Some of the most compelling characters in anime are those who cannot be easily categorized as strictly good or evil. These figures invite deeper exploration into their desires, motivations, and thought processes. They often exhibit highly contradictory and illogical behavior, sometimes deviating from their initial beliefs or plans. It`s this combination of unconventional actions, charisma, and appeal that makes them truly unforgettable.
Zak (Angels of Death)
This charismatic, rebellious young man wielding a scythe might act like a complete madman, yet he draws viewers in with his distinctive appearance and impulsive nature. Zak`s history is tragic, evoking feelings of sadness, empathy, and horror, as he endured brutal torture and trials from a young age. His life included poverty, being set on fire, escaping an orphanage, and ultimately, a descent into madness.
Growing up, Zak transformed into a genuine psycho and killer, yet he retains the capacity to feel. He develops an attachment to Rachel, who differs from all his previous targets. Her vacant stare and total apathy provoke Zak, but he doesn`t immediately move to kill her. Zak frequently struggles to control his emotions and outbursts of anger, particularly when someone lies to him.
Do you even realize who you`re talking to? You`re facing a maniac! … For me to die, you`d have to kill me first!
Power (Chainsaw Man)
The enchanting and hot-tempered demoness with red horns named Power from the anime “Chainsaw Man” won over many viewers. This self-centered and arrogant girl sees herself as superior to others and holds little regard for either humans or other demons. So why the affection? Despite her haughty and challenging disposition and a fondness for brutal skirmishes, she is not entirely devoid of empathy. While this is mainly directed towards animals, a closer look reveals she has developed some degree of affection for her comrades as well.
Power behaves with a carefree attitude, saying and doing whatever comes to her mind without any reservation. This kind of nonchalance borders on madness, which, in fact, is also characteristic of her. Appearance holds no significance for her; she doesn`t care what others think; she lies constantly and frequently puts Denji in difficult situations. Power isn`t human and struggles to understand people, often holding mistaken perceptions of them. Despite these traits, she gradually undergoes positive changes.
Bow down before me, human! For my name is Power!
Michiko Malandro (Michiko & Hatchin)
Bursting into a house through a window on a motorcycle with the most dramatic flair is not something just anyone can do. A normal person wouldn`t even consider it, but this selection isn`t about normal people. The attractive and dangerous Michiko Malandro escaped from prison on a quest to find her beloved, but that path isn`t straightforward. Her only clue is his biological daughter, who lives somewhere unknown and knows absolutely nothing about her father. While anyone might say finding the man in such a situation is nearly impossible, that is hardly a deterrent for a wild, determined, strong, and independent woman, especially one with a few things to say to her ex.
Michiko doesn`t shy away from problems; she actively creates them. Despite pulling a little girl out of a cruel family where the child faced constant abuse, Michiko cannot be simply labeled a good person or a savior. While she did grant Hatchin freedom, she also pulled her into far more perilous situations: evading the police, shootouts, kidnappings, and more. Michiko is primarily driven by her personal interests, yet she still makes an effort to care for the child and attempts, however imperfectly, to shield the little one from harm. Her success is mixed, but her efforts earn a point.
In combat and emergencies, Michiko is incredibly cool under pressure, unfazed by bullets, speed, or criminals. She`s keenly aware of her own strengths, leveraging her attractiveness to turn nearly any challenging situation to her advantage without losing an ounce of dignity.
I`ll send you express to hell.
Hange Zoë (Attack on Titan)
Among the characters presented, Hange might appear the sweetest, most harmless, and most rational, yet she embodies contradiction. Hange`s intense fascination with Titans is both unsettling and compelling. She embodies the archetype of someone utterly engrossed in their passion: eyes alight, ideas sparking one after another, and an unstoppable desire to share every detail of her experiments with anyone who will listen. And herein lies the complication.
Hange is so deeply absorbed by her love for Titans that she simultaneously desires to dissect them for extensive experiments and longs to understand their feelings. She gives them names, talks to them, attempts to build a connection, and yet she also pierces them with spears to identify weaknesses. Fortunately, her more extreme ideas don`t extend to humans, unless, of course, that human is Eren – fate practically designated him as Hange`s perfect test subject.
The world is a great mystery, and each new discovery brings us closer to solving it.
Lelouch vi Britannia (Code Geass)
At first glance, Lelouch, affectionately nicknamed Lulu by his friends, appears to be just an ordinary high school student, excelling in studies and active in the student council. He cares for his younger sister, enjoys time with his peers, and… meticulously plots a genuine revolution. Throughout the series, viewers witness the hero`s dual nature: on one side, a talented and diligent student; on the other, a royal heir, a political pawn, and someone determined to dismantle the king`s tyranny to avenge his mother`s death. While his goal seems justifiable, his methods…
The power Lelouch acquires fuels his arrogance and sense of superiority. The hero begins to manipulate innocent people for his objectives, gradually transforming into the very kind of monster he despises in his father. Lelouch possesses high intelligence but mistakenly believes he can maintain control over any situation. His miscalculations drive him to the brink. Each step the hero takes towards his ultimate goal is captivating and demands attention, while each setback wounds and evokes a sense of sorrow.
It wasn`t me who was mistaken! It was the world! And the world will change – it can be changed.
Juuzou Suzuya (Tokyo Ghoul)
Among all the anime characters, Juuzou stands out as the most intriguing and captivating figure defined by his unique madness. His recognizable appearance with red stitches on his skin, peculiar way of speaking, slightly naive yet endearing demeanor, flawless fighting style, complete lack of fear, and his gaze… His eyes perceive the world differently than ordinary people. Juuzou behaves like a wild creature who was denied love and warmth, yet still harbors a yearning to experience those feelings. He differs from Zak from “Angels of Death,” even though he also endured a difficult childhood.
Juuzou did not lose his trust in people and did not become a maniac. Thanks to a supportive mentor, he channels his energy and aggression into combating criminal ghouls. There`s a complex debate here about good and bad ghouls and humans, a theme explored throughout all four seasons of the anime. However, like many characters in this series, Juuzou cannot be definitively labeled as either a positive or negative character. Despite being quite contradictory, his profound charisma allowed him to capture the hearts of viewers.
Why should I apologize for being a monster? Has anyone ever apologized for turning me into one?
Finley Holt