So many new anime air each season that it is hard to keep track of all the characters. Side characters, especially, tend to fall by the wayside, overshadowed by other characters in their own show. However, some of these characters are so great that they demand fans' attention and deserve to be talked about more, even if they are from older shows.

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Though they are not as popular, many fans still agree that these side characters, and certain protagonists, are some of the most underappreciated characters in anime. Their personalities, heroism, and even flaws can make them gems among the sea of anime characters.

10 Chiriko "Tsuruko" Tsurumi Hides Her Feelings

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Chiriko Tsurumi from Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Chiriko "Tsuruko" Tsurumi is one of the founding members of the Super Peace Busters in Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day. Tsuruko is wickedly intelligent, yet, she hovers in the background. Even when she attends a prestigious high school as a teenager, Tsuruko still hides behind Atsumu "Yukiatsu" Matsuyuki.

Although she experienced the same tragedy as her friends, Tsuruko's feelings are never talked about much. Fans also do not definitively find out until later that Tsuruko has harbored a crush on Yukiatsu all these years. Tsuruko deserves to be more in the spotlight so that her intelligence and her emotional depth can come to the forefront.

9 Minori Kushieda Deserves More Attention From Fans

Toradora!

Minori Kushieda in Toradora! holding a drink

While Ryuuji Taksu and Taiga Aisaka are falling in love, Minori Kushieda is in the background being incredible. Although the story of Toradora! centers around Ryuuji and Taiga, Kushieda is subtly the star of the show. Her energetic personality and love of life make her one of the best characters.

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Despite this, many fans rarely talk about her. Taiga typically steals the spotlight when discussing Toradora!, but that does not make Kushieda any less of a great character. Her fierce work ethic and staunch loyalty make her one of the best anime characters. More people should recognize Kushieda for her the sacrifice she made to make her best friend happy.

8 Connie Springer Offers A Lot To The Team

Attack On Titan

Connie Springer in battle gear in Attack On Titan anime

Connie Springer is one of the original 104th Cadet Corps members in Attack on Titan. Although Connie is not the most talented Scout member, he still holds his own against the Titans. Connie is also compassionate when it counts, and can be depended upon to get a job done.

Connie deserves more attention due to his ever-increasing skills as a soldier and his keen eye for observation. Plus, his friendship with Sasha is one of the most wholesome relationships in the whole show. Connie is a complex character who trusts his instincts and does what he feels is best.

7 Frankie Franklin Does Just As Much As Twilight

Spy x Family

Frankie Franklin from Spy x Family

Frankie Franklin is an informant for secret agent Twilight in Spy x Family. Despite this, Frankie is often roped into Twilight's missions. While he's often reluctant, he still takes on the challenges with a smile, performing his tasks with the grace and flare needed to distract the enemy and gain valuable information.

Frankie is one of only a few people Twilight can trust, but is often treated like any random citizen. Fortunately, Frankie has the moxie to take everything in his stride and passively strike back at Twilight when he can - like when he portrayed the villain in Anya's game, Frankie should be recognized for all the extra work he does just to keep Twilight out of trouble.

6 Jack Is A Great Friend

Beastars

Jack from Beastars

Jack is Legoshi's best friend and only confidant in Beastars. His happy-go-lucky side is in stark contrast to Legoshi's gloomy personality, yet they balance each other out. Jack is extremely understanding of Legoshi's problems and even hears him out when he discovers Legoshi's feelings for a Dwarf rabbit named Haru.

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Jack always tries his best to keep Legoshi out of trouble and roots for him even on his worst days. Considering all the terrible things that many of the other students at Cherryton do, Jack's tireless efforts to be a friend are a refreshing change. Jack is one character who warrants acknowledgment from the fandom.

5 Rossiu Was Just As Good As Kamina

Gurren Lagann

Rossiu angry in Gurren Lagann.

Although Kamina and Simon were brothers linked by an incredible bond in Gurren Lagann, Rossiu was just as proficient at piloting Gurren. While it took a little time before Simon and Rossiu could combine, Rossiu still managed to take down Beastmen with as much frequency as Kamina.

Additionally, though he made some deplorable choices as an advisor, Rossiu grew up to carry on Kamina's legacy of freedom and peace throughout the galaxy. Rossiu may have made some terrible decisions as an adult in charge, but it does not take away from his piloting skills and his leadership capabilities later in his life.

4 Yuri Plisetsky Is A Rising Star

Yuri!!! On Ice

Yuri Plisetsky from Yuri!!! On Ice wearing a hood and casting a glaring look.

Though much of Yuri!!! On Ice is focused on Yuri Katsuki and his journey, many seem to brush Yuri "Yurio" Plisetsky aside. However, Yurio is a much better skater than Yuri, and at such a young age. The fifteen-year-old has raw talent in spades and works just as hard to impress Victor Nikiforov as Yuri does.

Yurio warrants more attention from fans, because of his dedication to the sport he loves. Although he begins the show with a poor attitude, he realizes the error of his ways and changes his outlook. Plus, Yurio managed to get a gold medal over Yuri in the final competition.

3 Mashirao Ojiro Is A Strong Hero

My Hero Academia

tailman from mha

Mashirao Ojiro is one of the students of Class 1-A at U.A. High in My Hero Academia. Although his Quirk is not as flashy as many of the others, it proves his strength and intelligence. After all, he made it into the most prestigious class with only a tail as his Quirk.

Ojiro is kind and incredibly hardworking. He always ensures he is improving himself so that he can be the best hero possible. Ojiro never backs down from a challenge, and always makes saving others his top priority. Ojiro should be talked about more because he is a truly chivalrous hero.

2 Suki Is Underutilized

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Suki during the finale of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

As the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Suki is a strong and capable young woman who knows the importance of hard work. Her diligent training and adherence to tradition also signify how dedicated she is to what she does. This is why when Suki returned and joined the Gaang, not seeing much of her in action upset fans.

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Suki is a great fighter, yet she is often pushed to the side in favor of showcasing Aang, Katara, Toph, and even Zuko's bending spectacles. Though the show had limited time left when Suki got there, many fans would also have liked to have seen more of her and Sokka's romance.

1 Momiji Sohma Stood Up For Tohru

Fruits Basket

Momiji Sohma from Fruits Basket

Momiji Sohma is a member of the Sohma family who is cursed with the Rabbit Zodiac in Fruits Basket. Momiji has an outgoing personality and a unique sense of style that sets him apart from the rest of his family. However, though he often appears happy on the outside, Momiji has many things weighing on his mind, including his feelings for Tohru Honda.

Tohru's kindness and empathy for the Sohmas endear her to many of the family's members, especially to Momiji. Having to pretend to be happy for most of his life, he finds it comforting to share his sadness candidly with Tohru. Others feel the same way, yet Momiji is the only one to stand up for Tohru when it counts. Momiji's bravery and compassion are truly inspiring, making him one of the best characters who should not be taken for granted.

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