Mikan Sakura is the female protagonist of Gakuen Alice, a ten-year-old girl who grew up in the countryside with her grandfather. She is defined by her energetic, cheerful, and good-natured personality, though her clumsiness frequently leads her into trouble. Despite her below-average academic performance, she possesses strong willpower and a determined, never-give-up attitude that helps her overcome obstacles. Her primary motivation is her deep loyalty to her best friend Hotaru Imai, whom she follows to Alice Academy after hearing rumors about the school's oppressive environment. Mikan initially struggles to fit in and is met with skepticism from classmates and teachers because she does not know what her own ability, or Alice, is. Over time, her sincerity and persistence earn her friends and allies. Her role in the story deepens as she becomes central to uncovering the academy's dark secrets and safeguarding the people she cares about. She initially clashes with Natsume Hyuga, a fellow student with a hostile demeanor, but their relationship gradually evolves into a close bond and eventually romantic love, culminating in marriage in the epilogue. Other key relationships include her unwavering friendship with Hotaru, whose practical and aloof nature contrasts with Mikan's warmth; a gentle and supportive connection with Ruka Nogi; and a mentor-like bond with the teacher Narumi. Throughout the series, Mikan grows from a carefree child into a more mature and determined individual, learning to harness her abilities and confront difficult truths about her family and the academy. Her most notable ability is the Nullification Alice, which lets her negate the powers of other Alices in close proximity. She also possesses the Stealing Alice, inherited from her mother, which allows her to steal Alices and convert them into colored stones, as well as the Inserting Alice. These rare powers place her in the Special Ability Class early on, though she is later transferred to the Dangerous Ability Class and becomes a favored student of the Elementary School Principal. At a critical point in the story, she exhausts her Alice to save Natsume, losing her abilities entirely and being expelled from the academy with her memories erased. However, she eventually regains her memories and returns to the academy, continuing her journey.