Summary
- Characters in Demon Slayer may seem stagnant, but they actually develop through hardships.
- The series tackles character growth uniquely, often revealing hidden complexities.
- Tanjiro and Zenitsu show significant growth and face internal battles, despite their comedic personas.
Demon Slayer is a vastly popular series that has captured the hearts of many with its breathtaking animation and resolute characters. That said, the overall positivity and comedic acts of the show place a facade over the characters and its gory scenes, taking away the gruesomeness of the show.
Many of the characters may seem stagnant, as they carry their positive and unchanging personalities throughout the series. However, this is not the case. Many characters have grown through their hardships, which are only shown at particular times during the series. So, how does the series tackle character development?
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How Have the Characters Developed Over Time?
Character Development Can Take Many Shapes and Forms
Demon Slayer has many eccentric characters and backstories that could have you sobbing at their tragic lives. Character development can take form in various shapes and predominantly refers to the process in which a character changes and evolves throughout a series after facing multiple trials and tribulations that will put their morality to the test. In essence, how will the series’ characters grow and overcome the obstacles that arise? Throughout the series, the characters are forced to deal with horrifying tragedies that give insight into the lives of the demons before Kibutsuji Muzan turns them.
- Are there motivations that make the characters grow?
- Are there past experiences that relate to their motivations, giving them a reason for their actions?
- If obstacles arise, will it force the characters to grow or reveal a cowardly nature?
The series uniquely tackles character development. Many of the characters remain the same throughout the series. However, when faced with decisions that force them to reevaluate their moral compass, the characters are forced to remember that these demons were once human and have been tricked by Muzan and his schemes.
Is a Personality Change Necessary to See Character Development?
How a Character Handles Hardship Is Reflected in Their Personality
|
Arc |
Infinity Castle |
|---|---|
|
Chapters |
140 – 183 |
Throughout the series, Kamado Tanjiro has primarily been a kindhearted person. He has a heart of gold, a gentle personality, and compassion for many of the individuals around him. Tanjiro was truly the hero the series needed, as he fought for justice and saved all those who had been wronged.
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Although Tanjiro faced irreversible strife after having his family murdered by Muzan and his little sister, Kamado Nezuko, turned into a demon, Tanjiro never lost his compassionate nature. As the series progresses, Tanjiro meets many eccentric characters, each with their own reason for joining the Demon Slayer Corps. While Tanjiro was aware of the hurt and destruction demons have brought to normal humans, Tanjiro still had compassion for these demons, as he is seen empathizing with their tragic lives and coming to terms with why they have chosen the path Muzan has presented them.
How Tanjiro faces these demons are unique as they directly relate to his character. As mentioned above, Tanjiro has a particularly clear-cut personality in doing what is right and has always been on the side of justice, correcting others when they do wrong and reprimanding them for their actions. This can primarily be due to Tanjiro having to act as the head of the family as the oldest child and son after their father died, and thus, Tanjiro had to step up for his younger siblings.
At the start of the series, Tanjiro is a good-natured character who wishes well for others and seeks justice for those who have done wrong. With these traits already in place, many may have overlooked the growth that Tanjiro experienced during his time as a member of the Demon Slaying Corps. An important aspect of character development is how they challenge conflict and obstacles.
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Tanjiro has already faced a major conflict that will change the course of his life, becoming a Demon Slayer to turn his sister back into a human, defeat Kibutsuji Muzan for killing his family and end his reign of terror. Although Tanjiro remains the positive and compassionate person he has always been, confronting the reality that your entire family has been murdered was not an easy feat. Having overcome this obstacle displayed Tanjiro’s growth as a character and his motivations to save his sister. Although Tanjiro has compassion for the demons he has killed, thus facing an internal conflict, he also has no qualms about killing them; if they are left unchecked, they will go on to murder more humans.
Evil demon…!! I will cut your head off right here!!
Demon Slayer misguides the viewer with its comedy and overall positivity, forcing us not to recognize or see the pain the characters have to deal with until they are faced with a challenging situation, thus only revealing the pain and sadness that they have hidden until this point during a battle with the demon responsible for killing their loved ones, as seen with Kocho Shinobu and Agatsuma Zenitsu.
Of course, Kamado Tanjiro is not the only character who has overcome his hardships and put on a brave face for those around him while continuously motivating himself to achieve his goal. Zenitsu may have been a coward with no real goal other than being forced to join the Corps; however, during the Infinity Castle arc, Zenitsu has shown growth that has yet to be seen in the previous arcs of the series.
Zenitsu has always been portrayed as the comedian and coward of the trio, unwilling to battle the scary demons and place himself in life-threatening situations. Although this cowardice brought forth many laughs, Zenitsu was actually insecure about his abilities, as he had yet to learn the other Breaths of the Thunder Breathing style. However, Zenitsu’s progression as a character really shines during the Infinity Castle arc, wherein he confronts Kaigaku, as he no longer resembles the weak and cowardly act he previously exhibited. Although, as the series reached its conclusion, Zenitsu’s personality did not change much, it was during this battle that Zenitsu’s complex personality was shown, illustrating his growth and care for others.
I didn’t like myself the most. I always thought I had to do everything properly. But I was afraid and I would run and I would cry. I wanna change. I wanna be a proper human being.
At times, these characters’ character development seems subtle, to the point that the viewers may not recognize it. However, upon closer inspection, Demon Slayer exudes a positive attitude toward the series’ events, as most characters seem largely unchanged. However, it is soon discovered that the characters face internal battles that they must overcome, and their comedic acts hide their feelings.
Demon Slayer is now available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Release Date
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April 6, 2019
