Characterizing Anime

     Characters are as varied and as the series I’ve read. I’ve found there is a certain type of character I gravitate towards, but of course, I’ve found myself liking characters further and further away from my typical “likes,” such as Ikkaku Madarame , who I mentioned in the previous article. 
     Just as in American literature and film, there are character stereotypes in Japanese anime and manga. Most come in different variations and degrees of some sort, but the core of the stereotype is there. Here’s a run-down of the most common stereotypes and manga and anime characters.

The Bishounen: 
     The “Prince” is a staple of the shojo genre and is typically the love interest of the heroine. While this character may seem “super cool” and “distant,” his true gentleness is shown through some hobby, like gardening or rescuing stray kittens. The Prince can have varying levels of “princeliness” ranging from rich, reserved aristocrat to overdramatic, spoiled playboy.   
     He’ll take your heart whether you like it or not! Most popular examples are Yuki Sohma from Fruits Basket, Hotohori from Fushigi Yuugi, Tamaki Suoh from Ouran High School Host Club and Yusei Fudo from Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's 

The Princely Type

The Megane (Eyeglass): 

     There is always a Megane-type. Typically, Megane characters are serious, logical people who provide a foil to the much more animated (pardon the pun) lead characters. Perhaps it’s because of the glasses, but it’s an unspoken truth that Meganes are fastidious students. Male Megane are usually sleek in appearance, sharp dressers and wear their hair black and straight. Female Megane are usually unkempt in some way; most have ruffled hair from sitting up all night reading. 

     The lead character often relies on the Megane character for tactical, as the lead character is most prone to “blinding rushing” into a situation. The Megane is the Mr. Spock to the Main Protagonist’s (who is typically a Princely or Hot-Head Type) Captain Kirk. Watch out for the dangerous sheen reflecting off that polished glass! Most popular examples are Uryu Ishida from Bleach, Kyouya Ootori from Ouran High School Host Club and Chezka from FullMetal Alchemist

The Megane Type

The Silent Type: 

     Only male characters are “silent types.” As a rule, these characters are taller than all the other characters and amazingly strong. However, these characters are also shy and gentle. Due to lack of speaking lines, these characters aren’t usually well liked and are seen as unlikeable. 
     They are usually paired with a “chibi” character, or a smaller, comical character, which in turn changes an unlikeable character into a character who is mature and reserved…and much more likeable! Popular examples are Takashi Morinosuka from Ouran High School Host Club and Scar from FullMetal Alchemist. 

The Silent Type

The Trickster: 
     This character is very popular in both shojo and shonen manga. Usually these characters manipulate and needle the serious or excitable characters. While a certain trickster may be temporarily aligned with the hero or villain, they seem to be on no one’s side but their own. Their devious friendliness makes Tricksters a gamble to ally with. 
     They are very political minded and seem to be fulfilling some secret plot. Tricksters are also the source of double entendres and ‘potty humor’ in a series and they usually have a slanted view of reality and are adept at masking their manipulative tendencies beneath a goofy expression and quick laugh. Tricksters are usually very handsome and use it as a tool to manipulate others, particularly women. Friend or foe? You’ll probably find out the hard way. Popular examples are: Gin Ichimaru from Bleach, Shigure Sohma from Fruits Basket, Kisuke Urahara from Bleach 

The Trickster Type

The Genius: 

     This is one of my favorite “types.” Generally, genius-types are cold, calculating and absolutely brilliant at maneuvering themselves politically and achieving their ambitions. The biggest weakness for genius-types is “miscalculating their calculations,” as well as becoming intoxicated on their own pride and self-appreciation, which inhibits them to be strictly logical. 
     Typically, these characters are high-functioning sociopaths who descend further and further into madness as their power grows; in addition, most genius-types are presented initially as the series’ protagonist, but end up as the series’ main antagonist before the end. Popular examples: Light Yagami from DeathNote, Lelouch vi Britannia from Code Geass

The Genius Type

The Anti-Hero: 

     This is more of a sub-type, but I feel it’s necessary to bring up because it’s re-trending. The anti-hero is NOT a villain; they simply have different views and beliefs than the main protagonist, which prevents them from becoming allies and pits them against each other. A classic example is Mycroft Holmes from the BBC’s recent adaption of Conan Doyle’s Sherlock. 
     Usually these characters have some close relation to the main character(s), but operate independently. In some ways, they are viewed as a Neutral-Evil or Neutral-Good. Classic anime examples: Sesshoumaru from InuYasha, Uchiha Sasuke from Naruto and Seto Kaiba from Yu-Gi-Oh! 

The Anti-Hero Type

The Bachelor: 

     Another extremely popular character-type in both shonen and shojo series. The Bachelor is normally related to one of the main characters and is several years older than the median age of the characters. Generally the Bachelor is established, respected and handsome. While he may seem initially distant and cold, he is usually a warm and passionate person. 
     Often these characters have undergone some trauma, usually the death of a lover, which causes their withdrawal from society. As such, they only interact with the main characters when necessity dictates it. Basically, Bachelor characters are Japanese reincarnations of the classic Mr. Darcy. Marry me! Popular examples: Hatori Sohma from Fruits Basket, Kakashi Hatake from Naruto, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki from Bleach and Col. Roy Mustang from FullMetal Alchemist 

The Bachelor Type

The Hot-Head: 

     I love these characters. Many male leads in anime and manga are hot-heads. These characters are brash, often inconsiderate and lack refined manners. Most are warriors, or wanna-be warriors; they strive to be the best at something. They have a strong sense of justice and an internal drive to stop at nothing to achieve their goal. It’s their energy that propels the rest of the characters. 
     Hot-Heads also have a tendency to speak whatever is on their mind---it’s not in their nature to be dishonest, or to hide their true feelings behind social expectations and niceties. Notable Hot-Heads include: InuYasha from Inuyasha, Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach,  Edward Elric from FullMetal Alchemist and Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto. Notice the red/blonde hair—it’s a tell-tale sign! 

The Hot-Head Type

The Narcissist: 

     Narcissist characters can be male or female, but it seems I’ve come across more male narcissists in the series I’ve read. I’d say narcissist characters are still 50/50 in terms of being a protagonist or antagonist. Most are loveable and are enamored with themselves for good reason; others are humorously narcissistic and their quips are a running gag throughout the series and few elevate themselves to the point that they view others as lesser beings.  
     Are they gay? Are they not? No one knows! Popular examples are Ayasana Umichika from Bleach, Ayame Sohma from Fruits Basket and Maximillion Pegasus from Yu-Gi-Oh! On a side note: I just realized that narcissists typically have white hair? Fascinating! 

The Narcissist Type

The Rogue: 

     Every series has its rebel, its non-conformist, its ace in the hole. I would definitely place Ikkaku Madarame in this category. The Rogue is the guy you want fighting with you. While you would not want to be on their bad side, to their friends they are protecting and friendly. 
     Typically, the Rogue is cocky and loves to greet others with the trademark sideways smirk. We love to cheer them on! Other popular examples: Renji Abarai from Bleach, General Olivia Armstrong from FullMetal Alchemist and Hatsuharu Sohma from Fruits Basket 

The Rogue Type

The Enigma: 
     The Enigma-type is just that—a mystery! He or she will appear at varying times in the series, normally to foretell some terrible fate the hero must endure.  Protagonist-enigmas remain shrouded in mystery for most of the series, yet remain an invaluable asset, companion or ally of the main character. Antagonist-enigmas work in the shadows.
     The subtle journey of discovering the mysteries of who exactly that character is keeps viewers returning. Notable enigmas include: Yami/The Pharaoh from Yu-Gi-Oh! (<- this series has Enigma-types in spades!), Nagato/Pein from Naruto, “L” from Death Note.

The Enigma Type

The Sweetheart: 

     Sweethearts are the characters you want to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon with. In manga and anime, these are characters easily brought to tears (joy, sadness, anger) and would willingly sacrifice themselves for their friends. They tend to avoid battle and focus their strength as peacemakers. They have a gift of connecting with the most disagreeable characters and lighten the mood of more intense series with their optimistic world view. 
     Popular examples: Alphonse Elric from FullMetal Alchemist, Inoue Orihime from Bleach, Jaden Yuki from Yu-Gi-Oh! GX and Tohru Honda from Fruits Basket 

The Sweetheart Type

     Of course, few characters fall into simply one category; there are often “blends” of two or three stereotypes, like hot-headed meganes, trickster narcissists or princely rogues. After a character is created and given “life” as it were, a voice is needed to complete the emotional depth of the character. 

To Be Continued…