10 Anime Characters More Interesting Than Their Series’ Leads

Often, the most compelling characters in anime aren’t the heroes, but the supporting ones. Side characters have an intriguing quality that main characters rarely achieve. We see so much of the protagonist that they become predictable – their actions and reasons aren’t surprising anymore, especially if they fit typical character molds.

It’s common for anime side characters to become more popular than the main characters, but how much they stand out really depends on the show. Sometimes they’re just a little more interesting, while other times they’re far more complex and steal the show whenever they’re on screen.

10) Roy Mustang (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a great anime hero, but surprisingly, he isn’t the most compelling character in the show. While Edward has flaws and can be self-centered, he generally follows a predictable path and deals with his difficult past in an expected way. Roy Mustang, on the other hand, is much more complex. He appears tough and even ruthless, but he’s secretly burdened by guilt and a strong sense of justice. Unlike Edward’s clear-cut morality, Mustang is more ambiguous, yet his good qualities still make him someone you want to support.

9) Norman (The Promised Neverland)

Among the three central characters in The Promised Neverland, Emma is arguably the least captivating to watch. While her constant optimism and kindness are admirable qualities, they make her motivations quite predictable. Ray and Norman, on the other hand, are far more complex. Norman’s story is particularly compelling; he experiences greater hardship, forcing him to grapple with difficult moral choices that Emma and Ray handle with ease. His trauma, descent into morally gray areas, and eventual transformation create a much more engaging character arc, leaving the audience wondering what he’ll do next.

8) Akame (Akame ga Kill!)

Though the anime is named after Akame in Akame ga Kill!, Tatsumi is actually the main character. He’s a decent hero, but it quickly becomes clear why the story centers on Akame. She’s more enigmatic, a much stronger fighter, and surprisingly charming. Akame is clearly haunted by a difficult past, and she doesn’t hesitate to use violence to protect others from the Empire’s harshness. Despite being a skilled assassin, she’s deeply caring and loyal, making her a likable and compelling character with a lot of depth.

7) Arataka Reigen (Mob Psycho 100)

The characters in Mob Psycho 100 are all incredibly well-developed, and the main character, Shigeo, is just as compelling as supporting characters like Reigen and Dimple. However, Shigeo’s simple wish to live a normal life consistently motivates his actions, making him feel more grounded than the others. This isn’t a weakness; in fact, Shigeo often breaks typical shonen hero molds. That said, Reigen is arguably more fun to watch, and his motivations are more complex. While he’s clearly motivated by money and social standing, he’s also fiercely loyal and surprisingly brave. Reigen is a character that fans might have mixed feelings about, but that complexity is what makes him so interesting.

6) Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)

While Eren’s transformation from hero to villain makes him a fascinating character in Attack on Titan, I believe Levi Ackerman is actually the most compelling. Levi consistently surprises viewers by retaining his humanity despite witnessing and participating in terrible events. In many ways, his ability to stay grounded is even more remarkable than Eren’s dramatic shift. Despite a tragic past filled with loss and the horrors of war, and even after seeing what Eren does, Levi manages to maintain a surprising level of composure. This inner strength, combined with his skill in battle, is what makes him so popular with fans.

5) Satoru Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Yuji Itadori quickly establishes himself as a compelling protagonist in Jujutsu Kaisen – someone who’s both unusual and captivating enough to make reckless decisions, like willingly consuming a piece of the most powerful curse. However, the mentor character, Satoru Gojo, is even more magnetic. Gojo is funny, charismatic, and incredibly strong, consistently dominating every scene he appears in. But what truly makes him fascinating is the contrast between his playful exterior and his tragic past, hidden vulnerabilities, and genuine desire to improve the world. These complex layers make Gojo a multifaceted character, and help viewers accept his overwhelming power.

4) Katsuki Bakugo (My Hero Academia)

The dynamic between Deku and Bakugo is central to the first few seasons of My Hero Academia. While Deku ultimately becomes more powerful, Bakugo is arguably the more compelling character. His struggles with feeling inferior add complexity to his initially abrasive personality. Bakugo undergoes a remarkably well-written redemption arc, demonstrating more growth than even Deku. My Hero Academia skillfully shifts how viewers perceive Bakugo, revealing hidden depths and his capacity for change – a testament to the show’s strong writing.

3) Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)

Naruto is a great main character, but Kakashi, like many anime mentors, often seems even more impressive. He’s incredibly powerful and skilled in battle, but what really draws viewers in is his mysterious personality. From the beginning of Naruto, Kakashi is eccentric and secretive, making audiences want to learn about his past. He’s a compelling character because he’s both calm and collected, yet also shows vulnerability. This complexity makes him enjoyable to watch and analyze, and he’s simply a fun character overall.

2) Shinobu Kochō (Demon Slayer)

Throughout Demon Slayer, Tanjiro consistently demonstrates incredible empathy and bravery, though sometimes he lets it overwhelm him. While his strong character is admirable, it means he isn’t as complex as many of the other characters. In fact, most people around him have more nuanced personalities, and Shinobu is a particularly pleasant surprise. Initially appearing cheerful and kind, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle reveals a hidden, deep-seated anger within her. This unexpected depth is especially welcome for a female character and significantly elevates her, even though her story arc is relatively brief beyond the upcoming 2025 film.

1) Vegeta (Dragon Ball Franchise)

Goku is a cheerful and motivating hero, but his personality and goals are pretty consistent throughout the series. Unlike Vegeta, who begins as a villain and gradually becomes a hero, Goku is always straightforward. While this simplicity is part of Goku’s appeal, Vegeta’s journey is more compelling. We see Vegeta evolve from a truly evil character to a flawed anti-hero, and eventually, to someone capable of genuine heroism. This complexity makes Vegeta a much more fascinating character to follow, and explains why so many fans love him.

2026-05-25 04:12