Ryouji Fujioka, known professionally as Ranka, is the widower of Kotoko Fujioka and father to Haruhi Fujioka. He met Kotoko at age nineteen, finding her initially unapproachable despite being younger. Witnessing her defend someone in a park shifted his perspective, leading to admiration for her strength and cool demeanor. They married while he was unemployed, and Haruhi was born when he was twenty. Kotoko's death from illness when Haruhi was five profoundly affected him.

Following Kotoko's passing, Ryouji became a professional cross-dresser and entertainer at an okama bar, adopting the name Ranka. He attributed this career choice to his vow never to love another woman, setting aside his bisexual nature for an exclusively homosexual presentation at work. He maintains a family shrine honoring Kotoko's memory, expressing ongoing devotion.

Personality-wise, Ryouji is cheerful, energetic, and demonstrative, contrasting with Haruhi's reserve. He shares notable naivety and a comedic disposition with Tamaki Suoh, traits the Host Club identifies as why Haruhi tolerates Tamaki. Ryouji lacks practicality and financial sense, frequently splurging on feminine clothing for Haruhi hoping she will wear them, though she rarely does.

He and Haruhi mutually care for each other despite differing expressions. He worries about her self-reliance and independence, often trying to involve himself more in her life, efforts she usually rebuffs. A key moment revealing their bond occurred when Haruhi initially refused his attendance at a school event, not due to embarrassment over his cross-dressing, but to ensure he rested on his day off. Their interactions show Haruhi often assumes caretaking responsibilities.

Ryouji interacts significantly with Host Club members. His first meeting with Tamaki was unfavorable after finding Tamaki in a compromising position with Haruhi, leading him to label Tamaki his rival. Despite this, he later acknowledged Tamaki's genuine feelings for Haruhi and approved their relationship. Later manga omake show him collaborating with Tamaki's parents, Yuzuru Suoh and Anne-Sophie de Grantaine, to plan Haruhi and Tamaki's wedding, indicating a friendly relationship. He also receives regular updates about Haruhi's school life from Kyoya Ootori, as Haruhi seldom shares details.

Physically, Ryouji has long maroon hair and brown eyes. Flashbacks before his entertainment career show him with shorter hair and masculine attire. As Ranka, he styles his hair swept loosely to one side and wears typical feminine office attire. When presenting masculinely, he favors bandanas, t-shirts, and skinny jeans. Multiple sources note that in feminine presentation, he is considered prettier than Haruhi.

Controversy surrounds aspects of his portrayal, particularly the Japanese term "okama" and the early English translation "tranny," now widely recognized as slurs. Narratively, his character challenges stereotypes through positive depictions of his parenting and relationships, though some characterizations reflect early 2000s cultural attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals.

Within his family context, he visits Kotoko's gravesite with Haruhi and Tamaki in the manga, reinforcing his enduring connection. His development progresses from initial rivalry with Tamaki to active support of Haruhi's future, including her aspiration to become a lawyer like Kotoko.