Anime is not always a straightforward story about good versus evil, and there are plenty of characters who embody of this struggle. Characters with complex backstories, familial disputes, or general struggles can make for some of the most compelling components of any story, and should always be explored.
However, many characters thrive on their own simplicity, whether in their direct goals or straightforward approaches, and fans can still love them for it. These more complex figures can get the brain cogs turnings and are vitally important in their series. They simply could not be substituted for anyone with fewer layers or less complexity.
10 Haman Karn Had Layers Of Dark Complexity
Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
Haman Karn is a major antagonist from both Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam and ZZ, who ultimately deserves more recognition. In ZZ, Karn was one of the few threatening villains beyond the comic value that many of the others brought. She showcased some frightening powers.
Haman Karn gave the impression that she was cool and calm but was essentially fronting that facade to hide her ambitious thirst for power. Karn was manipulative and showed no remorse for her actions, with Judau Ashta immediately noticing her dark aura. Her goals revolved around making Earth better, but in a way that could hardly be seen as positive or "good."
9 Hyakkimaru Had To Struggle To Get His Life Back
Dororo
Hyakkimaru is the main protagonist of Dororo, the compelling dark fantasy anime that centers around his shocking journey. Hyakkimaru was the unfortunate sacrifice made by his father, and in striking a deal with demons, his limbs were offered in return for prosperity in the region.
Hyakkimaru had to endure having no voice or means to do anything, finding the impossible resolve to defeat demons to regain his limbs, as well as his life. Hyakkimaru would not have been able to do this without the support of the titular Dororo, but it was an extraordinary tale regardless.
8 Johan Liebert Was A Terrifyingly Smooth Villain
Monster
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Monster is rife with suspense, complexity, and intriguing characters. While the protagonist Dr. Kenzo Tenma had his own issues and complications, Johan Liebert was on another level. Liebert was saved by the conflicted Dr. Tenma, who was being commanded to save a more high-profile patient. To thank the doctor, Liebert killed those angry with Tenma and didn't stop there.
Liebert essentially became a phantom, with nobody keeping up with his true identity other than Tenma. He had a terrifying charisma that helped him to move through families, generally leaving destruction in his wake. His initial goal was to be the last one standing, which transitioned to him wanting the perfect death.
7 L Was A Perfect Foil For Light
Death Note
Death Note thrived on its moral complexities as it essentially set up Light Yagami as a villainous protagonist and L as the antagonist out to stop him. Light started targeting criminals, but after failing to account for the authorities still investigating the deaths, it devolved into him taking out anyone who went after him.
Light's foil, L Lawliet, wasn't really a good person either. L may have been doing a job that would get justice in the end, but he wasn't above playing dirty to get there. L was a classic case of a character who would think outside the box and come up with ludicrous ideas that no one else would think or approve of, but they'd get results.
6 Odokawa Was More Than Just A Stone-Faced Walrus Taxi Driver
Odd Taxi
Odd Taxi became a huge hit upon its 2021 release, gaining popularity for its exploration of deep and complex issues with a compelling group of characters. However, Oddball wouldn't have been so successful if not for its perfect protagonist, Hiroshi Odokawa.
Odokawa was presented as a quiet and unassuming walrus who worked as a taxi driver. As Odd Taxi's storylines started to become intertwined with each other, more was revealed about Odokawa. The entire concept of anthropomorphic animals was a consequence of his visual agnosia, meaning everyone involved was actually human. Odokawa spent Odd Taxi trying to investigate a girl's disappearance and murder, but by the end, the audience knew everything about it, but he did not.
5 Vash The Stampede Was A Tormented Soul Underneath His Heroic Facade
Trigun
Trigun was one of the best anime to come from the 1990s, and it brought some emotionally-heavy themes and characters. Trigun followed Vash the Stampede as its protagonist, an all-action hero who often found himself tackling bad guys.
While it may not seem to be the most complicated premise, Vash carried an emotional complexity that was shown whenever he reflected on his actions and sins, namely the lives he had been forced to take. Vash continued to fight but would never truly emerge from his emotional baggage. He was deeply tormented by a lifetime of people leaving or betraying him. His cynicism directly contradicted his quest for "Love and Peace!"
4 Askeladd Strived To Always Have An Extra Trick Up His Sleeve
Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga is a successful anime that had an underwhelming release. Vinland Saga's first season brought the turmoil of the Viking era with a gripping story and captivating characters. One such character was Askeladd, who played a vital but complicated role in the anime.
When Askeladd killed Thors, he assumed the role of the antagonist. In allowing Thors' vengeful child to follow his subsequent journey, he became more complicated. Askeladd was a meticulous and cunning leader, and even his Viking followers didn't know his true intentions. Everything he did was to honor the memory of his mother by saving her birthplace: Wales. In the end, Askeladd killed the king, knowing that if Canute then killed him in return, it would make Canute a popular king and ensure the safety of Wales. Askeladd essentially assumed the role of a necessary evil.
3 Kaiki Deishu Was A Compelling And Layered Conman
Monogatari
Kaiki Deishu's debut came in Nisemonogatari, which showed him as pure evil. From the surrounding red backdrop to his creepy mannerisms, his evil intent seemed apparent and obvious. It was revealed that Kaiki just wanted to make money, but he coated his ambition with riddles and a mysticism that made him endlessly intriguing.
Everything about Kaiki screamed evil and villainous, and while he certainly did bad things, he still made good points. His cynical yet grounded outlook on life provided a refreshing perspective, making him a fan-favorite character. Kaiki was a schemer and a liar, but even he would make good on a promise when it came to it. This showed that he had many complex layers to him.
2 Sasuke's Quest For Vengeance Took Him On A Long, Dark Road
Naruto
Naruto's Sasuke is one of the most conflicted souls in anime. Sasuke was known to be a happy child who adored his brother Itachi, so when Itachi allegedly killed their entire clan, Sasuke was driven by pain, betrayal, and vengeance.
This quest for vengeance took Sasuke to some dark places and effectively consumed him. When he finally felled his brother, he learned the truth. Itachi always loved Sasuke and was ordered to commit those atrocities to save Sasuke. This revelation just served to push Sasuke down another path of vengeance. Over time, however, his rivalry with Naruto took him toward redemption.
1 Lelouch Had To Regularly Deal With Moral Ambiguity
Code Geass
Code Geass produced one of the most complex and divisive protagonists in Lelouch vi Britannia or Lamperouge. Lelouch was exiled by his own Britannian family and ended up fighting against them. Lelouch wielded the morally-compromising power of the Geass, known as the Power of Absolute Obedience, or mind control.
Lelouch used it for both good and bad deeds in Code Geass, as he sought to create a better world for those he cherished. Through the bad that Lelouch did, he understood that he had to lean into the villainous visage. He devised the Zero Requiem plan to cement himself as the villain and ensure that his death would usher in a new age of peace. Lelouch was a truly complicated antihero.