Top 18 Isekai Anime and Manga Protagonists Reincarnated as Background Characters

Key Insights

• These narratives present a unique isekai twist, featuring protagonists who are reincarnated as minor characters in familiar stories or games.
• Due to the growing saturation of the isekai genre, new entries are focusing on unique variations to stand out.
• The best among these stories excel in character development, strategic utilization of plot knowledge, and engaging action sequences.

The premise of characters being ‘transported’ into the worlds of books, video games, or novels they admire has seen considerable exploration across various media. In most cases, protagonists find themselves inhabiting the primary character’s body, maneuvering through familiar tales to exploit their knowledge for personal gain.

However, a fresh trend is emerging within the genre: stories where protagonists are reincarnated as secondary characters. These can range from villains to entirely new entities or even minor roles, challenging protagonists to redefine their destinies within established narratives. Below, we highlight some of the most compelling examples of this unique twist in the isekai genre.

19 I Killed An Academy Player

This manhwa revolves around two players trapped in a video game titled “The Heroic Legend of Arhan”. One player reincarnates as a side character named Corin Lach, while the other takes on the role of the game’s main protagonist. As they advance, Corin uncovers that the main character has been eliminating essential NPCs and is fixated on him. Following a pivotal defeat, Corin reverts three years in time with the burden of defeating the main character and completing the impossible game solo. This series stands out due to Corin’s struggle to gain strength without starting abilities, embodying the essence of a side character.

18 The Extra’s Academy Survival Guide

In this series, the protagonist is reborn as Ed Rothstaylor, a despicable noble known for bullying the main character before being expelled from the academy. Having gained knowledge of the game’s events, Ed must navigate his new identity without familial support or skills. This narrative shares similarities with “I Killed the Main Player”, emphasizing the side character’s determination and resourcefulness. A standout feature is Ed’s self-sufficiency as he builds his homestead and works diligently to establish a new life.

17 Genius Corpse-Collecting Warrior

This series explores the journey of a protagonist who gets trapped in an exceptionally difficult game. As death comes repeatedly, he possesses a unique ability to ‘collect’ corpses of his past characters, allowing him to resurrect with learned skills and abilities. This mechanic grants the protagonist potential for limitless growth, demanding he revisit perilous locations associated with his former deaths. While not a classic side character tale, the game mechanics position him within a backdrop that emphasizes survival and resourcefulness.

16 As A Reincarnated Aristocrat, I’ll Use My Appraisal Skill To Rise In The World

This story features the main character Ars Louvent, reincarnated as the heir of a noble family. Lacking in strength, he utilizes a cheat ability that lets him assess the skills and potential of others. By leveraging his unique power, Ars builds a formidable team, showcasing a refreshing take on the protagonist journey. He exemplifies strategic thinking and reliance on allies, contrasting with the typical overpowered leads in many contemporary isekai narratives.

15 Dungeon Defense

This manhwa follows Dantalian, the weakest Demon Lord, who finds himself navigating dangerous circumstances where his survival hinges more on intellect than brute strength. Unlike typical narratives filled with outrageous powers, Dantalian relies on cunning strategy to gather allies and safeguard himself from threats, showcasing a unique layer of character complexity and moral ambiguity.

14 Villains Are Destined to Die

This tale recounts the life of Penelope Eckhart, who is reincarnated as a notorious villainess in the game, “Daughter of the Duke, Love Project.”Facing a series of dire endings, Penelope must charm the male leads to stave off her grim fate. The story is reminiscent of “My Next Life as a Villainess”but enhances the stakes, challenging the protagonist to labor diligently to overturn her negative reputation.

13 Reincarnated As A Sword

This intriguing series features the main character reincarnated as a sword, supporting a different protagonist named Fran. Positioned in a unique perspective, the ‘Teacher’ (sword) assists Fran in her quest, creating an exceptional dynamic as they navigate challenges together. This inversion adds freshness to the genre, emphasizing partnership and character growth.

12 Terminally-Ill Genius Dark Knight

Nox Von Reinhafer is the primary character in this manhwa, reincarnated as a villain with a terminal illness from his original life. Utilizing his extensive knowledge of the game “Inner Lunatic”, he maneuvers through his fate, striving to find a cure for his ailment. The narrative explores themes of life, death, and resilience, presenting a fresh take on character struggles within a familiar gaming spectrum.

11 Pick Me Up: Infinite Gacha

In this series, protagonist Islet Han (also known as Loki) finds himself reincarnated in a mobile game as a low-level hero. Having been the top player previously, he must adapt to his new beginnings while unraveling the complexities of the mobile game world. Rich in writing and artistry, it’s a gripping narrative featuring survival, emotional depth, and intense engagement.

10 Never Die Extra

In this narrative, Yeo Ban-min aims to protect Evan D. Sherden from a multitude of disastrous endings endured within the game “Yo-Ma Great War”. With a keen memory for both game mechanics and character arcs, Yeo endeavors to alter Evan’s fate, providing a light-hearted yet adventurous take on the reincarnation theme.

9 The Greatest Estate Developer

This comedic series features Suho Kim, an engineering student turned character named Lloyd Frontera, a lazy noble with dire debts. While it seems conventional at first, the narrative escalates into whimsical scenarios and manic adventures that keep readers engaged and entertained, sustaining a light-hearted tone while embracing absurdity.

8 The S-Classes That I Raised

This narrative focuses on Han Yoojin, an underachieving character whose abilities are initially overshadowed by his successful brother. After surviving a calamity, Han uses this second chance to uplift those around him and amend past errors, creating a powerful story about relationships, redemption, and self-discovery.

7 My Next Life As A Villainess: All Routes Lead To Doom

This series presents an amusing twist on the isekai genre, following Katarina Claes, the antagonist of the otome game “Fortune Lover”. After being reincarnated, Katarina must navigate a perilous landscape of social intricacies and romantic entanglements, determined to rewrite her destined tragic endings.

6 I’m The Villainess, So I’m Taming The Final Boss

This series mirrors the premise of “My Next Life As A Villainess”, wherein the protagonist, Aileen, retains memories of her past life. As the main antagonist, she faces numerous dangers tied to her character’s fate. The romantic elements intertwine deeply with her conflict, as Aileen’s journey weaves a narrative of survival and love.

5 Trapped In A Dating Sim: The World Of Otome Games Is Tough For Mobs

In a refreshing role reversal, this story features a male protagonist navigating through a world dominated by women in an otome game. He employs his knowledge to navigate the game’s intricacies and rise above his disenfranchisement, presenting an engaging and entertaining exploration of gender dynamics within gaming norms.

4 The Crow’s Prince

This tale features a zookeeper reincarnated into the form of a crow, who inadvertently finds herself associated with an injured prince from a mobile romance game. Their bond and her ability to shift between forms make for a unique narrative filled with romance and personal growth, weaving personal stakes amid familiar tropes.

3 My Death Flags Show No Sign Of Ending

Harold Stokes, the villain in this game, finds himself reincarnated during a crucial scene where he orders the execution of an innocent maid. Struggling against the character’s inherent nature, the protagonist must navigate misunderstandings while trying to evade harsh outcomes dictated by his role, resulting in a narrative rich in humor and innovation.

2 The Novel’s Extra

In “The Novel’s Extra”, the protagonist Kim Hajin navigates through a world he has crafted as an author, finding himself positioned as a minor character in his own narrative. The twist arises as he seeks to influence the story’s outcomes while contending with unforeseen factors that threaten his plans, creating an engaging meta-narrative within the isekai genre.

1 The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated In Another World As An Aristocrat

This narrative follows an elite assassin who chooses to reincarnate in a new world to prevent a catastrophic fate while fulfilling his ultimate role as a background character. Adopting an unexpected dark and comedic tone, the tale blends action with clever storytelling, capturing readers with its unique premise of choice and consequence.

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