In the world of anime, there are characters that play minor roles and seldom make appearances, yet these individuals can significantly influence the plot’s development.
Below are 6 such characters in anime:
1. Gol D. Roger – One Piece
In the anime adaptation of One Piece, during the execution of Pirate King Roger, a citizen unexpectedly questions Roger about his treasure. Roger’s response sparked the Great Pirate Era. Although this character does not appear in the manga version, it is clear that Roger answered someone’s question before his execution. Thus, it is unfortunate that the character’s name was not mentioned when the Great Pirate Era began, as Roger’s treasure remains a mystery.
2. Saburo – Kimetsu no Yaiba
Saburo is merely a common villager living on the path where Tanjiro travels. In a fateful evening, Saburo helps Tanjiro return home after he had sold charcoal for the winter. He is also the one who informs Tanjiro about the appearance of the Demon Slayer Corps.
The next morning, when Tanjiro returns home, he finds his entire family dead, leaving only Nezuko alive. However, Nezuko has transformed into a demon. If Tanjiro had returned home earlier, he might have been killed or turned into a demon by Muzan. If both Tanjiro and Nezuko had become demons, Giyuu would have been compelled to slay them. Therefore, one could argue that Kimetsu no Yaiba begins primarily because Saburo helped Tanjiro.
3. Grandpa Gohan – Dragon Ball
Son Gohan is one of the significant characters in the Dragon Ball universe. However, Grandpa Gohan is merely a minor character. When the story begins, Grandpa Gohan has already passed away. He later appears as a spirit to spar with Goku for a brief time, and thereafter, he often appears in flashbacks or as a spiritual guide.
The influence of Grandpa Gohan is substantial, as he was the one who found Goku when he first arrived on Earth. After that, he took care of Goku, who was still wild and challenging to control due to his Saiyan nature.
When Goku fell down a ravine and Grandpa Gohan passed away, Goku became a good person. He acknowledges that he became a hero thanks to the teachings of Gohan.
For instance, if Goku had not been found by Gohan, what would have happened? Would he have been killed by a powerful warrior on Earth? Would he have remained lost and lived a different life?
4. Sludge Villain – My Hero Academia
The Sludge Villain only appears in the beginning of My Hero Academia. Deku has a chance to meet All Might directly because this villain attacks him. This encounter helps Deku understand All Might’s true identity.
The Sludge Villain then escapes from All Might’s grasp, prompting Bakugo to confront him. This incident causes Deku to realize his own shortcomings in comparison to All Might, allowing him to strive to become a hero.
If the Sludge Villain had never attacked, Deku might have never become the hero he is today, and One For All would have been passed down to Mirio Togata instead, while Bakugo would have graduated from UA alone.
5. Mizuki – Naruto
Without counting the filler episodes, Mizuki appears very rarely. However, his role is significant from the very beginning of Naruto’s journey.
He manipulates Naruto into stealing a forbidden scroll containing powerful jutsu. The following events lead Naruto to realize that Iruka is a wonderful teacher.
As a result of this incident, Naruto is able to use the Shadow Clone Technique. Iruka also gives Naruto a ninja headband, signifying his acknowledgment of Naruto.
6. Dario Brando – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Dario Brando, the father of Dio Brando, plays a crucial yet villainous role in the early JoJo universe. Most events begin with Dario, who has a strained relationship with his son. In reality, the story’s trajectory is determined by Dario’s actions after he dies at Dio’s hands.
Following Dario’s demise, Dio joins the Joestar family, creating a long-lasting tragedy that unfolds throughout the series.
Had Dario treated his son better, or at least not to the extent that would lead Dio to kill him, the entire Joestar family saga might have turned out very differently.
