Ryo's and Dee's first investigation together centers around a street punk named Bikky who's up to no good. When Dee and Bikky are kidnapped, it's up to Ryo to come to their rescue and save the day. Afterwards, Dee reveals that his feelings for Ryo run much deeper than friendship, but Ryo isn't exactly receptive to his overtures. In fact, he's not sure what to think or where to turn! Before long, their attention is diverted by a young pickpocket named Carol who needs protection from a group of gangsters who want her dead. As the authoritative officers do everything in their power to protect her, their bond grows stronger and stronger. Soon, it's impossible to ignore the electrified emotions that are brewing between them. Could this be love?!

Randy Maclean
Randy is half-Japanese and is usually called by his Asian name, Ryo. He's a reserved, mild-mannered member of the NYPD's 27th precinct who has a soft spot for kids. In fact, he's pretty much adopted the street punk named Bikky and serves as a father figure to Carol, as well. Yet, he is still able to discipline when necessary, and his temper has definitely been known to flare now and then. Deep down, he is in love with Dee, but it takes him quite some time to admit the depth of his feelings.

Dee Laytner
Dee is a confident, cocky, and brash member of the NYPD's 27th precinct. He's also amazingly charismatic and charming, which keeps him out of trouble most of the time. He will go to great lengths to protect the ones he loves 27 especially Ryo, his partner, whom he's madly in love with. Abandoned as a child, Dee was raised in an orphanage by a nun and a police officer named Jess Latener. The circumstances surrounding Jess's death lead Dee to enter law enforcement. JJ is in love with him.

Bikky
Bikky is a 12-year-old smart-mouthed, street-smart punk whom Dee and Ryo encounter early in the story. He's the son of a drug dealer, and was nearly murdered by some criminals that his dad owed money to. Ryo takes him under his wing and pretty much adopts him. As a result, Bikky feels it's his mission to defend Ryo from Dee's advances. Dee and Bikky are often at each other's throats 27 but, despite their constant battles, they have a mutual love and respect for one another. Bikky has a special bond with Carol, the pickpocket Ryo and Dee protect in Volume 1. In later volumes, Carol and Bikky's relationship grows deeper.

Carol
The hooligan that Ryo and Dee protect in Volume 1. She considers Ryo to be the father her own dad could never be. She's Bikky's best friend. She's always getting herself into trouble, and can't seem to kick her pickpocket habit. She is supportive of Ryo and Dee's relationship. In later volumes, Carol's and Bikky's relationship grows deeper.

J.J.
Full name is Jemmy J. Adams. Another officer at the NYPD's 27th precinct. He's madly and hopelessly in love with Dee. In fact, his lust borders on obsession. He's an amazing sharp-shooter and a member of the SWAT team. JJ is jealous of Ryo, but will always come to his rescue, if necessary.

Berkley Rose
After meeting Dee and Ryo during the murder mystery in Volume 2, Berkley Rose was transferred to the 27th precinct and is now Dee and Ryo's superior officer. He's in love with Ryo and insanely jealous of Dee. As a result, he's always throwing himself at Ryo when he's not busy fighting with Dee.

Diana
An FBI agent who is a very close friend of Berkley Rose. Rumors about their relationship are constantly circulating. Diana is a flirt who can be a bit on the conniving side. Still, her heart is usually in the right place. She likes to help others but if she can help herself in the process, why not?

Sanami Matoh

Although FAKE is her most popular series, Sanami Matoh is also the artist and creator of Access, Be-ing, Black x Blood, Break, FULL MOON ni Sasayaite, Onegai Darling, Penguin no Ousama, Ra-1, Sakura no Furu yoru, Ten-Ryu, TSU-I, and Yo-u.

Sanami began her career as a doujinshi-ka for manga series such as Slam Dunk, and her first work was entitled Tenchi no Sob and was released in 1990. Recently, she issued an artbook set called Color and Monotone, respectively. Monotone contains a 24-page side story called "Like, Like, Love" that is the conclusion of the FAKE series, revealing who ends up with whom. FAKE has also been released in anime form as an OAV but that story is only based on one volume of the manga series (Volume 2).

Sanami Matoh was born in Ooita on May 29, 1969. Her blood type is B and she's a Taurus. She now lives and works in Tokyo.