| Gaara | |
|---|---|
 Gaara by Masashi Kishimoto | |
| First appearance |
|
| Created by | Masashi Kishimoto |
| Voiced by | Japanese Akira Ishida[1] English Liam O'Brien[2] Kyle Hebert (Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals) |
| Rasa (father, deceased) Karura (mother, deceased) Temari (older sister) Kankuro (older brother) Shinki (adoptive son) Shikadai Nara (nephew) Shikamaru Nara (brother-in-law) Yashamaru (uncle, deceased) Yodo (adoptive daughter) Araya (adoptive son) Notable relatives | |
| Ninja rank | Genin in Part I 5th Kazekage in Part II |
| Ninja team | Sand Siblings in Part I |
Gaara of the Desert (我愛羅) is a character in the Naruto manga and anime series created by Masashi Kishimoto. Originally debuting as an antagonist, Gaara is a shinobi affiliated with Sunagakure and is the son of Sunagakure's leader, the Fourth Kazekage. He was born as a demon's host as part of his father's intention to have a weapon to restore their village. However, a combination of being ostracized by the Sunagakure villagers, his early inability to control the Tailed Beast, and the notion that his deceased mother called him her curse on the village caused Gaara to become a ruthless killer who believes his own purpose is to kill his enemies. Only after meeting Naruto Uzumaki does Gaara earn a change of perspective, as he eventually becomes Sunagakure's Fifth Kazekage (五代目風影, Godaime Kazekage) and gains acceptance by his people. Gaara has appeared in several pieces of Naruto media, including two of the featured films in the series, the third original video animation, and several video games.
Gaara was created a foil to the series' eponymous character, Naruto Uzumaki, as the two were born through similar circumstances, but develop vastly different personalities due to a troubled upbringing. His designs and name underwent major changes in the making of his final one which also was modified in later arcs to give Gaara a design that is easier to draw. In the Japanese version of the series, Gaara is voiced by Akira Ishida while Liam O'Brien voices him in the English dub.
Numerous anime and manga publications have commented on Gaara's character. Multiple series called Naruto's fight against Gaara the high point of the entire series due to their similarities and Gaara's role in the aftermath as he attempts to redeem himself. Among the Naruto reader base, Gaara has been popular, placing high in several popularity polls and always making it to the top ten characters. Numerous pieces of merchandise have been released in Gaara's likeness, including plush dolls, key chains, and action figures.