It starts at a specific point in the manga, but I can't recall exactly without looking it up. You might want to check some manga forums or dedicated fan sites for the precise chapter.
Toge Inumaki is important too. His special cursed speech ability makes him stand out. Also, the principal of the school, Masamichi Yaga, is likely to be important as he is in a position of authority and has an influence on Gojo and the other students. There could be other characters like the members of different clans that also play roles in the complex web of the story.
Sukuna does die in the manga. The way it happens is quite dramatic and ties in with many other elements of the story, adding depth and tension to the overall narrative.
No. Ryomen Sukuna is a fictional character from Japanese mythology and modern manga/anime. He doesn't have a basis in a true historical event or person.
Nope. Ryomen Sukuna has no basis in reality. It's a product of the creative minds of the writers and illustrators who designed a captivating fictional character for the enjoyment of the audience.