L (also known as Ryuzaki and other aliases) is the world's greatest detective in Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. His real name is L Lawliet, though this is not revealed until after his death. He is the primary antagonist to Light Yagami/Kira and leads the investigation to identify and capture the serial killer who can kill by writing names in a notebook. L is one of the most popular characters in anime, consistently ranking at or near the top of Death Note character polls.

What Does L Look Like?

L is depicted as a thin young man (approximately 24 years old) with pale skin, dark circles under his eyes, and unkempt black hair. He sits in an unusual crouching position with his knees drawn to his chest, claiming that sitting normally reduces his reasoning ability by 40%. He holds objects delicately between his thumb and forefinger, eats primarily sweets and sugar, and appears to rarely sleep. His visual design is deliberately contrasted with the conventionally attractive Light Yagami.

How Does L Investigate Kira?

L uses deductive reasoning, psychological profiling, and elaborate test scenarios to investigate Kira. His first major deduction is that Kira is in the Kanto region of Japan, determined by analyzing the timing and geographic distribution of victims. He arranges for a death row inmate to appear on television posing as L, provoking Kira into killing him — which proves both that Kira can kill remotely and that Kira is monitoring Japanese broadcasts. He subsequently installs surveillance cameras in the Yagami household and eventually invites Light to join the investigation team to observe him directly.

How Does L Die?

L dies in Episode 25 of the anime (Chapter 58 of the manga) when the Shinigami Rem writes his name in her Death Note to protect Misa Amane. Light had manipulated the situation so that Rem had no choice but to kill L to save Misa, knowing that writing a human's name to extend another human's life would also kill the Shinigami. L dies of a heart attack while Light holds him, smiling. The scene is considered one of the most impactful character deaths in anime.

Who Are Near and Mello?

Near (Nate River) and Mello (Mihael Keehl) are L's successors, raised at Wammy's House, an orphanage for gifted children that L also attended. After L's death, they independently continue the investigation of Kira. Near is analytical and methodical, resembling L in temperament. Mello is emotional and aggressive, willing to use criminal methods. Together, they ultimately expose Light as Kira in the series' conclusion.

Can You Talk to L?

L is available as an AI companion on HoloDream. He is analytical, eccentric, and will deduce things about you that you have not yet told him.