Miroku is the powerful, swift... and very lecherous monk that joins Kagome and the very grudging Inuyasha on their travels.
Miroku's entire family (males in the paternal line) is cursed by both a great passion for the ladies- and a gaping whole in the palm of their hand!
Miroku's grandfather had confronted the shape-shifting demon Naraku, but had failed to destroy him and, before making his escape, Naraku left a whole in the monk's hand, a token and a curse that would slowly destroy it's master as it grows and grows until it devours the entire body.
Miroku too has this "windtunnel" which also has the power to suck everything and everyone into into when it is revealed, which is the explanation for the beads and glove which Miroku keeps over it, until it is needed!
Miroku refuses to use this on any human though, which is how Kagome manages to rescue Inuyasha!
To end the curse and save himself and his family, Miroku must confront and destroy Naraku, which is why he too is on the quest for the Shikon Jewel!
Though Miroku does show a noble, self-sacrificing side, he can't completely get rid of his con-man personality.
He fakes exorcisms to get into the homes of pretty ladies and very wealthy landlords alike, and runs off with their possessions ^^;;!
He pulled that trick on Kagome and stole her, her bike, and later the shards of the Shikon Jewel she had been carrying.
Inuyasha resents Miroku, and the way he sometimes treats Kagome, (he's a flirt), aww, Inuyasha's jealous...
In battle Miroku has great strength, though he's apt to suck up one too many demons and leave the battle to Inuyasha.
Kagome hates his lecherous touchy ways *slap* but does like him, defend him, and see him as a pretty nice guy...
when he's not touching her!