Introduction
Because of its unique storyline, bright visual styles, and distinctive characters, Japanese anime has a global appeal. Character development distinguishes anime. Seeing characters develop across a series may deepen viewers’ connection to the tale.
This blog will cover 23 amazing anime with great character development. These anime series’ deep character arcs have captivated fans, from nuanced heroes to interesting villains. Let’s explore anime’s most memorable characters.
BanG Dream!
BanG Dream! is a music anime about high school student Kasumi Toyama, who is inspired to start an all-girls band after seeing Glitter*Green play. Kasumi and her bandmates overcome musical barriers, emotional uncertainties, and heated rivalry throughout the series.
BanG Dream! During the story, each band member grows. Kasumi begins as a clumsy and unskilled musician but grows into a confident performer. Her bandmates, including the stoic Tae, bashful Rimi, perfectionist Saaya, and cool-headed Arisa, all have their own problems and strengths that they must overcome to realize their objectives.
BanG Dream! explores the characters’ personalities, relationships, and musical progress. The characters’ emotional travels and successes may be seen by viewers. BanG Dream! is a must-watch for anime lovers who like well-written character arcs since it celebrates friendship, dedication, and passion.
Great Teacher Onizuk
GTO, a famous anime, follows Eikichi Onizuka, a former delinquent who becomes a high school teacher to become Japan’s best teacher. The show is noted for its comedy, drama, and well-rounded characters.
Wonderful Teacher Onizuka’s character development, especially of its main character, is outstanding. Onizuka starts the series as a careless, reckless person who prefers ladies and vices to teach. As the novel unfolds, Onizuka realizes how important teaching is and changes.
Onizuka becomes patient, caring, and committed to his pupils’ well-being via his interactions with them and school obstacles. He mentors his pupils and helps them overcome personal challenges. When he learns to put his pupils first, Onizuka’s actions show his character’s progress.
Great Teacher Onizuka’s supporting characters have distinct personalities and storylines. Each character develops as they engage with Onizuka and deal with school life, from troublesome pupils to other instructors.
A Place Further Than the Universe
Four high school girls go to Antarctica in the touching animation A Place Farther Than the Universe. Mari Tamaki, the protagonist, is determined to leave her comfort zone and explore the unknown.
A Place Farther Than the Universe’s characters grow as they overcome many hardships. As she overcomes her worries and doubts, Mari becomes brave and motivated.
Shirase, Hinata, and Yuzuki also develop. Shirase opens up and trusts her pals to discover her lost mother in Antarctica. Hinata, a bubbly girl, learns about friendship and her background. Former child actress Yuzuki struggles with self-doubt and insecurity.
In A Place Farther Than the Universe, each character’s flaws, strengths, and progress are authentic and emotional. The four girls’ beautiful and inspirational friendship as they face hardships together takes viewers on an emotional journey.
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (When They Cry)
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (When They Cry) is a psychological thriller about a group of friends in Hinamizawa, a rural town. The series has a complex narrative and fascinating characters.
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni’s many timeframes and viewpoints create a complicated and engaging plot. The story’s timelines reveal the characters’ motives, feelings, and actions.
The series develops Keiichi Maebara’s character. Keiichi, an inquisitive child, becomes caught up in Hinamizawa’s dark secrets. Keiichi’s attitude and ideals are questioned when he uncovers the village’s terrible past.
Rena, Mion, Satoko, and Rika also develop. Their motives and connections evolve as the novel proceeds. Each character is complex and grows with Hinamizawa’s mystery.
Katsuki Bakugo
My Hero Academia creator Kōhei Horikoshi developed Katsuki Bakugo. His explosive nature, ferocious resolve, and tremendous Quirk enable him to generate and control explosives. Bakugo’s character development is a great example of a multi-layered growth arc.
Bakugo starts My Hero Academia as a brash, arrogant, and competitive guy. He wants to outshine his peers, notably Izuku Midoriya. The narrative develops Bakugo’s character.
Bakugo’s character growth includes realizing his actions affect others. Bakugo learns how his rage impacts others via many trials. He becomes more sensitive and compassionate by reflecting on his behaviors.
Bakugo’s friendship with Midoriya also shapes him. Bakugo first treats Midoriya brutally as a competitor. As the game progresses, Bakugo begins to see Midoriya’s abilities and dedication. Bakugo eventually learns to cooperate with Midoriya and appreciate him, creating a complicated relationship.
Sei Handa
Satsuki Yoshino designed Barakamon’s protagonist, Sei Handa. After an outburst, he is taken to an island to ponder. Handa’s personal evolution in Barakamon is uplifting and genuine.
Handa starts the story as a self-centered, egotistical artist. He is socially awkward. But, his stay on the island and encounters with the inhabitants, notably a small girl called Naru, changed him.
Handa appreciates basic joys and personal ties on the island. The people adopt him and offer him life lessons. Handa opens himself and trusts people as he lets go of his ego.
Handa also learns to be creative and express himself without societal pressures from Naru. He learns more about calligraphy and reconnects with the island’s inhabitants and surroundings.
Morgiana
Shinobu Ohtaka developed Morgiana for Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic. The series shows her tenacity, drive, and self-discovery as a former slave with extraordinary physical strength and agility.
Morgiana starts the story as a restrained, tormented slave. She frequently feels helpless and inadequate, dependent on others. Morgiana grows during the novel.
Morgiana’s effort to restore her agency and freedom is important to her character. She learns to speak out, question assumptions, and make her own decisions. As she harnesses her skills and overcomes obstacles, Morgiana’s physical strength becomes a strong representation of her inner strength and tenacity.
Morgiana’s connections also shape her character. Aladdin and Alibaba assist her in self-discovery and become close friends. Morgiana discovers her value and potential via these partnerships.
Vegeta
Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama developed Vegeta. He begins as an enemy, a haughty and vicious Saiyan prince who wants to overthrow Goku and steal the Dragon Balls. Vegeta’s progress, repentance, and inner turmoil are complicated and multi-dimensional throughout the series.
Vegeta’s character evolution from villain to anti-hero to hero is crucial. Vegeta changes as the story proceeds. He questions his behaviors and ideas, confronts his previous errors, and faces the consequences. Vegeta’s character path is characterized by introspection, self-realization, and internal conflicts as he battles his demons.
Vegeta’s connections, especially with Goku and his family, are very important. Vegeta’s original drive to surpass Goku turns into a complicated relationship of mutual respect and affection. He bonds with his wife Bulma and kid Trunks, demonstrating vulnerability, caring, and affection. These interactions reveal Vegeta’s development, sensitivity, and depth.
Vegeta’s character development also depends on his Saiyan background and worldview. His past and current self clash over Saiyan pride, family lineage, and honor. Vegeta’s personal difficulties make him a complicated and interesting figure.
Akane Tsunemori
Psycho-Pass star Akane Tsunemori is developed by Gen Urobuchi. In a dystopian future where the “Sybil System” predicts and prevents crime, Akane’s character growth explores morality, justice, and the challenges of navigating a broken system.
Akane is idealistic and naïve at the start of the series, believing in the Sybil System and its potential to prevent crime. She challenges her views and develops as an inspector as she learns the harsh truths of the system.
Akane’s moral difficulties are crucial to her character development. She frequently has to make tough decisions that call into question the Sybil System’s justice and her own ideals. These obstacles teach Akane to critically assess the system and make judgments based on her sense of fairness rather than mindlessly obeying commands or cultural conventions.
Akane’s leadership development is vital. Akane learns to manage her team, make difficult choices, and take responsibility as an inspector. She leads with bravery, endurance, and passion to improve society.
Kageyama Shigeo
Mob, or Kageyama Shigeo, is the main character of ONE’s Mob Psycho 100 anime. Mob is a shy middle schooler with psychic skills. Mob’s character growth explores self-acceptance, emotional maturity, and power’s effects throughout the series.
The mob starts the series as a shy, introverted character with poor social skills and emotional control. Despite his psychic skills, Mob suppresses his emotions and avoids using them to hurt others. Mob’s character develops as he faces numerous obstacles.
Self-acceptance is Mob’s biggest character development. Mob wants approval from others, especially his classmates, because of poor self-esteem. Mob accepts his abilities and faults as he overcomes challenges and insecurities. His character develops as he gets confident and assertive.
Mob’s emotional development is also important. Mob’s psychic skills make him prone to wrath and irritation. Mob learns to control his emotions and discover empathy and compassion via his encounters with others. He learns about emotional intelligence and emotional connection.
Hiroshi Odokawa
“Odd Taxi” is Kazuya Konomoto’s anime series about Hiroshi Odokawa. Hiroshi, a sarcastic cab driver, becomes involved in a missing girl case. Hiroshi’s character evolution from a passive spectator to an active player in solving riddles takes center stage as the tale proceeds.
Hiroshi starts the series as a loner who is comfortable with his repetitive routine of driving people about in his cab and watching others. He is cynical and gloomy about the world and people. Hiroshi’s character changes as he becomes involved in the missing girl investigation and encounters different people.
Hiroshi’s progression from passive spectator to active participant is important. Hiroshi first watches people without intervening. When he investigates the missing girl, Hiroshi understands he can help and becomes more aggressive. Character development shows him being more forceful, resourceful, and risk-taking.
Hiroshi’s connections also show his growth. Hiroshi learns to trust people through his passengers, friends, and foes. He unexpectedly allies and realizes he can’t tackle the riddle alone. Hiroshi learns empathy, connection, and collaboration from others.
Miyuki Shirogane
Aka Akasaka’s “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” revolves on Miyuki Shirogane. The Shuchiin School student council president is smart, handsome, and proud. The series highlights Miyuki’s transformation from a competitive and egotistical person to a caring and self-aware leader.
Miyuki is smart and competitive, trying to outsmart and outmaneuver his adversary, Kaguya Shinomiya, in a love game at the start of the series. He is strategic and manipulative in relationships. The narrative develops Miyuki’s character.
Miyuki’s transformation from arrogance to humility is important. Miyuki is accustomed to being recognized for his brains and accomplishments as student council president. He learns that genuine leadership requires compassion and empathy as well as intelligence and victory. Miyuki learns humility, admitting his faults, and empathy from Kaguya and other student council members.
Miyuki’s romance with Kaguya also develops him. Miyuki first sees Kaguya as a battleground where he must use strategy to win. As he comes to know Kaguya more, Miyuki discovers that love is a complicated feeling that demands understanding, compromise, and vulnerability. Miyuki’s progression from a competitive perspective to a more real and passionate relationship with Kaguya is key.
Obito Uchiha
Masashi Kishimoto’s “Naruto” character Obito Uchiha is multifaceted. Obito’s character growth, starting as Tobi, is a highlight of the story.
Obito is first depicted as a mysterious and merciless foe, working against the main characters and spreading mayhem. As the novel develops, Obito’s tragic history, loss, and manipulation alter his motives and actions. His past and Obito Uchiha’s revelation shape his character.
Obito’s transformation from darkness to light is crucial. When his background is exposed, Obito’s acts were motivated by sadness, rage, and betrayal. He was tricked into vengeance and darkness. Obito questions his choices and reasons as he tackles his history and feelings. He repents and sacrifices for the greater good.
Obito’s friendship with fellow ninjas and previous comrade Kakashi Hatake also shapes his character. Obito and Kakashi have complicated, unsolved disputes and severe emotional scars. Obito grows as he addresses his wrath, treachery, and remorse against Kakashi as they investigate their history. Obito’s character grows as their relationship changes from anger to reconciliation.
Hyakkimaru
Hyakkimaru starts the narrative without sight, hearing, or speech. He’s searching for his bodily parts, which a bunch of demons took from him as a newborn in return for his father’s contract. Hyakkimaru transforms as he fights demons to recover his body.
Hyakkimaru’s character evolution from lone wolf to trusting others is notable. Hyakkimaru initially struggles to make friends due to his physical restrictions. Throughout his quest, he eventually trusts and relies on Dorohedoro, a reptilian-headed guy, and other comrades. His interactions and connections indicate his character evolution.
Hyakkimaru’s worldview and humanity also shape his character. When he regains his senses and sees the world differently, he questions his identity and humanity. His character is complicated by his morals, justice, and acts. His contemplative and thought-provoking character development is around reconciling his past, present, and unexpected skills.
Hyakkimaru’s physical change affects his character. He recovers his physical ability and faces the emotional and psychological effects of regaining his bodily parts. As he adapts to his shifting physique and understands his new talents, this adds a distinct depth to his character development.
Hitagi Senjougahara
Hitagi’s prior trauma makes her chilly and aloof at the start of the series. She employs her witty sarcasm to deter others. Her character changes as the narrative continues.
Hitagi’s emotional growth is essential. She opens out to Araragi and other characters in the story. Hitagi faces her trauma and learns to express her feelings via her relationships. Her character development via self-acceptance and emotional healing is eloquently shown.
Hitagi’s capacity to build deep relationships is also important. She eventually trusts others and forms meaningful connections. Her conversations with Araragi reflect her transformation from a guarded and aloof figure to one who is vulnerable and shares her ideas and emotions. Her character’s progress enriches her connections, making her multi-dimensional and sympathetic.
Hitagi’s evolving worldview shows her character growth. Her outlook on life and others change as she addresses her history and opens up. She gains empathy and compassion. Her acts and choices show her growing selflessness and compassion for the people she loves.
Rudeus Greyrat
Rudeus starts the story as a shy, introverted, and troubled guy. A 34-year-old NEET is reborn as a baby in a magical world. He wants to make the most of his second opportunity in this new environment and improve.
Rudeus grows from selfish and immature to unselfish and responsible. Rudeus learns about empathy, compassion, and the repercussions of his actions from other characters. He becomes more caring and responsible for his family, friends, and the planet.
Rudeus’ self-improvement is also important. He strives to improve and overcome his previous mistakes. Rudeus learns magic, swordsmanship, and other skills to become a powerful force in his new world. As he gains self-confidence and self-esteem, his talents develop.
Rudeus’ relationships also show his character growth. His ties with family, friends, and lovers shape his character. Rudeus matures and learns the value of trust, commitment, and sacrifice in relationships.
Meruem
Yoshihiro Togashi developed the sophisticated “Hunter x Hunter” character Meruem. In the Chimera Ant storyline, he is a cruel, power-hungry beast. The series explores Meruem’s humanity and changeability.
Meruem starts the Chimera Ant storyline as a terrifying beast that eats people. He considers himself the apex of progress and lacks empathy. He changes his mind after meeting others, especially Komugi, the blind girl.
Meruem develops feelings and empathy through time. Meruem experiences adoration, affection, and respect for the first time via Komugi. As he questions his views and appreciates human existence, his personality changes.
Meruem’s self-discovery is also important. Meruem questions his identity and purpose as he learns about his origins and the world. He reassesses his values and beliefs after reflecting on his actions. Meruem’s growth in self-awareness and worldview makes him a compelling and multi-dimensional antagonist.
Violet Evergarden
“Violet Evergardentitle “’s character, a young former soldier, undergoes a remarkable character development journey. Violet’s story by Kana Akatsuki is about self-discovery, healing, and emotional complexity.
Violet, a military weapon raised as a stoic war veteran, begins the series. Since her life has been about following orders and completing missions, she struggles to express emotions. Violet’s self-discovery as a ghostwriter, writing heartfelt letters for others, changes her.
Violet learns about human emotions and develops her own from her clients’ stories. Joy, sadness, love, and heartbreak challenge her worldview and identity. Violet confronts her wartime trauma as she explores others’ emotions.
Violet develops empathy and understanding. She develops emotional connections and meaningful relationships that aid her healing. She learns from her Auto Memory Doll friends and mentors, notably Claudia Hodgins and Cattleya Baudelaire.
Tatsuhiro Sato
“Welcome to the NHK” protagonist Tatsuhiro Sato goes on a unique character development journey that explores his social anxiety, despair, and self-destructive behavior. Tatsuhiko Takimoto’s Sato is a gritty and honest look at mental health and conquering personal issues.
Sato starts the series as a loner with social anxiety and addiction. Conspiracy theories and self-pity have kept him from socializing. Sato progressively overcomes his worries and struggles as the tale proceeds.
Sato confronts his uncertainties and life’s harsh truths via his relationships with his neighbor Misaki Nakahara, his boyhood buddy Yamazaki, and his senpai Hitomi. He recognizes he’s been avoiding his difficulties and has to accept responsibility to go ahead.
Sato has ups and downs as he confronts his self-destructive actions and concerns. He has failures, relapses, and despair, but also wins and clarity. He faces his concerns, leaves his comfort zone, and takes incremental efforts toward self-improvement.
Lelouch Lamperouge
“Code Geass” protagonist Lelouch Lamperouge has a rich and diversified evolution. Ichirō Ōkouchi’s Lelouch is an intriguing and dynamic figure with moral conflicts, strategic scheming, and emotional agony.
Lelouch begins the series as a disillusioned and bitter student who wants vengeance against the Britannian Empire for their enslavement of his nation, Japan, now called “Area 11.” He has a strong intellect and gets the power of the “Geass,” a strange talent that enables him to command others. Lelouch becomes “Zero” and leads a Britannia-resistance movement with his newfound abilities.
Lelouch’s character growth as he faces the moral repercussions of his deeds dominates the story. His character is deep and nuanced due to his many struggles and morally ambiguous decisions.
During the series, Lelouch endures substantial changes in his personality and views. He grows from a spiteful, impetuous youngster to a strategic, calculative leader, understanding the hard truths of combat and politics. He grows more self-aware and analytical, questioning his intentions and the techniques he utilizes to attain his objectives.
Legoshi
Legoshi starts the book as a shy, reticent wolf who suppresses his carnivorous impulses to blend along among vegetarians. Legoshi develops as he struggles with his identity, values, and emotions.
Legoshi’s connections with Haru, a white dwarf rabbit who becomes his love interest, and Louis, a red deer who leads the school theatrical club, shape his character. Legoshi progressively accepts and embraces his actual self as he confronts his preconceptions, anxieties, and wants.
Legoshi gets more forceful, confident, and empathetic as the book progresses, despite his inner problems. He questions social conventions and battles for the well-being of the people he loves. He becomes a strong combatant and guardian as he matures.
Legoshi makes errors as he develops. Legoshi grows throughout the series from these setbacks.
In “Beastars,” Legoshi explores self-acceptance, identity, and human nature. It emphasizes self-acceptance, facing inner demons, and learning from errors. Legoshi’s journey from a fearful wolf to a bold, caring guardian shows the power of good anime character development.
Shoya Ishida
“A Quiet Voice” character Shoya Ishida also has great character development. Shoya first bullies Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl. Shoya’s character changes dramatically during the novel.
Shoya feels guilty and withdraws after experiencing the effects of his bullying. Self-loathing and atonement drive him. Shoya faces his faults and makes apologies via Shoko and other characters.
Shoya’s redemption is hard. He encounters several hurdles, both internal and external. Despite his remorse and humiliation, he learns to speak and connect.
Shoya gets more self-aware, compassionate, and understanding toward Shoko as the novel progresses. He improves himself and forgives others. Shoya’s actions, words, and facial expressions show his progress from a disturbed and detached person to someone who wants to understand and sympathize with others.
Eren Yeager
“Attack on Titan” protagonist Eren Yeager develops dramatically. Eren is impetuous and hotheaded at the start of the book, seeking retribution against the Titans, huge humanoid beasts who have destroyed humanity.
Eren evolves during the tale. He discovers the Titans’ truth and the world’s complexity. Moral challenges, doubts, and internal and external conflicts define his character.
Eren’s motives and actions change as he learns about the Titans, his world’s history, and the ramifications of his actions. He becomes smarter, more analytical, and more resilient, navigating complicated circumstances and making tough choices.
Eren’s connections with Mikasa, Armin, and Survey Corps members also shape his character. He trusts people and changes his view on mankind and the Titans.
Eren’s character development takes unexpected turns as the drama approaches its conclusion, testing his beliefs and pushing him to face his actions. As he struggles with the weight of his actions and their effects on the world, his character development is emotional, complicated, and deep.
Conclusion
In this article, we have investigated 23 fantastic anime with the finest character development. From BanG Dream! Like Attack on Titan, these anime series have grabbed fans with their well-crafted characters that experience substantial development and evolution over their unique arcs.
Character development is an important part of the narrative in anime since it enables viewers to connect with and engage with the characters on an emotional level. As we experience their hardships, successes, and personal progress, we become more immersed in the tale and its ideas.
Anime characters like Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia, Sei Handa from Barakamon, and Violet Evergarden from Violet Evergarden exhibit the potential for character development in portraying complicated emotions, motives, and relationships. These characters, along with many others covered in this blog, create a lasting influence on viewers and add to the overall greatness of the anime series.
However, the finest character growth in anime goes beyond merely a shift in surface qualities or talents. It dives into the character’s emotional issues, moral difficulties, and personal development, providing depth and complexity to their journey.
In conclusion, the 23 anime series addressed in this blog show the importance of character growth in anime narratives. These well-written and well-crafted characters experience tremendous development, shifting from their original depictions to multi-dimensional and captivating personalities. As viewers, we are lured into their tales, and their character arcs make a lasting imprint on us. Whether it’s a narrative about high school musicians, quirky instructors, or fantasy realms, the finest character development in anime raises the storytelling to new heights, making it an art form that continues to engage and connect with viewers worldwide.
