Everyanimehas a main character at its center; however, with some series, there are supporting characters who manage to steal the spotlight. With a memorable personality, unique powers, or through sheer depth of character, these supporting characters can completely change the tone of a story and become the ones viewers can’t stop watching.
Some characters draw more attention than the series’ leads the moment they appear, regardless of how much or how little screen time they get. There are fans who might even go into a series believing one is the main character, only to find that the narrative centers around someone completely different.
Often,these characters’ presence is so powerful and complex that they seem to outshine the main lead.With their own unique abilities to draw attention and shift the story’s momentum, it can be hard to believe that they are merely supporting characters and not the protagonists themselves.
Guren Ichinose is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Japanese Imperial Demon Army and leads the Vampire Extermination Unit’s Moon Demon Company. He is known for his strategic brilliance and leadership. As both a mentor and a key figure in humanity’s fight against vampires, his influence shapes much of the series’ direction.
He steals the show with a mix of charisma, mystery, and a deep emotional core.His decisive actions and moral ambiguity keep viewers engaged, while his intense presence adds tension to every scene he sets foot in.His struggle between duty and personal sacrifice drives much of the story’s emotional weight.
Guren’s lasting appeal comes from his many contradictions as a character. As a hardened leader burdened by regrets and a protector willing to make impossible choices, he stands out from the crowd. His complexity turns him from a supporting character to an important pillar within the story, earning him a permanent place in fans’ minds.
From Naruto by Pierrot, Based on the Manga by Masashi Kishimoto
Naruto
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.
Kakashi Hatake is the laid-back, mysterious mentor of Team 7 who is known for his intellect, stoic personality, and his mastery of the Sharingan. Known as the “Copy Ninja,” Kakashi’s wide-ranging skills and secretive past make him a key figure in the series, even though he’s technically a supporting character.
Behind his relaxed exterior, Kakashi is a fiercely loyal and thoughtful individual shaped by trauma and loss. His sense of duty and compassion guide his actions, making him a mentor who inspires others and earns respect and affection.His aloofness combined with warmth adds complexity to his character and makes him stand out to fans.
Whether leading his team through tough battles or revealing emotional depth through introspection, Kakashi effortlessly demands attention.
He captures attention through his skills, wisdom, and occasional signature dry humor. Whether leading his team through tough battles or revealing emotional depth through introspection, Kakashi effortlessly demands attention. His unpredictable tactics and personality make him a captivating character inNaruto.
His lasting appeal lies in the balance of mystery and depth he brings to the series.Kakashi’s evolution from a solitary ninja to a dedicated leader, along with rare moments of vulnerability, makes him one of the most beloved andmemorable supporting characters in anime history.
Reigen Arataka is the charismatic, quick-witted owner of the Spirits and Such Consultation Office. Though lacking any psychic powers himself, he convinces clients of his exorcism skills through clever tricks and unwavering confidence. Acting as both mentor and con artist, Reigen walks the line between genuinely caring and looking out for his own self-interest.
Beneath his facade, Reigen is surprisingly grounded and insightful. His humor, wisdom, and emotional intelligence provide a needed anchor for Mob, the series' protagonist.His unconventional approach to life and his ability to read people make him both unpredictable and dependable at the same time, allowing him to steal the spotlight in every scene he appears in.
His effortless charm and quick-paced dialogue keep viewers hooked. Reigen balances being a lovable trickster and a mentor with a kind of sincerity that fans love. His struggles with purpose, morality, and identity mirror Mob’s journey in the series,making him a complex, complicated characterthat enriches the overall narrative.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titanis a globally successful manga and anime franchise created by Hajime Isayama. The story is set in a world where humanity lives inside walled cities, threatened by giant humanoid creatures called Titans. The series follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they fight to uncover the truth about the Titans and the world. First serialized in 2009, the franchise has expanded into anime series, films, video games, novels, and live-action adaptations.
Levi Ackerman is known inAttack on TitanasHumanity’s Strongest Soldier due to his exceptional combat skills, cold demeanor, and strict discipline.As captain of the Survey Corps, he leads with an unmatched level of precision and authority, earning respect through actions rather than words. Though he is a supporting character,Levi’s presence alone influences many critical momentsin the series.
Beneath his stoic exterior, Levi is a soldier burdened by loss and responsibility. His complex past and driving motivation make him a compelling, multidimensional character. He steals the show with breathtaking action sequences and can shift the tide even when hope seems lost. Levi’s instincts are razor-sharp, and he remains calm under pressure, enabling him to dominate every scene he’s in.
Though a ruthless soldier, Levi has shown compassion time and time again, and despite experiencing loss and tragedy, he remains immensely protective of those around him. The combination of strength and hidden kindness makes him not only a fan favorite but also a standout character in anime.
Fullmetal Alchemist
Roy Mustang is a high-ranking military officer known as the Flame Alchemist. He has a sharp intellect, driven ambition, and a commanding presence. With charismatic charm and confidence, he leads others with a noteworthy balance of strategy and emotion. He may not be the protagonist of the series, buthis decisions heavily influence the series’ political and emotional undercurrents.
Mustang steals the show through a mix of humor, intensity, and depth, drawing viewers' attention whenever he’s on screen. With a complex background, he brings emotional weight and moral complexity toFullmetal Alchemist, elevating the overall narrative and resonating with audiences.
Osamu Dazai is a brilliant and mysterious member of the Armed Detective Agency, known for his dark humor, carefree yet calculated attitude, and tendency to attempt ending his own life. In his past, he was a feared member of the Port Mafia and one of its youngest executives, adding to his complexity and intrigue.
Dazai constantly keeps allies and enemies alike on their toes and never reveals his next move.With his charismatic, sharp-witted, and dark personality, he often steals the spotlight and remains one of the most popular characters in the series, even surpassing the protagonist.
Dazai is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and beloved characters inBungo Stray Dogs.
He frequently masks deeper emotional struggles with a flippant attitude and a fascination with self-destructive behavior. Dazai’s outlook on life and death, combined with his ability to read people like an open book, gives him a magnetic presence in the series that fans are drawn to.
As another character full of contradictions,Dazai is a walking paradox. He is playful yet brooding, loyal yet secretive, detached yet caring. The duality of his character makes him stand out among others in the series. Dazai is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and beloved characters inBungo Stray Dogs.
Askeladd is a clever and ruthless Viking leader, best known for his intelligence and strategic skill. Although he is the protagonist’s enemy, Askeladd’s actions drive the series’ political and moral complexity. As a man shaped by a complicated past and conflicting loyalties, he’s a compelling character to watch.
He balances survival, personal revenge, and secret desires to protect his heritage, making him a layered and interesting figure. Askeladd’s ability tomaneuver through shifting alliances and deception shows that he’s always several steps ahead of those around him,especially as his motivations are gradually revealed throughout the story.
His lasting appeal comes from the fact that he blurs the line between hero and villain and challenges traditional character roles. His relationships and decisions throughout the series set him apart from typical antagonists, making him one of the most well-developed villains in modern anime.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Gojo Satoru is best known as the strongest sorcerer inJujutsu Kaisen. His overwhelming power, playful arrogance, and mentorship of the younger generation give him a magnetic presence. Gojo is often portrayed as overconfident, but he has the power to back it up. He is unpredictable yet approachable, making him a character who both inspires and intimidates those around him.
Gojo often steals the spotlight with breathtaking action scenes, charisma, and power. Every scene with Gojo in it is dominated by his presence and draws attention away from everyone else. His character is so powerful and influential that as long as he’s around,there are no stakes that feel too high, and enemies must resort to clever deception.
Beneath the surface, Gojo stands out for his depth and complexity. As the strongest jujutsu sorcerer, he often feels disconnected from those around him, yet he seeks to build connections. The mix of depth and entertainment he offers gives Gojo lasting appeal, securing his place as one ofanime’s most memorable characters.
