Armed with two sai, Raphael is the rebel among the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He is usually depicted wearing a red bandanna, as well as having an aggressive and sullen attitude. Raphael refers to himself as a cynic, a pessimist and a realist. He is aware of his short temper, and decides that it would be best for him to be left alone. He believes that a lot of people get on his nerves, earning him a reputation as the crazy and angry young man.
Raphael is also the most likely to experience extremes in emotion, being a violent character. This can be attributed to his realization that they are the only creatures of their kind, and no one can ultimately empathize with them. Raphael’s humor is dark and sarcastic, and he often envies the young Michelangelo’s untroubled fa?ade. He is, however, rather fond of him, and shows a caring side when around the childlike turtle. He even becomes ferociously protective of Michelangelo when in battle. Raphael also likes to play hockey, baseball and golf – sports that he can do with the turtles’ human friend, Casey Jones.
Raphael’s anger has increased and his violence became more apparent in the TMNT film. Raphael has also felt that he has a responsibility to protect the neighborhood, but takes it to the extreme. He decided to become the Nightwatcher, a masked vigilante. He goes out at night and fights crime, even more brutally than before. He and Leonardo come to blows over Raphael’s secret identity, showing more of his rage. He is often the center of conflicts, even angering Donatello who accused him of not pulling his weight to support the family. Splinter refers to Raphael as someone who takes on the world’s burdens, and is rather passionate about them.
Raphael is voiced by American voice actor Nolan North in the 2007 film.