Haohmaru is the main protagonist of the Samurai Shodown series and one of the series's most known characters, the other being Nakoruru. He was introduced in the first Samurai Shodown continues to appear in every title of the series.
Though he is a swordsman with no loyalties to any lord (ronin), Haohmaru has a "samurai spirit" which is often stressed in the series. He is also often accredited to defeating most of the series's villains.