In the world of anime, there are many main characters that receive significant support from their audiences… up to the point where you begin to ponder the reasons behind their actions. This is the moment you start to question the moral grounds of the characters.
Below are some main characters from anime. If you look closely, you’ll find that their moral grounds are often much darker than that of a typical hero. They captivate audiences mainly due to their human traits, which are often ambiguous and not clearly defined.
Light Yagami – Death Note
Light Yagami starts as a high school student in Japan who discovers the Death Note, a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name is written in it. At first, he intends to use the notebook’s power to eradicate all criminals and create a new world of justice.
However, as the story progresses, he transforms into a notorious figure who believes himself to be a god, eliminating anyone who opposes him, even if they are innocent.
Eren Jaeger – Attack on Titan
In Attack on Titan, Eren undergoes a significant transformation from a mere hero to a complex antagonist by the end of the story.
Initially, after witnessing his mother being devoured by a Titan, Eren vows to eliminate all Titans. As he unlocks the secrets of the Titans and learns about the history of Eldia and Marley, he becomes driven by a desire for liberation, even if it means committing violent acts against humanity.
Eren Jaeger ultimately chooses to liberate his people, even at the cost of a drastic reduction in human life, showcasing the lengths to which he will go to achieve freedom for his friends.
Lelouch – Code Geass
Initially, Lelouch is driven by a desire for revenge for his mother’s death and aims to create a world where his sister, Nunnally, can live in peace.
Despite being a main character with noble intentions, Lelouch faces numerous challenges that lead him down a dark path, manipulating others and committing acts of assassination against both Britannian and Japanese individuals to achieve his goals.
Shinji Ikari – Neon Genesis Evangelion
Throughout the series, Shinji Ikari struggles with his self-identity, often reflecting on his worth and place in the world. His journey is marked by a profound sense of isolation that affects his ability to connect with others.
Shinji’s reluctance to confront his emotions often leads to critical decisions that have catastrophic consequences, particularly as he grapples with the responsibilities placed upon him to save humanity.
Guts – Berserk
Guts is driven by a desire for revenge and survival in a brutal world. Constantly battling against fate and pursuing vengeance, he embodies a tragic hero who is often caught in a cycle of violence.
His story is a poignant exploration of the consequences of revenge, as Guts struggles between his thirst for revenge and the desire to find his own humanity amidst the chaos.
