April 21, 2025
Anime | Top 15 Characters With The Best Development
A story can get stale quickly if the characters don't change throughout. Check out this list of the top 15 anime characters with the best development!
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Looking past the storyline, fight scenes, intrigue, suspense, and all the other elements that make a good anime, another well-appreciated element that makes a great anime is a well-written character, whether main, side, or villain. A well-written and created character is one whose origins, life, motivations, and growth are made glaring and easily understood by the viewers.
The development of characters in anime is often a matter of personal interpretation, influenced by individual tastes and the overarching themes presented in the series. Nonetheless, numerous characters are often recognized for their development. Here are the best!
|
Rank |
Name |
Series |
|
15 |
Eren Yeager |
Attack on Titan |
|
14 |
Asta |
Black Clover |
|
13 |
Meruem |
Hunter X Hunter |
|
12 |
Thorfinn Thorsson |
Vinland Saga |
|
11 |
Izuku Midoriya |
My Hero Academia |
|
10 |
Hikigaya Hachiman |
My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU |
|
9 |
Monkey D. Luffy |
One Piece |
|
8 |
Killua Zoldyck |
Hunter X Hunter |
|
7 |
Gaara of the Desert |
Naruto |
|
6 |
Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama |
Mob Psycho 100 |
|
5 |
Emma |
The Promised Neverland |
|
4 |
Guts |
Berserk |
|
3 |
Satoru Fujinuma |
Erased |
|
2 |
Sung Jin-Woo |
Solo Leveling |
|
1 |
Vegeta |
Dragon Ball Z |
15. Eren Yeager | Attack on Titan
The Attack on Titan manga and anime series gave ample depiction of the growth of most of its key characters, especially their motivations, struggles, trauma, and triumphs from their childhood till the end of their stories. However, the main character, Eren Yeager got the best of all; from a stubborn little hero who’s always jumping head-first to save friends, to a powerful, nigh-suicidal villain who murders millions to save his people.
Eren’s development in Attack on Titan is nothing short of spectacular. At the beginning of the series, Eren is an impulsive and determined young avenger who is driven by a hatred for the Titans who destroyed his home and killed his mother. By the end, he became an existential philosopher, where his ideology and actions take a dark turn. Eren’s twist from a young hero to the series’ top villain is incredible.
14. Asta | Black Clover
Asta’s life is one of the perfect “from nothing to something” stories that any anime has ever told. Despite being born as a peasant without magic in a world where magical ability and nobility defines status, Asta’s story of an underdog who became an influential character with special powers is quite compelling. He was abandoned as a baby in front of a church in Hage Village, a slum part of the Clover Kingdom. Asta grew up to be a recognized hero of the kingdom, the devil’s partner, a symbol of unity, an inspirational leader, and a challenger of social hierarchies.
13. Meruem | Hunter X Hunter
The Chimera Ant arc in Hunter X Hunter is the longest and features the biggest character developments for most of its characters, namely Meruem. Born as the apex predator and setting out to rule the entire world, Meruem’s might knew no bounds. His fury wasn’t to be contended with by even his guards, whom pro hunters couldn’t face.
However, after he meets Komugi, a blind young lady who excels at the strategy game Gungi, Meruem begins to question his existence and purpose. Her unwavering spirit shakes his entire world, and his growing attachment to her leads him to understand better human qualities like humility, vulnerability, and the value of life.
12. Thorfinn Thorsson | Vinland Saga
The revenge-driven main character of the Vinland Saga anime and manga series has a turnaround that no one saw coming. He went from pursuing revenge in his younger years to seeking peace and freedom afterward. His character arc is a poignant tale of vengeance, redemption, and self-discovery.
Thorfinn starts as an innocent, bright, and curious boy, the son of a retired legendary Jomsviking. However, his life took a dark turn when his father was killed. In order to get strong enough to enact revenge against Askeladd, his father’s killer, Thorfinn lost sight of his values and became a killer on Askeladd’s crew. After Askeladd’s death, his life loses purpose, he spirals into despair, becomes a slave, and then seeks redemption and atonement for his sins, before going on to create a village.
11. Izuku Midoriya | My Hero Academia
From a young boy with no abilities to a talented hero-in-training bound to become the Symbol of Peace, Midoriya’s character growth is a timeless coming-of-age story. Being one of the most sympathetic heroes in modern anime, his story is characterized by resilience, hard work, and a profound sense of empathy.
Midoriya was the quirkless kid who inherited One For All from All Might, one of the strongest quirks from one of the strongest heroes. From then on, he learned to stand on his own, properly channel and use his newfound abilities, and embrace his role as All Might’s successor. His growth continues through the Vigilante arc which ends with a matured and stronger Midoriya.
10. Hikigaya Hachiman | My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
The beloved main character of a romantic comedy, Hachiman’s story is far from generic. Hachiman’s character development is one of the most nuanced and introspective arcs in anime. It revolves around his growth from a cynical, self-isolating loner to someone who understands genuine connections and emotional honesty.
Hachiman’s transformation unfolds beautifully across three seasons. He starts as a loner forced into the Service Club. Through his relationships with Yui and Yukino, new aspects of him begin to open up. His cynical nature changes to something more nuanced. The final season showcases a new Hachiman with a flawless and heartfelt ending.
9. Monkey D. Luffy | One Piece
The One Piece manga and anime series is one of the longest-running out there. It’s given its characters more development than others can get due to this. In One Piece, Luffy’s character development is full of action and adventure, even though the story boils down to one big adventure.
Driven by his desire to obtain the One Piece and become the Pirate King, Luffy’s actions and persona give his basic motivations seem more nuanced. His plan to become the Pirate King will allow him to achieve his dream and become the most free person on the planet. Starting the series as a goofy kid with a stretchy body, his transformation into Nika, the Warrior of Liberation, may seem like a stretch (haha). However, his incremental growth throughout the series has brought it to this logical end point.
8. Killua Zoldyck | Hunter X Hunter
Killua’s story in Hunter X Hunter is highly riveting. He is not just a deuteragonist and the favorite son of the infamous Zoldyck family, but also the series’ most-liked character. Despite his extraordinary talent and lethal skills, Killua longs for a normal life free from the constraints of his family and its activities. Killua has always been a mix of cocky confidence and inner vulnerability, a product of Illumi’s manipulation.
From the little fun-seeking child that left home, to the formidable Nen user that he became around the end of the Chimera Ant arc, Killua’s growth is highly impressive. His key moments of growth were featured in the Heaven’s Arena arc where he and Gon learned to use Nen; the Chimera Ant arc wherein he removed Illumi’s needle, freeing him from his brother’s influence; and afterward protecting Alluka, his younger sister, against his families’ wishes.
7. Gaara of the Desert | Naruto
Gaara, the youngest among the three siblings of the Sand, is a Shinobi from Sunagakure. His story is similar to Naruto’s, as he was also feared in his village for being the jinchuriki of the One-Tailed Shukaku. This made him spend his formative years estranged from his family and friends, which led him to despise people and focus solely on himself.
He found purpose in becoming stronger than everyone he encountered, which made people dread him all the more. However, after losing to Naruto, he sees how much Naruto is a people person, despite being a jinchuriki like himself, and starts mimicking him. Subsequently, he was appointed Suna’s fifth Kazekage, a title which means “Wind Shadow,” to safeguard the village and its inhabitants and allay their fears.
6. Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama | Mob Psycho 100
At the beginning of the series, Mob is a shy kid who feels burdened by his psychic abilities that he’s grown to resent after a traumatic experience involving his brother. However, Reigen helps him realize that his powers don’t define him. Mob still struggles to express himself sometimes and often puts the needs of others above his own.
Later on, moments like when he runs for the student council and meets Emi who helps him face his feelings and appreciate his powers show a level of growth in Mob. Keiji’s Mogami simulation also served as a good turning point, as it sparks anger and a desire for retaliation, which Dimple helps him channel toward helping others. Over time, he comes to embrace his powers and learns to balance his strength with being a caring person.
5. Emma | The Promised Neverland
Emma, the heart of CloverWorks' acclaimed The Promised Neverland, is a beacon of optimism and determination. Her personality is defined by unshakable compassion and unwavering belief in hope, even in dire circumstances. Driven by her love for her family, she forms deep, trusting relationships, especially with Norman and Ray. She also takes on the responsibility of protecting and inspiring her siblings.
Her character development is a testament to resilience as she evolves from an innocent and sheltered child to a courageous leader willing to sacrifice for others. Fans adore her blend of empathy and tenacity, making her a standout protagonist in a series celebrated for its suspenseful storytelling and emotional depth. Emma embodies both strength and vulnerability in her relentless pursuit of freedom.
4. Guts | Berserk
Guts’ story in Berserk is shaped by trauma, survival, and seeking purpose. Initially, Guts was a lone mercenary, driven by a need to prove his strength and find meaning to his existence. His encounter with Griffith and the Band of the Hawk marks a turning point, as he learns the basics of camaraderie and begins to trust others.
However, a demonic ritual called the Eclipse shattered his faith in humanity, leaving him consumed by rage and vengeance as he came to realize how truly weak he was. The Lost Children Arc also tells of his descent down a dark path, while his bond with Casca and the introduction of allies like Puck bring forth empathy and love in him.
3. Satoru Fujinuma | Erased
Erased is a Seinen anime that tells the story of a 29-year-old shut-in pizza delivery guy, Satoru Fujinuma. He has a mysterious reset ability he calls “Revival.” While he also cannot explain how he came about this ability, it always triggers whenever a bad event is about to occur, returning him five minutes back just before it occurs.
After a tragic event triggers Revival, he’s transported back to his childhood, giving him a chance to rewrite the past. As he confronts the trauma of his younger self and fights to save his classmates from a serial killer, Satoru learns to take responsibility and value human connection. Through his efforts to protect Kayo Hinazuki and others, he transitions from a passive observer to an active participant in life, gaining a new sense of purpose. By the end, Satoru matures into a compassionate and courageous individual who cherishes the relationships he once overlooked.
2. Sung Jin-Woo | Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling is one of the top-rated and well-acclaimed anime of the season, as its first season premiered and made waves in the first quarter of 2024. While its second season isn’t looking all too good, it features a Jin-Woo who’s almost overpowered, as he solos even S-ranked gates, and always comes out without a scratch.
At the beginning of his story, Jin-Woo is a weak, scrawny-looking E-rank hunter. He’s more of an obstacle in battle than any help. After his world is suddenly plagued with gates that serve as portals to demon-filled dimensions, Jin-Woo gets caught in one. As a result of barely scraping through, he gets access to a new game-like system that helps transform him from the weakest hunter to one whose strength is almost limitless.
1. Vegeta | Dragon Ball Z
Vegeta is a true testament to the statement that “no one is above redemption.” Initially introduced as a ruthless Saiyan prince driven by pride and a thirst for power, Vegeta only sees others as tools or obstacles and his acts of villainy are to no small measure. However, his rivalry with Goku triggers his initial change. He transforms from seeking dominance to striving to become a better person.
Over time, he builds genuine friendships, particularly with Bulma and her family. A key surprising moment was when he sacrificed himself in their fight against Majin Buu to protect his allies and loved ones. Ultimately, Vegeta shelved power, finding renewed purpose in humility, teamwork, and love, while maintaining his unwavering Saiyan pride.
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