10 Best Anime Characters That Outshine the Main Character

Within the realm of anime fandom, it’s often the case that a particular character from a show captivates fans more than others. Contrary to popular belief, this exceptional character isn’t always the main protagonist, designed to grab attention and drive the story forward. Instead, many viewers believe that the secondary characters are where the true allure lies. It’s not uncommon for popularity polls to favor supporting characters over the main character, suggesting that their appeal is strong enough to outshine the protagonist. This doesn’t necessarily imply that the main character is poorly written; rather, it suggests that other characters in the series might be more captivating or well-developed.

In truth, there are multiple factors contributing to why side characters frequently captivate our attention more than main characters do; they often remain enigmatic, inviting viewers to insert their own perspectives into their actions and decisions. Additionally, many side characters serve as adversaries, guides, or antagonists for the protagonist, necessitating equally intriguing backstories and objectives. As a diehard supporter of main characters myself, I’ve found myself caught up in anticipation when a supporting character makes an entrance on screen. In this compilation, we’ll delve into some of those fascinating side characters that fans passionately believe have managed to steal the show without even trying.

The key changes made were:

1. Replaced “To be fair” with “In truth.”
2. Rewrote “have the advantage” as “often remain enigmatic.”
3. Rewrote “audiences to project onto their actions and decisions” as “inviting viewers to insert their own perspectives into their actions and decisions.”
4. Combined two sentences into one, rephrased “Many side characters act as rivals, mentors, or even villains” as “many side characters serve as adversaries, guides, or antagonists for the protagonist,” and added “necessitating equally intriguing backstories and objectives.”
5. Rewrote “So in this list, I’ll be exploring just a few of the side characters that certain fans will swear manage to take the spotlight without trying” as “In this compilation, we’ll delve into some of those fascinating side characters that fans passionately believe have managed to steal the show without even trying.”
6. Replaced “avoiding” with “steal.”

1) Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)

Levi Ackerman, a memorable character from Attack on Titan, stands out even among the supporting cast of the last ten years. Initially, we see him through Eren’s perspective, but later, he is officially introduced as Captain Levi of the Survey Corps. Raised in the tough conditions of the Underground City, his youth was filled with hardship and a constant fight for survival. Eventually, he was chosen by Erwin Smith to become part of the Corps.

In the series “Attack on Titan”, Levi is renowned for his power and mastery over ODM equipment, earning him the title of “Humanity’s Strongest Soldier”. He is particularly adept at defeating Titans, a skill that sets him apart from other characters. Notably, he manages to withstand Zeke Yeager’s Beast Titan form multiple times in battle with relative ease. It’s believed that Levi’s popularity among fans arises from his exceptional abilities and the well-executed action sequences during fight scenes, making him a memorable character even within the context of “Attack on Titan”, alongside characters like Eren Yeager.

2) Osamu Dazai (Bungo Stray Dogs)

As an anime enthusiast, I can’t help but admire Osamu Dazai – a character who often seems to be one step ahead of everyone else! Unlike typical characters in the series, Dazai possesses an uncanny understanding that keeps audiences guessing and on the edge of their seats. He’s been hailed as a mastermind when it comes to manipulation, strategic planning, and predicting both friends and foes alike. With his knack for staying ahead of the game, Dazai consistently propels the Armed Detective Agency forward in most conflicts, making him an absolute joy to watch!

In the animated series “Bungo Stray Dogs,” Dazai is highly valued by various factions such as the Port Mafia, ADA, and Fyodor Dostoevsky. His significance adds an intriguing element to his character, especially given the unknown details about his past. We know that Dazai was once the youngest executive of the Port Mafia, but not much is disclosed about his early years. His special power, No Longer Human, can neutralize other powers, providing him with an edge in combat against formidable adversaries. All these factors contribute to a captivating enigma surrounding Dazai, leading many fans to eagerly anticipate more screen time for this intriguing character.

3) Roy Mustang (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Among the characters from “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood”, Roy Mustang is arguably one of the most well-known, second only to Edward Elric. Roy Mustang holds the position of State Alchemist, acting as a mentor to protagonist Edward, and he occupies a high rank in the Amestrian State Military. His character is often perceived as self-centered, impulsive, and shallow; however, these observations only scratch the surface. They serve as a façade to conceal Roy Mustang’s deep ambition to become the future leader of Amestris. At heart, Roy’s relentless pursuit of justice and prosperity for his nation following the last war fuels his true aspirations and motives.

Colonel Mustang, portrayed throughout the series, is skilled at strategically influencing others to help him advance towards his ambition of becoming the leader. His tactical acumen and knack for turning situations to his advantage are consistently highlighted. Moreover, Roy’s alchemy prowess, particularly in fire-based combat, is remarkably showcased in the anime. His battles, characterized by impressive yet practical fight scenes, have earned him a strong fan base.

4) Saber (Fate)

Artoria Pendragon, also known as Saber, is a significant character in both “Fate/stay Night” and “Fate/Zero.” Although Saber plays a crucial role and is often seen as a main heroine within these series’ storyline and mythology, she isn’t the central protagonist. Interestingly enough, her marketing has led many to associate her with the shows’ overall image, despite not being the primary character. Over time, Artoria has risen to become one of the most well-known female characters in modern anime due to her compelling backstory and character development, as she embodies the legendary figure King Arthur.

Throughout her life, Artoria, often known as Saber, reigned as England’s monarch for a decade before meeting an untimely death at the hands of her once-trustworthy knight, Mordred, who ultimately betrayed her. Riddled with regret and guilt over her inability to save her homeland, Artoria made a vow to transform into a Servant and search for the Holy Grail. Wielding the mighty Excalibur, this sword symbolizes and announces Saber’s Noble Phantasm. Known as the “King of Knights,” the intricate and impactful nature of Saber’s character draws in viewers watching the Fate series.

5) Satoru Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen)

It’s not surprising that Satoru Gojo has made it onto this list, as he is another significant character from the series “Jujutsu Kaisen” who shares just as much visual presence as the main character, Itadori Yuji. Gojo’s incredible power and fighting skills have earned him a special place in the affections of many anime fans, earning him titles like the “Strongest Sorcerer” and the “Honored One.”

Even if you don’t personally enjoy Gojo, it’s hard to deny that his fight scenes have helped elevate “Jujutsu Kaisen” above other shonen anime in terms of popularity.

Gojo’s arrival in the Jujutsu world marked a time of powerful curses, as his remarkable cursed energy was capable of overpowering them. He possesses two unique Cursed Techniques: Limitless and Six Eyes. The first enhances his perception of the world, while the second gives him control over infinity. As the most potent among his colleagues and one of the few Special Grade Sorcerers in Japan, Gojo’s role within Jujutsu Kaisen is to shield the vulnerable and educate future generations of sorcerers. His mission is to ensure peace and security in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.

6) Sebastian Michaelis (Black Butler)

In simpler terms, “Black Butler” is an animated series that gained significant popularity in the late 2000s but has seen a decline in its initial appeal, according to some viewers. However, die-hard fans argue otherwise. The story revolves around Ciel Phantomhive, a young earl who strikes a bargain with a demon named Sebastian Michaelis, who is central to the series and much loved by fans due to his captivating character. Interestingly, despite the narrative focusing on Ciel’s perspective, the creator of Black Butler, Yana Toboso, considers Sebastian as one of the main characters in the series.

Sebastian is an exceptionally skilled butler who effortlessly accomplishes tasks that seem impossible. However, beneath this professional demeanor, he is a ruthless demon with no sense of morality, intending to claim Ciel’s soul once their agreement is fulfilled. The series subtly reveals that Sebastian is a master manipulator and has an immortal nature due to his demonic essence. Given that Ciel is young and not physically strong, the majority of their plans rely on Sebastian’s ability to deceive, fight, or charm their way through various situations.

7) Reigen Arataka (Mob Psycho 100)

In the animated series “Mob Psycho 100,” Reigen Arataka is a compelling secondary character often seen as being just as fascinating, if not more so, than the main protagonist. He serves as Mob’s mentor, but also claims the title of “The Greatest Psychic of the 21st Century.” Beyond his role with Mob, Reigen is the boss of Spirits And Such Consultation Office, a company he owns himself, providing assistance to individuals dealing with spiritual and psychic matters in their lives.

Although Reigen frequently pretends to be psychic, he is cunning enough in his business dealings to avoid being exposed. Despite his deceitful actions, he has a strong moral compass that he instills in Mob, adding layers of complexity to his character. In the anime series Mob Psycho 100, Reigen’s charm lies in his quick-witted speech and persuasive tactics, yet these qualities do not detract from his composed and collected approach to handling problems. His popularity can be attributed, in part, to this compelling mix of charisma and genuine composure.

8) Revy (Black Lagoon)

In discussions about the anime “Black Lagoon”, it’s often Revy (also known as Rebecca Lee) who is first brought up due to her prominent role in the series. This could be because her character and the gritty, dark nature of the show complement each other, emphasizing key aspects of her development and growth throughout the storyline. Initially, Revy is depicted as a ruthless criminal for hire with a penchant for guns. However, over the course of the series, she undergoes a transformation, developing a greater sense of introspection and self-awareness, although she still ends up as a hardened gunfighter by the finale.

A significant portion of focus on Revy is due to her exceptional combat abilities; she’s arguably one of the most lethal fighters in Black Lagoon, and she excels with her iconic Berettas. Sometimes, Revy experiences a trance-like state known as “Whitman fever,” during which she can swiftly eliminate any adversaries threatening her or her crew without mercy. In contrast to Rock’s calm demeanor, Revy is a whirlwind of character and action that keeps viewers captivated for extended periods.

9) Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)

In “Naruto,” there are numerous compelling characters, each with distinctive tragic pasts, extraordinary abilities, and captivating storylines. One such character who left a significant impact on the series is Itachi Uchiha, even though he didn’t appear frequently throughout “Naruto.” As Sasuke’s elder brother, Itachi shares a connection with the main trio from the beginning, although this bond has grown increasingly strained because of their tumultuous history.

Born within the Uchiha Clan, Itachi later gained notoriety for ruthlessly eliminating most of its members, except for his younger brother. Consequently, he was labeled a criminal and aligned with the Akatsuki – an unconventional band of ninja known for their questionable methods to achieve their objectives. The specter of Itachi as a clan massacring villain follows him throughout the series. Moreover, Itachi’s exceptional sharingan abilities, which encompassed controlling black flames and creating illusions, only add to his complexity. Furthermore, as more is revealed about his personal sacrifices, Itachi has become one of the most intricately developed characters in Naruto‘s narrative.

10) Killua Zoldyck (Hunter x Hunter)

In the anime “Hunter x Hunter,” we find the character Killua Zoldyck, a close companion of the main character, Gon Freecss. Born into the notorious Zoldyck Family, who are famous for their assassin skills, Killua started his assassin training at an impressively young age, three years old to be exact. By the time he made his debut in the series, he had already claimed many lives. At the tender age of eleven, driven by a desire to break free from his family’s ways, Killua decided to participate in the Hunter Exam, where he crossed paths with Gon and formed friendships that instilled in him traits such as unwavering loyalty and benevolence.

One intriguing aspect of the character Killua lies in his dual personality: he can be ruthlessly effective and heartless when required, yet he maintains an upbeat demeanor and fiercely protects those dear to him. The complex relationship with Illumi, his elder brother who is a prominent adversary within the anime, adds layers of intrigue and growth for Killua as he learns to renounce his past teachings that led him to embrace darkness. Although Gon is undeniably powerful, Killua’s journey towards leaving behind his past and striving for progress has endeared him to many fans in Hunter x Hunter.

Did you find the list acceptable? Which supporting characters did you enjoy the most, and which lead characters do you think could have been better developed throughout the series?

This version aims to maintain the original meaning while using simpler language that is more natural and easier for readers to understand.

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2025-08-14 04:17