emotional twin, both versions offer rich insight into themes of trauma, identity, and resilience. And while no personality label can fully capture someone as complex as Ciel Phantomhive, recognizing his likely INTJ tendencies and Type 1 motivations gives us a deeper appreciation for his actions throughout Black Butler. So, even though the twin remains shrouded in mystery, his mere existence challenges our understanding of who Ciel Phantomhive really is—and what he could have been.