The Fairy Tail manga and anime series features an extensive cast of characters created by Hiro Mashima. The series primarily takes place in the Kingdom of Fiore, a country located in the fictional universe Earth-land, where several of its residents are able to perform various forms of magic. Those who practice magic as a profession, referred to as wizards (魔導士 madōshi?),[vol. 2:translation notes] join guilds where they share information and perform paid jobs for clients. The series' storyline follows a group of wizards from the rambunctious titular guild.
The main characters of the series include Natsu Dragneel, a wizard with the powers of a dragonslayer who is searching for his adoptive dragon father Igneel, and Lucy Heartfilia, a celestial wizard who joins the Fairy Tail guild. During the early part of the series, they form a team with Happy, a flying cat and best friend of Natsu; Gray Fullbuster, an ice wizard; Erza Scarlet, a knight who specializes in using various magic weapons and armors. Over the course of the series, Lucy and Natsu interact with and befriend other wizards and guilds in Fiore. They also encounter various antagonists from illegal "dark" guilds, and Zeref, an ancient wizard who is sought out by several of the series' villains.
When creating the series, Mashima was influenced by Akira Toriyama, J.R.R. Tolkien and Yudetamago and based the guild on a local bar. He also used people as references in designing other characters. The characters have been well-received overall.