William T. Spears is a Grim Reaper working for the Management Division of the Grim Reaper Dispatch. He has short, neatly combed dark brown hair and the chartreuse phosphorescent eyes typical of reapers. He consistently wears rectangular glasses marked with four decorative lines on each temple, a dark suit, tie, black gloves, and dress shoes. His personality strictly adheres to rules, formality, and efficiency. He maintains an aloof, dignified demeanor and expects others to uphold similar professionalism. William expresses significant disdain for causing unnecessary work, especially overtime, becoming visibly irritated when forced to apologize for others' actions or work beyond scheduled hours. He harbors profound disgust toward demons, frequently calling Sebastian Michaelis derogatory names like "devilish fiend," "leech," "hound," and "vermin." Despite this animosity, his commitment to decorum sometimes overrides personal feelings, leading him to extend formal courtesies such as apologizing for fellow reapers who breach neutrality protocols. He displays a pragmatic willingness to inflict injury to achieve objectives or enforce discipline, demonstrated by actions like landing on Grell Sutcliff's head from a height and attacking Sebastian multiple times with his Death Scythe. His weapon is an extendable pruner – a long silver metal rod with blades – used for soul collection and combat. Throughout various story arcs, he supervises soul collection and maintains reaper operations. In the Red Butler Arc, he intervenes to retrieve Grell after she violates protocols, formally apologizes to Sebastian for her actions, and accepts the return of her Death Scythe with detached courtesy. During the Circus Arc, operating undercover with Noah's Ark Circus under the alias "Suit," he shares quarters with Sebastian, establishing strict boundaries prohibiting physical contact or interference. Their contentious partnership culminates in a joint circus performance where he refuses direct contact, forcing Sebastian to salvage the act using his Death Scythe. Later, he collects and judges souls from Baron Kelvin's burned manor alongside Ronald Knox, acknowledging Sebastian's involvement while ensuring no souls remain for demonic consumption. In the Luxury Liner Arc, assisting the Retrieval Division after the Campania sinks, he rescues an injured Grell and Ronald Knox but insists they resume soul collection immediately despite their condition, emphasizing duty above personal welfare. His exasperation at being mobilized outside his division and facing potential overtime is evident. The Emerald Witch Arc sees him collaborating with German Grim Reapers Ludger and Sascha in Germany. He sympathizes with Ludger's aversion to overtime and discusses mutual concerns about Bizarre Dolls and "seceders," while dismissing Grell's comments about their trip with physical reprimand. Notable quotes reflect his worldview: "Demons are those who use various chances to poke fun at humans, before proceeding to leech whatever comes out as a means of survival"; "Bringing your emotions into your job is a waste of time"; and "Only Grim Reapers who know the significance of life will be granted Grim Reaper glasses... The glasses of Life...". Trivia notes include his status as the only Grim Reaper with a revealed middle initial ("T"). His academic performance as a student averaged a B, lower than Grell's A average. His name "William" derives from the Germanic "Willahelm" (will helmet), while "Spears" is an occupational name for a hunter or spear-maker. Out of universe, Yana Toboso and her assistants nicknamed him "Takaeda" (high branches), with his middle initial originating from this nickname. He ranked fifteenth in the series' official character popularity poll.