In Demon Slayer, many key characters, especially Hashira and powerful demons, die during the intense battles of the Infinity Castle arc and the final confrontations. Notable character deaths include:
- Shinobu Kocho dies early in the Infinity Castle arc after fighting the demon Doma, poisoning him before she succumbs to her wounds.
- Demons such as Doma, Akaza, and Kaigaku also die in these battles.
- Several Hashira die during the final battles against Muzan Kibutsuji and other demons:
- Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, dies after sustaining fatal injuries in fighting Muzan.
- Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, sacrifices herself in battle.
- Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, dies shortly after Mitsuri.
- Other Hashira like Muichiro Tokito and Genya Shinazugawa also die.
- The only surviving Hashira by the end of the series are Giyu Tomioka, Tengen Uzui, Sakonji Urokodaki, and Sanemi Shinazugawa. However, some may die later from complications related to their Demon Slayer marks.
- Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Kanao, and Inosuke survive but with major injuries.
The story ends with a 21st-century timeskip showing reincarnations or descendants of many fallen characters, indicating a somewhat hopeful resolution despite the heavy losses.
