Random Anime Side Characters Who Are More Compelling Than The Protagonist (14 items)

• 

  (#13) Ruri Gokou - Oreimo

  With a lead character as loud and obnoxious as Kirino Kousaka, it's not hard to find one to surpass her in Oreimo. One that stands out in particular is the gothic Ruri Gokou, or Kuroneko, as she prefers to be called.

  Like Kirino, Kuroneko is an obsessive otaku who writes pretentious doujinshi as well as novels that cater exclusively to her taste. However, Kuroneko's bashful side and sweet relationship with Kyousuke makes her far more palatable than Kirino. 
• 

  (#9) Nicholas D. Wolfwood - Trigun

  Vash the Stampede is a fun character to watch on Trigun, but once Nicholas D. Wolfwood steps onto the show, it's impossible to not want more. Fashion-wise, Wolfwood rocks the bad*ss preacher look with his slick shades and enormous cross-shaped gun.

  His cool persona perfectly contrasts Vash's whimsical demeanor, and his surprise relationship with Milly Thompson is endearing to watch unfold. However, just like Vash, Wolfwood has a dark past that motivates him throughout the series. His abusive childhood drives him to raise money for the orphanage he runs, so that he can make sure other children won't suffer like he did. 
• 

  (#8) Rock Lee

  • Naruto, Naruto Shippūden, Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom, Naruto Shippuden the Movie, Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire, Ninja World

  Although the Naruto anime constantly paints its lead character as an outcast, Naruto's obnoxious behavior makes him hard to sympathize with. Plus, those Nine-Tailed Demon Fox powers of his always give him what feels like an unfair leg up on the competition.

  Rock Lee, on the other hand, is the epitomic loveable underdog. Unlike most of the ninjas in the series, Rock Lee doesn't possess the skills to perform ninjutsu and genjutsu. However, through sheer determination, he is able to go toe-to-toe with the near-unstoppable Gaara using only his non-magic physical abilities. 
• 

  (#1) Killua Zaoldyeck

  • Hunter x Hunter

  Killua Zoldyck shares a few similarities with the main protagonist of Hunter X Hunter, Gon Freecss.  Killua and Gon both display a kind-hearted attitude that is most commonly found in children. What separates Killua from Gon, however, is that when provoked by an enemy, he doesn't hesitate to show his bloodthirsty side.

  Much of that comes from his background growing up in a family of assassins, a lifestyle he eventually rebelled against.
• 

  (#6) Kamina

  • Gurren Lagann

  This one is a total no-brainer for Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann fans. Seriously, Kamina is one of the best things about the anime.

  Kamina's bombastic personality makes him an absolute blast to watch. Whereas Simon is often too timid, Kamina is loud, brave, and determined. It's easy to write him off as simple, but Kamina actually has some complexities to his character.

  As he admits in the show, Kamina uses his outrageous personality to mask his own self-doubt, but no matter what, he remains a character that everyone loves to admire. 
• 

  (#11) Renji Abarai

  • Bleach, Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion, Bleach: Fade to Black, Bleach: Memories of Nobody

  Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach doesn't stray too far from the brash anime protagonist typical to Shonen Jump shows. Like so many shonen heroes, he's a grouch with a heart of gold. Renji Abarai, however, has considerably more layers to his personality.

  Renji shares Ichigo's smug cockiness, but he also has a more anxious side to his personality. Visually speaking, Renji's long, crimson, ponytailed hair makes him stand out from the crowd. What's more, Renji's childhood bond with Rukia Kuchiki make their chemistry together far more interesting than any of Ichigo's relationships. 

New Random Display    Display All By Rank