Takayanagi

Takayanagi (高柳, Takayanagi) is the main character of We Shall Now Begin Ethics.

Personality
Takayanagi gives of the air of someone dull and unconcerned about, however in reality he cares greatly about his students and goes well out of his way to help them deal with their problems. He is a deep thinker, who has immense knowledge in subjects mostly relating to ethics.

History
He learned most of what he knows from his teacher. At some point before the events of We Shall Now Begin Ethics, he has been married, or quite possibly married more than once, but now it is not the case. This makes him reject the idea of marriage. He becomes a history teacher for some time before becoming the ethics teacher.

Plot
Takayanagi catches Ichiko Aizawa and Mikun having sex in a classroom. He comments its fine if they are in love, but its a poor choice of place and time.

Next year, Ichiko joins his ethics class. He starts the class explaining that his subject won't help in their jobs as its not practical or versatile like language and maths, and can only be useful at death's doors. After class Ichiko stays and explains that she loves Takayanagi and tries to seduce him, but he explains that she lacks class and he likes women with class, so she can start with calligraphy.

Few days later, he catches Ichiko with Masaya and again comments its fine if they are in love, however he asks if its consensual. When Ichiko states its not, he heads towards Masaya, who punches Takayanagi. Takayanagi grabs his hand and asks him to stop the violence as he isn't allowed to hit him and can't even touch Ichiko to comfort her. Masaya gets angry, but decides to leave. Takayanagi comments Ichiko made a good choice joining the ethics class and that they will be seeing there. Ichiko then confesses to Takayanagi, stating that she won't give up on him.

Relationships
Students- It is most likely that he has a guardian-like relationship with most of his students, even if he doesn't find them 'interesting'.

Ichiko Aizawa- She has feelings for him, it is assumed he might also have feelings for her when he is seen agonizing behind a door after rejecting her feelings.