When it comes to a great character, there are different things we pay attention to. Are they relatable? Are their motives clear, logical and understandable? What are they fighting for? These are just some of the concerns that might run through your head when defining a good character. But do you usually care if a character evolves? And how important is their development? We’ve collected a small list of characters we think have been through a lot, and altered significantly along the way.
1. Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Although technically not an anime, this show cannot be skipped when we’re talking about character development in animated series. At the beginning of the series Zuko is portrayed as an always angry and impatient boy, who’s trying hard to impress his father. His firebending abilities suit him incredibly well because he’s just as intense and fiery as flames. Zuko undergoes an incredible transformation during his journey, questioning his morals and his nation’s actions, which leads to him defeating the Fire nation and promising to rebuild it with peace and justice.
Losing his father has turned Thorfinn into an obsessive revenge-driven boy, whose only purpose is to kill the one who’s wronged him. However, as the story progresses, the boy’s motivations start to shift. After spending a significant amount of time with the target of his vengeance, Askeladd, Thorfinn begins to question the true value of revenge and his own morals. After seeing the impact of violence on the world and other people’s lives, he chooses to seek another way.
At the beginning of the series this scientist is very ambitious and eccentric, he tends to make grand declarations, dreams big and is eager to change the world. The man doesn’t care much about those whom he considers irrelevant. But as his journey continues, he gradually undergoes considerable character development. Okabe faces hardships and is forced to make difficult choices that affect many lives. The events of the series shape this character into a more mature and responsible person.
Meruem possesses high intelligence and incredible physical strength. Initially a violent and merciless leader, who couldn’t care less about the lives of others, he later turns out to be capable of developing deep connections and being no stranger to human emotions. These sensations and experiences change his worldview and teach him to feel regret and empathy.
At the beginning of the series Subaru is just an average school kid. Some fans even go so far as to call him completely useless. With no special skills or abilities — he is powerless when it comes to fending for himself. However, the challenges that he faces on his journey force him to become much stronger mentally and emotionally, making him a man capable of showing determination and fighting for what he believes in.
Is no longer recognising your faves a good thing?
When it comes to a great character, there are different things we pay attention to. Are they relatable? Are their motives clear, logical and understandable? What are they fighting for? These are just some of the concerns that might run through your head when defining a good character. But do you usually care if a character evolves? And how important is their development? We’ve collected a small list of characters we think have been through a lot, and altered significantly along the way.
1. Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Although technically not an anime, this show cannot be skipped when we’re talking about character development in animated series. At the beginning of the series Zuko is portrayed as an always angry and impatient boy, who’s trying hard to impress his father. His firebending abilities suit him incredibly well because he’s just as intense and fiery as flames. Zuko undergoes an incredible transformation during his journey, questioning his morals and his nation’s actions, which leads to him defeating the Fire nation and promising to rebuild it with peace and justice.
Losing his father has turned Thorfinn into an obsessive revenge-driven boy, whose only purpose is to kill the one who’s wronged him. However, as the story progresses, the boy’s motivations start to shift. After spending a significant amount of time with the target of his vengeance, Askeladd, Thorfinn begins to question the true value of revenge and his own morals. After seeing the impact of violence on the world and other people’s lives, he chooses to seek another way.
At the beginning of the series this scientist is very ambitious and eccentric, he tends to make grand declarations, dreams big and is eager to change the world. The man doesn’t care much about those whom he considers irrelevant. But as his journey continues, he gradually undergoes considerable character development. Okabe faces hardships and is forced to make difficult choices that affect many lives. The events of the series shape this character into a more mature and responsible person.
Meruem possesses high intelligence and incredible physical strength. Initially a violent and merciless leader, who couldn’t care less about the lives of others, he later turns out to be capable of developing deep connections and being no stranger to human emotions. These sensations and experiences change his worldview and teach him to feel regret and empathy.
At the beginning of the series Subaru is just an average school kid. Some fans even go so far as to call him completely useless. With no special skills or abilities — he is powerless when it comes to fending for himself. However, the challenges that he faces on his journey force him to become much stronger mentally and emotionally, making him a man capable of showing determination and fighting for what he believes in.
