What makes Japanese Anime so popular is the variety of unique complex stories, of unique and complex characters
No matter how creative the Anime is. In the end, its success is closely tight to its characters. A good story or a good show has to introduce well-written characters
What are the aspects of a well written character?
- Complexity includes a range of emotions, motivations, and conflicts.
- Growth and Development: this shows how a character has evolved throughout the story.
- Consistency: a character should develop in a way that is still true to its values, and beliefs.
- Conflict: each character has Internal and external challenges that shape its growth and narrative.
Related: Most Hated Character in Anime
Here is a List of the Best Written Characters in Anime
Askeladd (Vinland Saga)
In Vinland Saga Askeladd as a character evokes a range of emotions and creates a love-hate relationship with the viewers. His development throughout the series challenged his beliefs and standards. Also, his moral ambiguity adds depth to his character, making him unpredictable and compelling.
But it was Askeladd’s relationships with Thorfinn, that added an extra level of complexity and drove the narrative forward.
best written characters in anime
Princess Yona (Akatsuki no Yona)
In the Anime Princess Yona of the Dawn Yona started as your standard anime girl she was a useless, defenseless, and annoying crybaby.
She selfishly involved Hak in a political mess, without really thinking of the consequences of her requests and the grave danger she puts Hak in.
That all changed when Hak almost died protecting her. She needed a little push from Yun who scolded her and gave her a lesson on how to appreciate her people.
After that we see her working hard to learn how to defend herself with an unwavering will to reach her goal. Which shows how brave and fearless she is.
Throughout her journey, Yona grew from being an ignorant princess to a strong leader. and learned how to carry the responsibilities that come with her role.
best written characters in anime
Tetsuya Kuroko (Kuroko no Basket)
I never thought that a show about basketball could get me so excited to the point where I would be on the edge of my seat. And it was all due to Kuroko Tetsuya’s love of basketball (BTW it is currently available on Netflix).
What I love about Kuroko is that despite him being the main character yet he is not the strongest or fastest. But what he lacks in strength and stamina he makes up for it with his strategic brilliance and ability to analyze the game. his unique style adds depth and excitement to the game.
And I love how his weakness and lack of presence turned out to be his strength point and what helped him develop his style.
His journey to play the game he loves on his own terms resonates with viewers and creates a compelling narrative.
who is the best written character in anime
Shikamaru Nara (Naruto)
I loved him from the early episodes of Naruto. For me, he is one of the few characters in Naruto that had decent writing and development.
It was so fulfilling seeing his growth from a lazy, unmotivated kid to someone who wanted to be the Hokage’s advisor.
His Brilliance and leadership skills were spotted early on and I was put to very good use. Setting him up to be the man and ninja he needs to be.
Not only his personality and development were well-written. He had well-established relationships and connections with his team members and his mentor Asuma. Which played a significant role in his development and emotional depth and motivates his growth.
best written characters in anime
Killua Zoldyck (Hunter x Hunter)
You know a character is well-written when you end up loving a side character more than the main character. Killua is that character.
throughout the show, Killua undergoes significant growth when he tries to break free from his family and his identity as an assassin and tries to find his own path and values.
Killua truly understands himself as a person throughout his friendship with Gon which was the central focus of his character. Where he learned new concepts such as loyalty, support, and deep connections.
Related: Is Hunter x Hunter Worth Watching
best written characters in anime
Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)
Kishimoto wrote the most loveable character of all time. No matter what your thoughts about Naurato as an anime, it is impossible but to love Naruto as a character
he is annoying, he is not the smartest, and sometimes he is a total embarrassment. But the fandom loves him unconditionally.
And what makes him all of that and more is his incredible journey from a total loser to a hero to Hokage. And he did it all through hard work and dedication. He did it the old-fashioned way through blood, sweat, and tears.
Naruto’s life was full of hardship from day one. as a very young kid, he was feared and hated by all the villagers without ever understanding the reason behind it. and that was his motive to be stronger and to be acknowledged by the villagers. We were able to accomplish that
And he did it with love and compassion despite everything that he has been through. His story and his development are so inspiring.
best written characters in anime
Related: Does Naruto Turn Evil?
Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)
That’s a tricky one, depending on your perspective, you can view him as either the best or worst written character.
The reason why I consider him one of the best written characters is that despite his huge shift in his goals. he stayed consistent with his values and the promises he made as a young boy. He just had to adapt to the new “data”.
But it was his goal to live freely outside the walls after eliminating the danger to him and his friends.
There are other aspects that add layers of depth to him as a character such as his complexity, his moral ambiguity, emotional range, and unpredictability.
Overall Eren Yeager is a very well written character in a very well written anime.
Related: Is Attack on Titan Overrated?
best written characters in anime
Reiner Braun (Attack on Titan)
As I said Attack on Titan is a very well written anine so it is no surprise it has a lot of well written characters and Reina Braun is a prime example
His development is by far my favorite.
As a character, he was introduced early on in the first season, and got to walk with him every step of the way.
- From his identity struggle between a warrior and a soldier, between a hero and a devil.
- To His Psychological breakdown, he is completely torn out with guilt and trauma of his actions, his struggle for duty, and his personal conviction. The pain was so much to bear that his brain just chose to shut it all out and escape it.
It was only after the 4th season that we really got to understand Reina Braun. His childhood, his hardship, and his relationships with his friends and family which was the foundation of him as a character.
As a viewer, I can depict how my feelings toward him had changed drastically. I went from hate, disgust, and anger, to understanding and even forgiving him for everything he has done.
I can easily say that I have forgiven Reina but I can never say that about Annie.
- I felt Reiner’s guilt and remorse and it was real and genuine.
- As for Annie, all I can remember is her pure enjoyment when she killed had of the survey corps and even played Yo-Yo with them.
That shows how much hard work and detail when into developing Reiner as a character.
best written characters in anime
Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Edward is such a complex character he has a strong sense of morality and justice. Despite his young age, he is intelligent, confident, and independent, yet he struggles with guilt and self-doubt.
Edward’s relationship with his younger brother, Alphonse was the center of his character development. Their bond and unwavering loyalty to one another serve as a driving force for their actions. Since the Anime is all about Edward trying to restore his brother’s body by finding the Philosopher’s Stone.
the relentless pursuit of his goal showcases his strong will and resilience.
Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)
Lelouch’s journey, development, and growth were the definition of perfection.
He went from a selfish and angry kid who wanted revenge, to a hero who fought for people’s right to live in pice.
He is intelligent and strategic. and that helped him be a leader that can rally and lead others while manipulating situations to his advantage.
In order to do that Lelouch chooses to put on a mast because what is a hero without a double identity?
Lelouch chooses to put on a mask and acts as Zero. this creates an intriguing dynamic when he has to protect his secret and tries to balance his identities, this adds an element of mystery and suspense to his character.
Lelouch’s growth as a character his beliefs and ideals evolve throughout the series. He learns from his mistakes, and the consequences of his actions, and he grows as a leader and as a person.
Related: Code Geass vs Death Note
That was it for The best written characters in anime.
I hope this was a fun read for you,
If you made it to the end I want to say thank you so much, it means a lot to me.
Also, I would love to know what your thoughts are. Please let me know in the comments below.
See you at the next one, bye.
