On social media and Japanese forums, a heated debate has erupted regarding the supporting characters in anime who have gained immense popularity, sometimes even surpassing the main characters. This discussion has shed light on how certain supporting characters, despite not being the protagonists, have captured the hearts of fans and, in some cases, have been acknowledged more than the main characters themselves.
Among the supporting characters that anime fans often mention, here are the top names:
- Satoru Gojo – Jujutsu Kaisen
- Levi Ackerman – Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan)
- Katsuki Bakugo – Boku no Hero Academia
- Masaru Gojo – Inazuma Eleven
- Killua Zoldyck – HUNTER x HUNTER
- Nanachi – Made in Abyss
- Kana Arima – Oshi no Ko
- Zenitsu Agatsuma – Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Aura – Sousou no Frieren
In many cases, the fame of these supporting characters can far exceed that of the main characters. This phenomenon has created a buzz regarding the reasons behind this trend. Fans tend to resonate with these supporting characters due to their unique qualities that evoke stronger emotional responses than the protagonists. They often exhibit depth, complexity, and a more relatable narrative arc throughout the story.
One comment in the fandom noted: “Before watching Made in Abyss, I thought Nanachi was the main character.” This kind of misunderstanding often occurs when a supporting character stands out to the extent that they seem to overshadow the protagonist.
Another individual remarked: “In this case, even the supporting roles are distinctive, making it hard to create a compelling story. In the original manga of Jujutsu Kaisen, Itadori and Fushiguro are still popular. This shows that, despite supporting characters potentially stealing the spotlight, the main characters still maintain their core identity.”
The idea that a supporting character can overshadow a main character also relates to their design. Main characters are typically crafted to be balanced and well-rounded. In contrast, supporting characters can often be more exaggerated, quirky, or unique, allowing them to stand out more against the backdrop of the primary narrative.
An anime fan posed the question: “Isn’t Levi’s role not supposed to be a main character?” This comment reflects the widespread recognition of Levi, who is often viewed as a true main character due to his strong presence and capabilities in Shingeki no Kyojin.
Conversely, several discussions raised questions about the level of recognition between a main character and a supporting character. One user expressed surprise at the significant difference in popularity between Bakugo and the main character of Boku no Hero Academia: “I like Bakugo too, but when watching the final results, I was quite surprised at how much more distinct he was compared to the second lead.”
