In storytelling, main characters often dominate the narrative, engaging in climactic battles and delivering powerful speeches. Nevertheless, there are side characters who, despite their limited screen time, profoundly resonate with audiences by embodying the emotional essence of the story. These secondary characters may not take center stage, but their journeys, struggles, and transformations frequently leave a lasting impact, often overshadowing the primary protagonists’ narratives.
Many of these characters face extreme adversities and yet find the strength to move forward. Others impart insights that reflect life’s complexities, while some endure silent suffering as the main plot unfolds around them. Their unforgettable nature stems from their authenticity and emotional depth.These are the characters who captivate our hearts, illustrating that genuine emotion transcends the need for a spotlight; it simply requires sincerity.
10. Maes Hughes – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
The Kindest Man Who Made Everyone Else Cry
While Edward and Alphonse Elric face numerous challenges, no single moment resonates as painfully as the death of Maes Hughes. Known for his warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion to his family, Hughes is not directly involved in the main quest, yet his compassion for the Elrics makes the tragedy of his death particularly poignant.
The heart-wrenching scene of Hughes collapsing while attempting to reach Mustang is made even more devastating during his funeral, particularly when his daughter asks why they are burying her father, insisting that he still has work to do. This emotional moment overshadows the Elrics’ anguish—Hughes may be a side character, but his absence reshapes the narrative significantly.
9. Haku – Naruto
The Weapon Who Chose Love Over Survival
Although Haku’s appearances are limited to the initial arc of Naruto, his impact endures. Serving as Zabuza’s dedicated partner, Haku fights with remarkable finesse. Yet beneath the surface lies the story of a boy yearning to protect the one who gives his life meaning.
Haku’s death resonates not from the leads’ responses but from Zabuza’s emotional awakening. Realizing how much Haku loved him—and how little he reciprocated—causes Zabuza to shed his defenses, charging into danger and collapsing beside the only person who viewed him as more than a mere weapon. In this pivotal moment, Haku bestows upon Naruto one of its most poignant scenes, fulfilling a deep emotional role without ever being framed as a hero.
8. Tetta Kisaki – Tokyo Revengers
The Villain Built from Rejection and Regret
While Takemichi serves as the time-traveling protagonist of Tokyo Revengers, it is Kisaki who truly embodies the emotional turmoil of the story. His actions reverberate throughout timelines, resulting in tragedy and chaos. However, what sets Kisaki apart as more than a typical antagonist is the emotional foundation of his motivations, rooted in deep feelings of rejection and longing.
Haunted by broken dreams and unattainable love, Kisaki’s emptiness fuels his actions, reshaping the narrative significantly when his backstory is revealed. His arc serves as a reminder that sometimes, pain is not overt; it can be a quiet whisper, subtly influencing everything around it.
7. Yuki Sohma – Fruits Basket
The Zodiac Prince Who Carried the Family’s Curse Without Screaming
While Tohru represents the heart of Fruits Basket, Yuki embodies the underlying sorrow woven throughout the narrative. Initially appearing calm and collected, Yuki’s backstory reveals a life filled with emotional neglect and profound isolation. His struggles extend beyond the family’s Zodiac curse—representing abandonment, dismissal, and manipulation.
His journey toward healing unfolds subtly and painfully, characterized by fragile relationships forged through kindness in the face of fear. In a tender moment towards the conclusion of his arc, he addresses someone as “mother” for the first time in years, showcasing the deep significance of his personal growth.
6. Serizawa – Mob Psycho 100
The Hermit Who Didn’t Know If He Deserved a Place in the World
In Mob Psycho 100, while Mob represents the journey of emotional development, Serizawa embodies the series’ profound heartache. He spent years ensconced in isolation, gripped by fear of his powers and questioning his purpose. When he eventually ventures outdoors, he is overwhelmed by the world around him.
Despite his formidable abilities, Serizawa’s fragility and kindness showcase a deeply human struggle. Witnessing his reluctance to engage and constant self-doubt resonates powerfully, as he navigates the slow path toward meaningful relationships, making his story more impactful than any combat scene.
5. Kojiro Sasaki – Record of Ragnarok
The Perennial Loser Who Fought Like a Legend
Initially perceived as a comical figure—a geriatric swordsman without notable achievements—Kojiro Sasaki transforms dramatically once the battle commences. He exemplifies relentless determination, patience, and concentration, revealing a man who has learned invaluable lessons through his many defeats.
Kojiro’s narrative transcends the idea of winning; it’s a testament to resilience and tenacity. His eventual triumph resonates profoundly, as it stands not only as a victory for himself but also for everyone who has ever faced discouragement and rejection.
4. Yuri – Angel Beats!
The Fighter Who Couldn’t Save Her Siblings but Fought Anyway
Yuri is the central figure leading the resistance in Angel Beats!, yet her personal history carries a significance unmatched by other characters. The harrowing memory of witnessing her siblings’ murder during a home invasion profoundly impacts her motivations and actions throughout the series.
This trauma drives her relentless fight against the divine, influencing her decisions and emotional fortifications. Ultimately, her journey culminates not in a defeat but in a choice for her own peace.Even in her absence, the weight of her suffering persists, cementing her legacy as a deeply memorable character.
3. Natsuki Subaru – Re:Zero
The “Hero” Who Was Always on the Brink
Though Subaru is the main character in Re:Zero, the narrative positions him in a manner that emphasizes his isolation from the supporting cast. He shoulders enormous burdens, often without anyone comprehending the magnitude of his struggles.
The trauma of his resets inflicts deep wounds, systematically eroding his confidence and sense of self. Witnessing his despair exposes viewers to more than just a hero’s journey; it’s an intimate look at a young man grappling with defeat.When Subaru finally finds someone willing to listen, it emerges as a transformative moment, reflecting the dangers of emotional isolation.
2. Kamina – Gurren Lagann
The Voice That Echoed Louder After Death
While Simon drives the narrative forward, it is Kamina who ignites his spirit. With unwavering belief and boisterous encouragement, Kamina embodies vigor and heart until his untimely demise.
His absence creates an enormous void; Simon struggles to cope, and the show’s tone shifts dramatically. The consequences of Kamina’s death ripple through the storyline, his legacy shaping the characters’ journeys and motivations in ways far more profound than any antagonist ever could.
1. Nanami Kento – Jujutsu Kaisen
The Adult Who Bore the Weight So the Kids Didn’t Have To
In Jujutsu Kaisen, Nanami represents the grounded presence amidst chaos, his demeanor calm and focused. Beneath his professional facade lies a man who has previously tried to abandon the burdens of the cursed world but ultimately cannot ignore the suffering it entails.
He plays a critical role in teaching Yuji the gravity of their responsibilities. As he sacrifices himself in battle, Nanami’s thoughts drift towards a serene escape—a beach, a simple life’s dream. He never sought to be a hero; in embracing that role, he unburdened an entire generation of sorcerers, even when they remained unaware of the sacrifice.
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