Ranma is the sixteen year old heir to the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts, and is also cursed to turn into a girl when splashed with cold water. Hot water, however, reverses the effects. Since Ranma was raised solely by his father, Genma, he has a tendency to be outspoken, rude, and insensitive at times-- but regardless of his bad qualities, he is also extremely honorable, always does his best in a fight, and will usually go out of his way to help those in need-- even if they happen to be his enemies. Not to mention the fact that he's a KICK ASS martial artist. Ranma has the ability to learn numerous techniques that are extremely difficult to learn, and because of this, he is one of the strongest fighters in Nerima, and rarely ever loses in a fight. 

Ranma, needless to say, hates his cursed girl-form, and is constantly trying to find a cure for his curse. As a girl, he has no sense of modesty, and acts like his macho, male self. He isn't adverse to using his girl-form to his advantage, however, whenever it can benefit him.

Unfortunately, by no fault of his own, Ranma also happens to be engaged to three different girls: Akane Tendo, Ukyo Kuonji, and Shampoo (A Chinese Amazon). His family, however, considers Akane the "true" fiancé, and are constantly trying to push the two of them together.

The relationship Ranma and Akane share is an interesting one to say the least. In the beginning, they are both firmly against the engagement: She calls him a "stupid pervert," and he calls her an "uncute tomboy." Both act like they can't stand each other, and are constantly fighting. Eventually, however, it becomes clear that they have in fact developed feelings for each other (even if they are too stubborn, or embarrassed to admit it).

Click here for more information about Akane.