Discover Anime Where Side Characters Fulfill Significant Roles

When exploring the vast universe of anime, it’s easy to get carried away with the main character who grabs all the attention. However, some anime series One-Punch Man is a prime example of a show where side characters shine more than the central protagonist. In such narratives, the side characters not only provide depth and adventure but also leave a lasting impact on the story. This article explores several anime where side characters hold the narrative together, often overshadowing the main character in significance and importance.

One-Punch Man: A Case Study

One-Punch Man, a standout in the action and super hero genres, is indeed about its titular character Saitama. However, only a small portion of the story revolves around him. The majority of the episodes delve into the lives of the side characters like Genos and Bang, creating a detailed and thrilling universe. The depth and character development of these side characters are far more than that of Saitama.

Key Takeaways

Side characters can lead to compelling stories and narrative depth. The main character often serves as a focal point, providing a contrast or a foil for side characters. Ideally, side characters have well-defined and engaging personalities and motivations.

Other Anime Notable for Side Characters

Ky bak ?a? (One’s Burden)

Another excellent example of a show where side characters stand out is Ky bak ?a? (One’s Burden). The story follows Kusanagi Hikari, a high school student with extraordinary clash orakul powers. However, the true protagonist is Izumi Akira, Hikari’s classmate. Akira is tasked with guarding Hikari from the evil forces that seek to exploit her powers. The side characters, including Hikari’s friends and family, develop and grow alongside Akira, making their story just as compelling as the main plot.

Haikyuu !!

In Haikyuu !!, the protagonist, Karasuno High School’s main volleyball player Kurou, comes to light. However, the real star of the series is his opponent, Hinata Sugimoto. Hinata not only serves as a strong competitor but also as a metaphor for tenacity and resilience. Side characters such as Ryōma Sakishima, Hanamaru Tanaka, and ōi Yuichi contribute significantly to the development of the story and the growth of the main characters.

Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan features the main character Eren Yeager, whose story is central to the plot. Yet, one cannot ignore the significant role played by side characters such as Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert. These characters not only provide emotional support and a sense of camaraderie but also offer complex motivations and story arcs that are just as engaging as the main plot.

Importance of Side Characters in Anime

Side characters do more than simply serve as background actors; they enrich the narrative, provide unique perspectives, and add layers to the story. They often have arcs that are just as fascinating and complex as the main character's. By developing side characters, anime creators can create a well-rounded and multidimensional story, ensuring that no character is left unexplored or underexploited.

Conclusion

The main character in anime can sometimes be overshadowed by the engaging lives and arcs of side characters. From showing emotional depth to contributing to the overall narrative, side characters play a crucial role. By understanding and appreciating the importance of side characters, we can appreciate anime on a deeper level, recognizing the intricate web of storytelling that extends beyond the main storyline.

Whether you are a fan of One-Punch Man, Ky bak ?a? (One’s Burden), Haikyuu !!, or Attack on Titan, the impact of side characters is undeniable. Discovering these stories not only enhances our viewing experience but also broadens our understanding of storytelling in anime.