Demon Slayer Character Analysis: Zenitsu Agatsuma

By: Prince Lammy

Zenitsu Agatsuma is one of the main characters in the popular anime and manga series Demon Slayer. He is introduced as a cowardly and anxious young man who becomes a Demon Slayer after being saved by the series' protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado. Despite his fear and initial lack of confidence, Zenitsu has a unique talent for swordsmanship and lightning-based techniques, making him a valuable Demon Slayer Corps member.

This article aims to analyze the character of Zenitsu Agatsuma, one of the main characters in the popular anime and manga series, Demon Slayer. Through this analysis, we will explore his backstory, personality traits, strengths and weaknesses, relationships with other characters, and how his character develops throughout the series.

Profile

Name: Zen'itsu Agatsuma

Specie: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 16

Birthday: September 3rd 

Eye Color: Brown and Gold

Hair Color: Orange

Technique: Thunder Breathing

Anime Debut: Episode 4

Zenitsu's Backstory 

Zenitsu Agatsuma grew up in a small village and worked as a delivery boy for a nearby town. He dreamed of becoming a great swordsman but lacked the confidence and courage to pursue his ambition. One day, Zenitsu was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm, which caused him to develop an intense fear of thunder and lightning. This fear became a constant source of anxiety for him, and he struggled to overcome it.

Zenitsu was determined to become a Demon Slayer despite his fears and enrolled in the Demon Slayer Corps. He was trained by the former Thunder Hashira, Jigoro Kuwajima, who recognized Zenitsu's potential and taught him the Thunder Breathing technique. However, Zenitsu could only use this technique in moments of extreme danger, and he spent most of his time on missions cowering in fear.

Zenitsu's childhood was marked by poverty and abandonment. He grew up without a father, and his mother struggled to provide for him. This resulted in Zenitsu becoming a very anxious and fearful person. He was always worried about his future and his ability to survive in the world.

This anxiety is a significant factor in Zenitsu's personality and behavior as a Demon Slayer. He is often seen panicking and doubting his abilities, despite his incredible strength and skill. His fear of death is also a driving force behind his constant complaining and desire to avoid danger.

Furthermore, Zenitsu's past experiences with women have also influenced his behavior. He had a traumatic experience with a girl he loved, who left him for someone else. This has resulted in Zenitsu harboring a deep-seated fear of rejection, which often manifests as cowardice.

Personality Traits

Zenitsu is one of the few Demon Slayer characters with a unique personality. He is extremely anxious and cowardly, often displayed through his frequent screaming and fainting. Despite his fears, Zenitsu is a talented swordsman with a keen sense of hearing, allowing him to detect demons' presence. 

He is also prone to making rash decisions and can be selfish at times, as evidenced by his reluctance to assist others unless he believes it will benefit him somehow. However, Zenitsu's cowardice and anxiety also make him sympathetic, as his struggles with fear and self-doubt are relatable and add depth to his character.

Zenitsu's ability to use Thunder Breathing is one of his defining quirks. It not only sets him apart from other Demon Slayers, but it also plays a significant role in his character development. Initially, Zenitsu is shown to be cowardly and anxious, often running away from battles and complaining about his circumstances. However, as he trains and masters his Thunder Breathing techniques, he gains a newfound sense of confidence and courage.

Through his Thunder Breathing, Zenitsu learns to channel his fear and anxiety into a powerful force, making him a formidable opponent in battle. This transformation is crucial to his character development, showing that even the most seemingly weak and cowardly person can become a strong and capable warrior.

Additionally, Zenitsu's Thunder Breathing also reflects his emotional volatility. Thunder symbolizes power and unpredictability, much like Zenitsu's emotional state. He often experiences extreme highs and lows, from intense fear to overwhelming excitement. His Thunder Breathing serves as a visual representation of his turbulent emotions, making it an integral part of his character.

Actions and Motivations

Zenitsu's behavior and actions can be attributed to his fear and anxiety stemming from his traumatic childhood experiences, which left him feeling alone and vulnerable. This trauma manifested in his cowardice and reluctance to face danger, as he feared for his own safety. However, he also strongly desires to protect those he cares about, such as Nezuko and Tanjiro, which drives him to overcome his fear and fight alongside them.

Zenitsu's behavior can also be seen as a way of coping with his fear. He often exaggerates his fear and creates a spectacle, such as screaming or fainting, to release his anxiety and draw attention away from his perceived weakness. This coping mechanism is not entirely healthy, but it highlights the extent of Zenitsu's fear and how it impacts his actions.

Zenitsu's overwhelming fear and anxiety are defining traits of his character. They are also the primary driving forces behind his decisions and interactions with others. He often falls into fits of panic and despair, particularly when he perceives a high level of danger. This can lead to him lashing out at others or attempting to escape the problem altogether.

However, it's important to note that Zenitsu's fear is not necessarily a weakness. It's a survival instinct that has helped him stay alive as a Demon Slayer. His acute senses allow him to detect danger from a distance and react quickly, giving him a fighting chance against the demons he faces. It's also worth noting that Zenitsu still chooses to fight demons and protect innocent people despite his fear. He recognizes the danger and risk, but he believes his duty is to fight and protect others.

Zenitsu's fear and anxiety are central to his character, but they are not the whole picture. His desire to protect others and fulfill his duties as a Demon Slayer also plays an essential role in his actions and interactions.

Relationships

Zenitsu has a complex relationship with Tanjiro, the series' main protagonist. At first, Zenitsu despises Tanjiro and sees him as a threat to his relationship with Nezuko, who he believes is his wife. However, as the story progresses, Zenitsu begins to see Tanjiro's strength and resolve and develops a deep respect for him as a fellow Demon Slayer. Despite his cowardice and anxiety, Zenitsu often puts himself in harm's way to protect Tanjiro and their other companions.

His relationship with Nezuko is an interesting one that evolves throughout the series. Initially, Zenitsu is highly fearful of Nezuko, as she is a demon, and he has been taught to fear and hate them. He constantly pleads with Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko's brother and fellow Demon Slayer, to kill her and end the threat she poses.

However, as the series progresses, Zenitsu's feelings toward Nezuko shift. He witnesses her selflessness and kindness towards others, despite being a demon. He also sees the bond between Nezuko and Tanjiro, inspiring him to become more courageous and selfless in his actions.

In a particularly touching moment, Zenitsu puts himself in harm's way to protect Nezuko from an attack, despite his initial fear and reservations. This act of bravery shows his growth as a character and his willingness to put himself on the line to protect others.

On the other hand, Zenitsu's relationship with Inosuke is often marked by tension and rivalry. Inosuke frequently mocks Zenitsu for his cowardice, which only serves to exacerbate Zenitsu's anxiety. However, as the two characters continue to fight alongside each other, they begin to develop a grudging respect for one another's strengths and abilities.

Zenitsu's relationship with Inosuke is also significant in his character development. Inosuke's brash and impulsive behavior contrasts Zenitsu's anxiety and fear, but the two eventually become close friends. Zenitsu learns to become more confident and assertive through their interactions, while Inosuke learns to become more compassionate and empathetic.

Additionally, Zenitsu's interactions with other Demon Slayers, particularly those of higher rank, help him grow as a fighter. He learns from their techniques and experiences, and this helps him become a stronger and more capable Demon Slayer.

Overall, Zenitsu's interactions with others reveal more about his character and help him grow as a person and a Demon Slayer. His fear and anxiety may initially make him seem like a liability, but his loyalty, compassion, and willingness to learn to make him a valuable ally in the fight against demons.

Strengths

Zenitsu Agatsuma's most notable strength is his incredible speed and agility. As a Thunder Breathing user, he can easily move at lightning-fast speeds and dodge attacks. This allows him to be an effective fighter despite his initial cowardice and fear. His quick movements and reflexes also allow him to make split-second decisions during battle, often catching his opponents off guard.

Another strength of Zenitsu is his keen sense of hearing. He can detect even the slightest movements or sounds, which gives him an advantage in battle. This ability also allows him to anticipate his opponents' attacks and react accordingly.

Additionally, Zenitsu's Thunder Breathing technique is extremely powerful. When he can overcome his fear and use it to its fullest potential, his Thunder Breathing can produce lightning strikes that can incapacitate even the strongest demons.

Despite his initial weaknesses, Zenitsu's unique strengths and abilities make him a valuable member of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Moreover, Zenitsu's abilities also contribute to his character development. His incredible speed and agility reflect his determination to overcome his fears and become a strong Demon Slayer. His training in Thunder Breathing has given him impressive physical abilities and helped him build his confidence.

Zenitsu can confront his fears through his battles and develop a deeper understanding of himself. His strength and abilities serve as a source of inspiration for him, and he can draw upon them in moments of doubt or uncertainty.

Overall, Zenitsu's speed and agility are important assets in battle and crucial elements of his character development. They allow him to overcome his fears and become a stronger, more confident Demon Slayer.

Skills and Abilities

Zenitsu's primary skill as a Demon Slayer is his mastery of Thunder Breathing, which he learned from his master, Jigoro Kuwajima. Thunder Breathing is a swordsmanship style involving generating electricity through sword strikes and breathing techniques.

Zenitsu has several forms of Thunder Breathing that he can use in battle:

First Form: Thunderclap and Flash - Zenitsu's basic Thunder Breathing form involves a quick strike followed by a powerful slash.

Second Form: Thunderclap and Flash, Six Fold - This form involves six rapid strikes, each more powerful than the last.

Third Form: Thunderclap and Flash, Ninth Form - In this form, Zenitsu unleashes a massive, lightning-fast strike that can cleave through multiple enemies at once.

Fourth Form: Thunderclap and Flash, Flower - Zenitsu spins his sword in a circle, creating a whirlwind of electric energy that can deflect enemy attacks.

Fifth Form: Thunderclap and Flash, Burst - This form involves Zenitsu leaping into the air and striking down with incredible force, creating a shockwave that can knock back enemies.

Sixth Form: Thunderclap and Flash, Continuous - In this form, Zenitsu performs a series of lightning-fast strikes, each one building on the momentum of the previous strike.

Seventh Form: Thunderclap and Flash, God Speed - Zenitsu's ultimate Thunder Breathing form allows him to move at incredible speeds and strike with lightning-fast precision.

Despite his cowardice and anxiety, Zenitsu can tap into a state of heightened focus and power known as the "Thunderclap and Flash" technique, which allows him to move and attack at blinding speeds while increasing his physical strength and endurance. However, this technique can only be used for a limited time and drains Zenitsu's energy quickly, often leaving him exhausted and vulnerable once it wears off.

In addition to his speed and Thunder Breathing techniques, Zenitsu can sense the presence of demons, which helps him anticipate their attacks and react quickly to avoid them.

Zenitsu's skills and abilities throughout the series reflect his growth as a Demon Slayer. Initially, he relies heavily on his speed and Thunder Breathing to survive battles, but as he gains more experience and confidence, he becomes more strategic and learns to use his skills in combination with those of his allies to defeat more powerful opponents.

Weaknesses

Zenitsu's biggest weakness is his overwhelming fear and anxiety, often rendering him paralyzed and useless in battles. He is prone to panic attacks and tends to run away from danger, making him appear cowardly and weak. This fear is rooted in his traumatic past, which has caused him to have a deep-seated anxiety that he struggles to overcome.

Zenitsu's lack of confidence and low self-esteem also act as weaknesses. He often doubts his abilities and questions his worth as a Demon Slayer, causing him to freeze up and hesitate during battles. This lack of self-assurance can sometimes hinder his performance and endanger himself and others.

How He Works to Overcome His Fears

One way Zenitsu overcomes his fears is by drawing on his Thunder Breathing technique. Using this technique, he can focus on the battle and forget his fear. Another way he overcomes his fear is by finding motivation in his desire to protect Nezuko and his friends. He sees them as his family and will face his fears to keep them safe.

Additionally, Zenitsu's fear is linked to his lack of self-confidence. He often doubts his abilities as a Demon Slayer and worries that he is not strong enough to protect others. However, through his experiences fighting demons and working with his fellow Demon Slayers, Zenitsu gains more confidence in himself and his abilities.

Despite his weaknesses, Zenitsu's determination and loyalty to his friends make him a valuable member of the Demon Slayer Corps. He may not be the strongest or bravest warrior, but he is willing to face his fears and fight for what he believes in.

Growth And Development 

Zenitsu's character development is one of the most significant in Demon Slayer. Zenitsu shows immense growth throughout the series despite his initial cowardice and fear. Early on, Zenitsu's fear often gets the best of him, causing him to freeze up or run away from battles. However, as he travels with Tanjiro and the others, he gains more confidence in his abilities and pushes past his fear.

One of the turning points in Zenitsu's development comes during the fight against the spider demon family. Zenitsu, who had previously run away from battles, finds himself facing off against one of the most powerful members of the family. In a moment of desperation, Zenitsu unlocks a new form of Thunder Breathing, which allows him to overcome his fear and defeat the demon.

From then on, Zenitsu becomes more willing to fight and less afraid of danger. He continues to develop his Thunder Breathing techniques and becomes a valuable asset to the Demon Slayer Corps. In addition, his relationships with Tanjiro and the other group members continue to grow stronger, and he becomes more willing to put himself in harm's way to protect them.

Overall, Zenitsu's character development is a testament to the power of perseverance and growth. Despite his initial weaknesses and fears, he is able to overcome them through hard work and determination, becoming a formidable Demon Slayer and an important member of the group.

Ketsuron (Conclusion)

Zenitsu Agatsuma's character development throughout Demon Slayer highlights the importance of perseverance and self-improvement. Despite his initial fear and cowardice, Zenitsu learns to confront his weaknesses and overcome them through his experiences as a Demon Slayer. 

His unique Thunder Breathing technique and incredible speed and agility make him a formidable opponent in battles, but his growth as a person truly sets him apart. Through his interactions with other characters, such as Tanjiro and Inosuke, Zenitsu learns to rely on others and become a better version of himself.

Overall, Zenitsu's character inspires viewers, as his journey shows that even the most fearful and anxious individuals can develop their strengths and achieve great things. His importance to the story of Demon Slayer cannot be understated, as he provides a unique perspective and dimension to the world of Demon Slayers. Zenitsu's character serves as a reminder that growth and self-improvement are possible, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.