Ryūnosuke Tanaka is a second-year wing spiker for Karasuno High's volleyball team. He sports a shaved head with a widow's peak and sharp blue-grey eyes, lending him a look frequently misconstrued as delinquent. This distinctive style followed a period of reflection, replacing the short, fuzzy light-colored hair he had as a first-year. Tanaka maintains an average height and a lean, strong build that develops greater muscle post-timeskip during his career as a personal trainer. He occasionally reverts to dyeing his hair light in later years. Tanaka charges through life loudly, hotheaded and easily provoked, often sparking confrontations. Academics hold little appeal, and habitual lateness to practice is common. Yet beneath this exterior lies fierce protectiveness, especially for underclassmen teammates. He reacts instantly to perceived belittlement or unfairness, readily defending his comrades during matches. Being addressed as "senpai" by juniors visibly energizes and motivates him. On the court, his mental fortitude shines; he refuses to buckle under targeted strategies or blocks, though he privately battles crises of confidence questioning his mediocrity roughly every six months, consciously dismissing such thoughts. Off the court, his demeanor shifts dramatically around girls, particularly manager Kiyoko Shimizu, whom he persistently pursues despite consistent rejection. He often teams with libero Yū Nishinoya to shield Kiyoko from unwanted attention at tournaments. A pivotal childhood moment occurred in fourth grade when Tanaka defended classmate Kanoka Amanai from bullies targeting her height. He encouraged her volleyball pursuits and introduced her to the sport before transferring schools later that year. They reunite years later at the Spring High National Tournament. Tanaka fell instantly for Kiyoko upon joining Karasuno, proposing immediately only to be rejected. As a volatile first-year, he railed against perceived injustices toward the volleyball club, but witnessing the composure of upperclassmen like Daichi Sawamura spurred his maturity, culminating in his symbolic head-shaving the next day. During the Team Formation Arc, Tanaka helps integrate first-years Shoyo Hinata and Tobio Kageyama. He initially tries intimidating Kageyama but openly praises Hinata's playing style. He facilitates their early morning practices and defends them against Kei Tsukishima's taunts during a 3-on-3 match, his encouragement solidifying their partnership after a successful quick attack. Tanaka shows remarkable understanding when Hinata vomits on him due to pre-match nerves against Aoba Johsai. Throughout official matches, he develops specialized techniques like the "super straight" spike down the line, leveraging his mental resilience to counter targeted blocking. He consistently energizes the team with loud celebrations after scoring points, including spinning his shirt overhead during practice. In broader narratives, including the Spring Nationals arc and "The Dumpster Battle" film, Tanaka contributes to Karasuno's long-awaited match against Nekoma High, countering aggressive blocks and bolstering team morale in high-pressure rallies. Post-timeskip, he works as a personal trainer, marries Kiyoko Shimizu, and maintains volleyball ties through recreational play, occasionally sporting dyed hair at alumni events. Tanaka voices motivational philosophies, dismissing self-doubt during matches ("sideline that self-reflection and those regrets") and emphasizing collective trust ("Everyone on your team's side of the net are NOT your enemies!"). His bond with Nishinoya thrives on boisterous camaraderie, while his dynamic with Tsukishima evolves from antagonism to mutual respect. His fierce protectiveness surfaces when confronting opponents who ridicule Hinata. His connection with Kanoka resurfaces at nationals, where he acknowledges her growth while reaffirming his own competitive resolve.