Fruits Basket

So whats the secret??
A select few members of the Sohma family inherit a curse upon birth. They are inhabited by a chinese zodiac animal and when embraced by the opposite sex they turn into that animal. It may not seem like too bad of a curse but as you read the series the true colors of the curse start to shine through.

In Japanese elementary school a popular game is Fruits Basket. In this game each person is assigned a fruit and when there fruit is called they have to get up and run to a new seat. In Kindergarten Tohru was assigned "onigiri" (riceball) by her mean classmates. At the end of the game when she wasnt called at all she realizes that onigiris are not fruits at all and that she doesnt belong. When she first moves in with the sohma family she associates the whole situation with the game realizing that she doesnt belong with them. Later in the series she begins to feel like a family with them and imagines herself as a child playing the game and "onigiri" being called.

Tohru Honda- The main character of the story and the only person outside the Sohma family that knows about the curse.
Yuki Sohma, Rat-He is quiet, polite, and has issues with self-esteem even though he is referred to as "Prince Yuki" at school.
Kyo Sohma, Cat- He is left out and looked down upon by the rest of the Sohma family because he is the Cat. He hates Yuki and puts on a tough attitude.
Kagura Sohma, Boar- Headstrong and obsessed with kyo
Shigure Sohma, Dog- A novelist. A bit mysterious and perverted. Lives outside of the Sohma estate where Kyo, Tohru, and Yuki also reside.
Hatori Sohma, Dragon- The Family Docter. Quiet and Serious.
Ayame Sohma, Snake- Yuki's older brother. Runs a costume shop. He's flashy, flamboyant, and rarely serious.
Saki Hanajima- "Hana-chan" is Goth like and has paranormal abilities. One of Tohru's best friend.
Arisa Uotani- A tough ex gang member who looks out for her friends. One of Tohru's best friends.
Hiro Sohma, Ram- A bit of a smarty pants who has a crush on Kisa.
Momiji Sohma, Rabbit- He's older than he looks and half German. He's optimistic and cute.
Hatsuharu Sohma, Ox- A gentleman except when he turns into "black haru". was Rins boyfriend and expecially close to Yuki.
Kisa Sohma, Tiger- Shy and sweet. She used to have problems at school because of teasing from her classmates.
Isuzu "Rin" Sohma, Horse- Headstrong and always getting into trouble. She is on a mission...
Ritsu Sohma, Monkey- Always apologizing, this sohma crossdresses to calm his nerves.
Kureno Sohma, Rooster- He is Akitos favorite and is therefore almost always with him.
Akito Sohma, "God"- Feared by many of the Sohma's. There is no telling what he will do next.