Who Are The Most Inspiring Protagonists In Anime

Summary

• Underdogs in anime are often born in unfortunate circumstances or grow in difficult situations.
• It’s often strength of character that pushes the underdogs to achieve great heights.
• Characters like Midoriya, Naruto, and Hinata grow through perseverance, eventually winning hearts and achieving success.

Plenty of protagonists in anime are looked at in awe thanks to their incredible feats and their ability to defy all odds, but the most inspiring types are those who do so despite the unfortunate circumstances that befall them. From being weak or timid to simply falling into bad situations, these characters often suffer ridicule or indifference from those around them.

Oftentimes, it is the strength of their hearts and their determination to help those around them that allows them to grow beyond the limits people set on them. Nothing tugs at one’s heartstrings like someone who gets right back up each time they’re knocked down.

10

My Hero Academia

Izuku Midoriya

In a world where having superpowers called quirks is practically the norm, Midoriya is one of the unlucky few born without them. He’s a quirkless kid who marvels at the heroes he sees saving people in need, and he wants nothing more than to be just like them.

When he finally gets a quirk bestowed on him, his actions show that it isn’t the quirk that makes him a great hero but his heart to save people in need no matter what.

9

Naruto

Uzumaki Naruto

Naruto as a kid was quite a troublemaker with his mischievous personality, causing him to be disliked by plenty of his peers. To add to his unfortunate situation, plenty of the members of the village treat him like an outcast because of the Nine Tails sealed in him.

As he trains, he grows in strength and his latent skill finally shows thanks to his tenacity despite everything the universe hurls at him. His heart also wins the hearts of those around him, leading them to start believing in him.

8

Haikyuu!!

Shoyo Hinata

Hinata is a schoolboy who is very passionate about volleyball, but the people around him don’t share the same drive, making it difficult for him to progress. To add to that, his short stature puts him at a disadvantage on the court.

Despite all this, he stuns everyone who witnesses his speed and his incredible jumping ability. His passion for the game also pushes him to strive for growth, making him not only an amazing player but also an indispensable member of the team.

7

The Dangers In My Heart

Kyotaro Ichikawa

Ichikawa is a strange schoolboy who outcasts himself by playing the part of an agent of darkness, looking at his classmates as targets of his bloodlust. That said, when he’s spoken to he shows his true meek colors and tends to shy away.

When he starts getting close to his classmate Yamada, he starts coming out of his shell and gains confidence in himself. He starts to see his self-worth and goes out of his way to help those around him, especially the often unlucky Yamada.

6

Mob Psycho 100

Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama

Mob is a soft-spoken kid who looks very plain but possesses incredible psychic energy that can build and then burst when his emotions start piling up inside. Despite his unbelievable strength, he just wants to make friends and live a fulfilling school life.

He joins a fitness club to grow his physical strength, even though his psychic ability allows him to destroy buildings with ease. He strives to be better at communicating by asking his mentor Reigen for advice while working a part-time job. His drive to be better despite his powers is an inspiring story of personal growth.

5

Ranking Of Kings

Bojji

Bojji is a prince who was born deaf and very small in stature, earning him the ire of the citizens of the kingdom as well as certain members of his own family. His heart of gold also gets him taken advantage of, leading to several heart-wrenching moments.

He gets denied his birthright to the throne due to his condition, crushing Bojju’s dreams of becoming the greatest of kings. He doesn’t let that stop him and goes on a journey where he grows both in skill and maturity, making him more powerful than anyone believed was possible.

4

Bocchi the Rock!

Hitori “Bocchi” Gotou

Bocchi is an extremely shy schoolgirl who falls in love with the guitar and picks it up as an instrument in order to make friends at school. Her dream is to perform in a band to win the hearts of those around her and end her loneliness.

Though she becomes extremely skilled, her social anxiety keeps her from showcasing her talent. A turn of events leads her to find bandmates who help her come out of her shell bit by bit, fulfilling her dream of making friends and performing live.

3

Demon Slayer

Tanjiro Kamado

Tanjiro is a simple but well-loved brother thanks to his kind heart and loving dedication to his family. His peaceful days suddenly come to an end when his family is attacked by demons, leaving him with only his sister Nezuko, who is transformed into a demon herself.

Lacking any combat ability and possessing only sheer will to rescue his sister, he embarks on a journey to become a powerful Demon Slayer. His ability to adapt and unwavering determination allows him to move forward despite the seemingly impossible odds.

2

Hajime No Ippo

Ippo Makunouchi

Ippo is a shy high-schooler who suffers from bullying which leaves him battered and bruised almost constantly. After a chance encounter with a pro boxer, he discovers a hidden talent for fighting and enters the world of boxing.

Despite his timid nature, he pushes forward brimming with determination. He trains relentlessly and catches the eye of other boxers, earning him the respect he was never given. His ability to learn from wins and come back from losses allows him to grow and take on more powerful boxers than before.

1

The Rising Of The Shield Hero

Naofumi Iwatani

Naofumi is a student who is suddenly summoned to a fantasy world as one of the Four Cardinal Heroes. However, unlike the others, he’s stuck with the seemingly useless “Shield Hero” class. Naofumi is ridiculed for this and further betrayal turns him into an outcast.

Despite the odds, he gradually builds his strength, not through brute force but by using strategy, resilience, and the loyalty of his companions. His desire for justice fuels his journey and growth, paving the path to becoming a hero to be proud of.