In the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic, Raphael was initially portrayed as the most hot-tempered turtle.
Raphael’s defining traits include anger, sarcasm, independence, and a tendency to challenge authority. The original black-and-white comic used these qualities to create tension within the team, giving Raphael a sharper and more confrontational personality than the lighter portrayals that later became familiar to television audiences.
He is traditionally associated with a pair of sai, short three-pronged weapons used in close combat. His combat style and emotional intensity distinguish him from Leonardo’s discipline, Donatello’s technical focus, and Michelangelo’s humor.
Adaptations vary in how strongly they emphasize Raphael’s temper. Some make him more comedic or more vulnerable, but the hot-headed characterization is one of the most stable traits attached to the character across the franchise.