Most Resilient Anime Characters

There are many reasons we tend to fall in love with anime characters. Some of them can be cool and suave. Other characters have such a sad backstory you just want to give them a hug. However, there is one type of anime character that we all aspire to be. These are characters that simply don’t give up on their goals.

Everyone needs a bit of that energy every now and again. Perhaps they push forward despite the odds to achieve their goals. Sometimes, they know how to get everyone else to follow their lead, no matter the setback.

10

Homura Akemi – Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Surviving Time Loops

Magical Girls are all about spreading positivity. Unfortunately for Homura Akemi, becoming one isn’t as enjoyable as it may seem. With horrific fates befalling her friends, especially Madoka, Homura swears to put an end to it all.

This forces her to go through multiple timelines trying to prevent Madoka from making a wish with Kyubey. Despite multiple failures, Homura doesn’t give up on her mission. She continues to fight to protect those she cares about, even if it means losing her sense of self in the process.

9

Senku Ishigami – Dr. Stone

The Scientific Process

If the world suddenly found itself petrified and all of humanity’s achievements reset to zero, anyone would immediately give up. Luckily, Senku Ishigami is one of the smartest characters in anime. This allows him to make headway in restoring those modern comforts.

In a post-apocalyptic world, Senku is all about the science. He takes joy in explaining long scientific processes and even tries teaching those around him. Even if his friends and allies don’t always understand what he is saying, his enthusiasm and charisma motivate them to go beyond their own limits.

8

Seto Kaiba – Yu-Gi-Oh!

Pushing The Boundaries Of Duel Monsters

Seto Kaiba may not be the main protagonist of Yu-Gi-Oh!, but he never gives up trying to reclaim his title as the number one duelist. Kaiba even develops brand-new technology to challenge his opponents anytime and anywhere in the form of the iconic Duel Disk.

There is nothing Kaiba won’t do, whether it be throwing money at a problem or developing a way to reach the afterlife. If it gets him one step closer to achieving his goals, Seto Kaiba will find a way through his money and intelligence.

7

Goku – Dragon Ball

Always Eager For The Next Fight

Goku is the kind of character who not only never gives up but doesn’t even know how to. Every battle that Goku has been a part of since he was a child only fueled his motivation to keep getting stronger. This is a core character trait that he embodies as he faces off against demons, aliens, and even robotic enemies.

Goku just doesn’t know when to quit. If he gets knocked down, it is only temporary. In the meantime, he is working hard between battles to push beyond his limit, with defeats only fueling his craving to train.

6

Luffy – One Piece

No Obstacle Too Big On The Way To The One Piece

Luffy never gives up on his friends. Aside from food and finding the One Piece, they are the most important things to him. This includes anyone with whom he happens to form an alliance throughout his journey.

Luffy can be stubborn. When he wants something, it’s pretty much game over for anyone that stands in his way. This can mean finding a new lead towards the treasure or getting someone to join his crew. If anyone is going to become king of the pirates, it’s Luffy.

5

Deku – My Hero Academia

Becoming The Number One Hero

Despite not having any powers at birth, Deku never quit. Instead, he dedicates his time to studying the different heroes and villains of his society. This gives him the upper hand when his idol, All Might, passes down his quirk, One For All, to him.

Pushing through his own limits, Deku masters his new unstable quirk. Even when it takes a toll on his upper body, Deku quickly adapts to using his legs and making his own signature attacks. While Deku eventually loses his quirk, he continues to teach aspiring heroes until he is ready to get back on the field.

4

Ash Ketchum – Pokemon

What It Means To Be A Pokemon Master

Ash Ketchum is the poster child for anime characters that never give up. He goes through eight different regions, collecting gym badges and working his way toward the Pokemon League. Of course, his first time didn’t go as planned, but he never stops growing as a person with the help of his friends.

Ash’s journey hasn’t all been dead ends. He managed to win the Orange League very early on and won a semi-official league during his time in Alola. With each additional adventure, Ash became more resilient until he became the world champion.

3

Rock Lee – Naruto

Becoming A Ninja Grandmaster With No Powers

At first glance, Rock Lee doesn’t seem like a difficult opponent to defeat. However, he is a perfect example of why you should never judge a book by its cover. He may not have any powers, but he makes up for it through his Shinobi training and determination.

This makes him a difficult foe to put down for anyone who threatens him or the people he cares about. Even when the odds are 50/50 on his survival, he is willing to take those odds without batting an eye.

2

Light Yagami – Death Note

Killing Anyone That Stands In His Way

Heroes that don’t give up are great, but what if a villain refuses to back down? Light Yagami is a genius high schooler who picks up the Death Note and decides to do away with all criminals. Even with the world’s greatest detective, L, on his trail, Light finds ways to avoid capture.

Light Yagami sets his mind on the future he wants to create and pursues it. Even Ryuk, the shinigami who dropped the notebook, admits that it takes a special kind of person to pull off what Light did throughout the Death Note story. Even when he is finally captured, he still believes there is a way out.

1

Eren Yaeger – Attack On Titan

The Fight To Free Paradis

Eren Yaeger always dreams of going beyond the walls. Even with giant Titans roaming the outskirts, Eren chooses the dangerous path toward freedom. This is what inspires others to follow him even when he becomes a titan shifter with a vengeance.

This determination doesn’t always lead to good places, though. He eventually becomes consumed by revenge and, even upon reaching the fabled ocean, can only see the enemies beyond it. Eren does whatever it takes to achieve his vision, even if it means destroying the rest of the world to set his people free.