It may feature an all-animal cast, but Aggretsuko is in many ways a realistic dark comedy. Over the span of four seasons, we've gotten closer to red panda Retsuko and her co-workers than ever. They may look like cuddly foxes and innocent woodland creatures, but the havoc each of Retsuko's friends consistently wreak on their lives and relationships is every bit as raw as what humans are capable of. 

That's all part of what makes Aggretsuko such a gripping watch, whether you're into animated shows or not. Shady bosses at work? Check. The pressure to find a significant other and settle down? Check. Office gossip? Double check. Aggretsuko has it all, especially for anyone juggling a career, looking for a relationship and trying to find themselves. Ready to jump aboard the Retsy bandwagon? Consider this your cheat sheet to the major players in this all-too-relatable animated drama. 

Retsuko

Retsuko is a 20-something accountant who works at Carrier Man Trading Co., Ltd. This little red panda may look adorable and innocent, but she can be terrifying when you upset her. That's because when she becomes enraged, she lets out her inner death-metal singer — yes, you read that right. Decked out in heavy corpse paint (the type you see on members of real-life metal bands), she'll belt out some brutal growls meant to take her opponents out. You’ll find that she’s perfectly pleasant, loves her friends and is loyal to those she cares about — as long as you don’t cross her. 

Though Retsuko's good at her job, she's at a crossroads in life. She's looking for the right guy to settle down with, but she hasn't found anyone suitable just yet. Just because she's seeking stability doesn't mean she lacks a wild side — after all, she spends an entire season in the girl group the OTM Girls, and she dates and jilts a tech millionaire. What’s next for Retsy? In Season 4 of Aggretsuko, she comes face-to-face with a tumultuous workplace and a potential boyfriend... if he can muster up the courage to let her know how he feels.

Haida

Haida the hyena is a timid office worker by day and a punk rocker by night. Working in the same accounting department as Retsuko and Fenneko, he is typically a straitlaced goody two-shoes who rarely makes an impression. Eternally plagued by problems with self-esteem and self-worth, Haida does have a decent — though self-deprecating — sense of humor. He harbors an intense crush on Retsuko, but he's totally and completely unable to tell her how he feels. Though Haida has ample opportunities to be honest with Retsuko (who may even feel the same way), he chickens out before he can ever get the words out. It's clear that Retsuko and Haida seem perfect for each other — but can Haida finally choke out his feelings before Retsy finds someone else?

Fenneko

Fenneko the fox has an angelic face, but she's as sarcastic and snide as they come. That doesn't keep her from being a great best friend to both Retsuko and Haida. Fenneko can always be counted on to offer some cynical advice or tough love when her friends need it. That doesn't mean she always goes about it in the right way, though — to say she lives for drama is putting it mildly. She's also brilliant, and an internet superuser, so if someone needs to be found or if a plan needs to come together quickly, Fenneko is on it. 

Fenneko never takes sides. When Haida is loafing around pining over Retsuko, she doles out advice. When Retsuko is feeling down, Fenneko is always there to cheer her up — often with a night of drinking and karaoke. But perhaps the most memorable thing about this frisky fox is her signature deadpan laugh.

Ton

The overbearing, old-fashioned Ton is the head of the accounting department. He cares little for innovation and is set in his ways. For instance, he uses an abacus instead of a computer and refuses to learn how to use modern technology. Something about the present doesn't jibe well with him, but he still works hard to make ends meet for his doting wife and twin daughters. At first, he clashes with Retsuko and refers to her as "Calendar" since he’s counting the days until she leaves the company. But over time, Ton grows to appreciate Retsuko, and the pair gain a quiet understanding and respect. As new management takes over in Season 4, Ton must roll with the changes or find himself pushed out of the role he's held for years.

Kabae

This hippo is more than just the office drama magnet. Kabae's also a kind and caring mother who, quite inexplicably, has a background in espionage. That means she knows everything about everyone — she’s one of the nosiest busybodies in the workplace. Often a source of comfort for Retsuko, Kabae shows up when it counts. Beneath the penchant for petty conversations and getting all up in everyone's business, she is truly caring. This season, she's facing one of her most difficult decisions yet: stay at a job that wants to push her out or leave so her co-workers can flourish. Kabae may be a gossip, but she doesn’t deserve the kind of treatment she’s getting.