The majority of anime characters will fit into a certain category based on their personality, and when this comes to a main character it can make or break the show for many anime fans. Some archetypes are more popular than others and there can always be too much of a good thing. Many animes will take their main characters to the extreme of a certain archetype which creates a bad anime character. Examples of anime characters I dislike with a passion are (don’t hate me for this) Goku, Asta, Naruto, Sauske, Killua, and Gon.
I think they are all characters taken to the extreme and made very unlikable to many, and I think most of their popularity are just carried on nostalgia. With the majority of shounen anime characters (mostly the main protagonist) being extremely naive, unrealistically forgiving, and unbothered. I will make separate articles on these anime characters, and why these traits are making them unrelatable to the average person and link them when completed. But if you’re here for some popular anime archetypes check out below.
1. Tsundere
Definition: A character who initially appears cold, rude, or aggressive but has a hidden affectionate side.
Common Traits:
- Easily flustered when complimented or shown affection.
- Uses insults or physical aggression to cover up true feelings.
- Gradually softens towards the protagonist or friends.
Examples: - Taiga Aisaka (Toradora)
- Vegeta (Dragon Ball)
- Rin Tohsaka (Fate/stay night)
Variations: - Type A (Harsh-to-Sweet) – Starts out mean but eventually becomes very caring.
I want to put Sasuke in here as an example and almost every single naruto villain. I won’t go into too much detail here but him being so edgy really just made him cringy and on top of that (this applies for all naruto villains) if an anime character is willing to go that far why is it even believable a change of heart can happen that fast?
- Type B (Sweet-to-Harsh) – Initially kind but shows a fiery temper when emotions are stirred.
2. Yandere
Definition: A character who is obsessively in love and will do anything to protect or keep their beloved, often resorting to violence.
Common Traits:
- Appears sweet and loving on the surface.
- Becomes dangerously possessive and jealous.
- Can shift between gentle and murderous moods quickly.
Examples: - Yuno Gasai (Future Diary)
- Kotonoha Katsura (School Days)
- Satou Matsuzaka (Happy Sugar Life)
Variations: - Loving Yandere – Obsessed with the person but only hurts others.
- Psychotic Yandere – Will harm the person they love if necessary.
3. Kuudere
Definition: A character who is calm, emotionless, or indifferent but has a hidden soft side.
Common Traits:
- Speaks in a monotone or rarely speaks at all.
- Hard to read or understand emotionally.
- Warms up gradually but remains composed.
Examples: - Rei Ayanami (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
- Shoto Todoroki (My Hero Academia)
- Homura Akemi (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
Variations: - Stoic Kuudere – Emotionless by nature or design.
- Cool Kuudere – Exudes confidence and control.
4. Dandere
Definition: A shy and quiet character who prefers to avoid social interactions but opens up when comfortable.
Common Traits:
- Speaks softly or avoids speaking at all.
- Often blushes or gets nervous in social situations.
- Only reveals true personality to close friends.
Examples: - Hinata Hyuga (Naruto)
- Mio Akiyama (K-On!)
- Nagisa Furukawa (Clannad)
Variations: - Extreme Dandere – Barely talks at all.
- Casual Dandere – Shy but can hold a conversation when needed.
5. Himedere/Oujidere
Definition: A character (Himedere = female, Oujidere = male) who acts like royalty, demanding special treatment.
Common Traits:
- Arrogant and entitled.
- Often wealthy or from a noble family.
- May have a soft side hidden under their haughty attitude.
Examples: - Satsuki Kiryuuin (Kill la Kill)
- Misaki Ayuzawa (Maid Sama!)
- Gilgamesh (Fate series)
Variations: - True Royalty – Actually from nobility.
- Self-Proclaimed Royalty – Only acts superior with no real status.
6. Genki
Definition: A hyperactive, cheerful, and energetic character who brings excitement to the story.
Common Traits:
- Always full of energy and enthusiasm.
- Rarely gets discouraged, even in tough situations.
- Often serves as comic relief or emotional support.
Examples: - Yui Hirasawa (K-On!)
- Naru Kotoishi (Barakamon)
- Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon)
Variations: - Clumsy Genki – Overly enthusiastic and accident-prone.
- Reliable Genki – Still cheerful but more responsible.
While anime characters can come in all different archetypes, many which are not on this list I believe some characters fit it perfectly and some don’t. That being said just because I don’t like them doesn’t mean others don’t, and actually the overwhelming majority of the community loves them which is perfectly fine it’s just not my cup of matcha tea. At the end of the day no matter the type, these anime characters continue to captivate audiences, making anime a rich and diverse medium filled with unforgettable personalities.( Whether that’s good or bad)
