Every anime fan has at least one show that they watch for the sake of a side character. This doesn't mean the protagonist is boring; it just means that someone from the supporting cast is capturing the audience's attention just a bit more. Be it a more intense backstory, better skills, or an attractive personality, some side characters feel like protagonists that never got their chance to be at the forefront.

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While the protagonist role rarely changes throughout a series, fan-favorite characters can garner more screentime and even their own arcs. Some of the most legendary characters of shonen, shojo, and seinen are characters who the writer initially didn't pay much mind to. On the contrary, some writers fawn over a side character to the point that such bias has skewed fans' idea of who the true center of the story is. No matter the reason, some main characters pale in comparison to those around them.

10 Yuri Is A Natural Leader (Angel Beats)

Otonashi Yuri Angel Beats

By no means is Otonashi unfit for the role of protagonist in Angel Beats; his backstory highlights the show's purpose. That being said, a decent chunk of time passes before Otonashi recalls his previous life, so the audience primarily knows him as a washy character. While Angel Beats calls for a protagonist like Otonashi, he is outshined by the vibrant array of side characters (especially Yuri Nakamura).

In another anime, it's safe to say Yuri would make an excellent protagonist. She lays out the plans for the SSS to follow, and even when her plans lead to failure, she devises something new. Her over-the-top personality tends to take over whatever scene she is in, but this feels like the writer's intention as opposed to poor planning.

9 Tensai Is The Hidden Gem Of Anime (Nanana's Buried Treasure)

Nanana's Buried Treasure Tensai

Nanana's Buried Treasure is a classic case of an anime biting off more than it can chew. With its questionable tropes, convoluted world-building, and awkward pacing, not many anime fans have seen this series. Despite the show's smaller fanbase, the characters do have potential.

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The protagonist, Jugo, isn't necessarily boring. When he forms a shaky alliance with Tensai, a self-proclaimed master detective, the audience's attention shifts to her. Tensai is the hidden gem of the anime world, with her big personality matched only by her sleuthing skills. After finishing the last episode, viewers will probably remember the scrappy detective's chaotic plans above all else.

8 Kurumi Is The Tank Of Her Team (School Live)

Yuki Kurumi School Live

While Yuki fulfills the role of protagonist well enough in School Live, the show pulls the audience in most whenever Kurumi is on screen. The latter acts as the muscle of her team, fighting zombies with her trusty shovel and keeping her friends safe. While Yuki isn't dull, Kurumi's feisty attitude and dependability make her the character who shines brightest on screen.

Despite Kurumi being the heart of the School Life Club's action, she still has moments that display her deep empathy towards the undead. School Live strives to balance a serious setting with lighthearted antics, and Kurumi fits this concept even better than the protagonist does.

7 Inaba Captures A Realistic Highschooler's Personality (Kokoro Connect)

Kokoro Connect

When it comes to a typical protagonist in an anime like Kokoro Connect, Taichi fits the bill perfectly. However, he doesn't capture the audience's attention as much as the other four prominent characters do. Inaba, specifically, functions as a protagonist in everything short of the title. She calls the shots for the Student Cultural Society and determines what course of action the heroes will take next.

Beneath her hardened exterior, Inaba's character undergoes change and vulnerability, making her a dynamic and eye-catching member of the group. Her insecurities and how she deals with them are far more relatable than anything in Taichi-focused scenes. It isn't that the current protagonist falls short per se, but rather that he isn't as memorable.

6 Azusa's Personality Shines The Brightest (Orange)

Orange Main Characters

It may seem cruel to criticize the protagonist of Orange given the tragic premise of the story, but Naho's personality leaves a lot to be desired. The character's story is fascinating, but it wouldn't be worth the watch if it weren't for her friends. Naho's friend, Azusa, has the biggest personality in their group.

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While Azusa casually argues with her friends, she unconditionally supports Naho even through the roughest times. In the series, she radiates the most "protagonist energy" out of all the characters, which makes it difficult for Naho to live up to her role. Azusa's cheery demeanor is imperative in a story like Orange where comedic relief and upbeat moments help the viewers avoid going too far down the rabbit hole of a complex and sorrowful tale.

5 Mei Fits The Horror Genre Better Than Koichi (Another)

Mei and Koichi meet in Another

In Another, Koichi has a lot on his plate while entering the cursed class 3-3. In horror anime, nothing pulls the viewers away from immersing themselves in the ominous tone of the show quite like the main character being the plainest of the bunch.

Mei's eerily quiet nature and lack of reaction to the tragedies surrounding the class make fans want to know more about her, and her character design and voice casting complement the show. On the other hand, Koichi seems like he belongs in a slice-of-life anime, making Mei stand out even more in this spooky setting.

4 Misaki's Relationships With Characters Make Them More Interesting (The Pet Girl Of Sakurasou)

Petgirl Of Sakurasou Misaki

Most fans of The Pet Girl of Sakurasou agree that while Sorata and Mashiro are the two most prominent characters, they are the two most underwhelming as well. While the whole point of Sorata's character is that he is a self-proclaimed "ordinary guy" amongst extraordinary people, he doesn't have many moments that make the audience engage with him.

Usually, Misaki is the character taking the spotlight. While Sorata feels like he passively exists throughout the arcs, Misaki leaves an impact on the plot with her distinctive way of thinking. She brings out unique aspects of each character through her interactions with them.

3 Fans Wish Asuna Wasn't Fridged For Kirito's Growth (Sword Art Online)

Kirito And Asuna At The Wood Cabin Sword Art Online

It may seem cool at first that the protagonist of Sword Art Online is strong and attracts all the ladies, but it gets old fast. Many viewers point out that Kirito's lack of personality makes him easy for fans to project themselves onto, but it's this lack of individuality that holds the show back from living up to its premise.

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Sword Art Online has a plethora of characters, so it would be interesting to see any of them fulfill the protagonist role. Asuna is a complex character until Aincrad concludes and she becomes a plot device. A version of Sword Art Online with Asuna as the main character would be a fun watch, especially given her potential at the series' start.

2 The Supporting Characters Outshine Ryota (Brynhildr In The Darkness)

Brynhildr In The Darkness

Vanilla main characters are a dime a dozen these days. While the concept of Brynhildr In The Darkness is a new take on sci-fi, none of the show's creative ideas translate well through Ryota, who has about as much personality as the dirt he treads across. Ryota's underwhelming characteristics are highlighted by the number of girls interested in him.

While characters like Neko, Kazumi, Kotori, and Kana lack development due to their screentime almost always involving the protagonist, they have the potential to be fleshed out. Unfortunately, the writing works against them and these ladies spend more time in provocative situations than fighting.

1 Yuno Is Worse (And Therefore Way Better) Than Yukiteru (Future Diary)

Yuki And Yuno Embrace In The Future Diary

There's no surprise here. Yukiteru is known by anime fans as one of the most underwhelming protagonists of all time, and in a show as intense as Future Diary, bland just won't cut it. Despite Yuno's writing suffering from harmful tropes, her role in the anime is not only more impactful than Yukiteru's but more riveting as well.

The audience is drawn to Yuno's actions because of how unsavory they are; after all, many fans love an unhinged antihero. In real life, a cowardly response to the events of Future Diary would be expected. However, in this fictional universe, Yukiteru drowns amongst the compelling characters and plots around him.

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