Light Yagami is arguably the most memorable character of the Death Note series and even anime in general. His charm and wit make him attractive to the audience and characters alike, and he pulls everyone in with ease. Fans of anime everywhere have mixed feelings about this sociopathic protagonist.
Some love him, while some love to hate him. No matter their stance, every fan has a strong opinion of him. But one thing is for sure: as the series progresses, Light becomes more and more despicable with each act. He lets power get the better of him and goes from a likable hero to a complete monster.
10 His Arrogance Is Hard For The Audience To Swallow
From the moment of his introduction, Light proves to be a very arrogant character. Even before he finds the Death Note and it corrupts his mind, he still believes himself superior to others. He is a genius, that much is certain. Light knows this himself and isn't afraid to mention it.
He finds life to be boring because everything is just too dull compared to him. Even before his personality takes a turn for the worst, this trait in Light is an infuriating one.
9 He Has A Twisted Sense Of Justice
While Light's original intentions can be seen as admirable, they almost immediately take a dark turn. Light has no tolerance for criminals. Even the smallest, pettiest of crimes deserves severe punishment in his eyes. Criminals are lower than dirt to him, and he sees nothing wrong with wiping them all out.
This harsh justice of his is hard for the audience to stomach. Light refuses to see the nuance of situations, treating all criminals as the worst offenders. Viewers know there is more to it than that, so his actions are difficult to support.
8 His God Complex Is Insufferable
Viewers can understand why Light would want to wipe out crime in the world. He sees the Death Note as a way to achieve a better world. However, once he starts spouting talk of becoming the god of the new world, that's when things get ridiculous.
Even Ryuk can't help but snicker at Light's goals. He thinks so highly of himself, and the Death Note only makes this worse. He is probably the worst person to end up with one of these notebooks, as it slowly brings out the very worst in him. He thinks he is invincible because of it, but even he is at the mercy of death.
7 He Is Manipulative & Slimy
Light will do whatever it takes to accomplish his goals, and he isn't above manipulation. In fact, this is one of his go-to tactics throughout the series. He psychologically damages everyone around him with his manipulative personality.
He is charming and magnetic, and he uses these traits to get whatever it is he wants. He won't hesitate to manipulate anyone, even family isn't safe from him. His deceit adds suspense to the situation, but it is painful to watch others suffer unknowingly because of him.
6 His Abuse Of Misa Throughout The Series is Sickening
From the moment they meet, Misa Amane is doomed to a life of abuse and torment at Light's hand. She is enamored by him, her gratitude towards him blinding her from who he truly is. Light cares nothing for Misa and is more than happy to use her as a tool for his plans. She is as disposable to him as the criminals he kills, and her love doesn't reach him in the slightest.
Fans are torn on their feelings about Misa. Some love her, but many dislike her and find her obedience annoying. However, Misa is just as much a victim as anyone else. She is severely manipulated and has deluded herself into thinking their relationship is real love.
5 He Has Complete Disregard For Life In General
Light feels a great deal of contempt towards criminals, deeming them unfit for life. His feelings don't stop there, though. He has no true regard or respect for any human life, criminal or not. If they aren't targets of his then they are pawns to use at his will. No one is exempt from this.
The more fans see how little Light truly cares for anyone, the eviler he is seen. Light does what he does, not for the sake of others, but only for the sake of himself.
4 He Doesn't Even Care About His Own Family
Light is good at putting on a show for others. He can appear any way he needs to be, whether it's an innocent schoolboy or a devoted son. Any sort of love or concern he displays for his family is all for show. In reality, they are just as disposable as anyone else.
While he may resort to other methods before putting his family in harm's way, in the end, he has no qualms about betraying them. Family means absolutely nothing to him. All they amount to for him are tools at his disposal, giving him the appearance of innocence.
3 His Actions Cause His Father's Death
While he may not be directly responsible for his father's death, Light contributed greatly to it. Even if he hadn't died when he did, there is little doubt that Light wouldn't have taken matters into his own hands. He has never held back from killing those close to him before, and family is no exception.
Though he does appear to be devastated by his father's untimely demise, knowing Light's manipulative personality, he could easily be putting on a show for others. Everything he does is for the sake of fabricating his innocence. Sadly, even in his final moments, his father believed this act and died thinking his son was genuinely good.
2 He Forces Naomi To Commit Suicide
A perfect example of Light's manipulative nature is in the scene where he talks to Naomi Misora, slowly gaining her trust with his usual charms. She believes he is safe to open up to because of his status as the Chief of Police's son.
This mistake costs her life as Light manages to discover her name with ease. Fans are left in horror as Light uses the Death Note to force Naomi to take her own life. It is one of the most chilling and evil acts Light commits in the series and shows what kind of monster he truly has become.
1 He Kills Fan Favorite Character L
During their struggles throughout the series, it is clear Light aims to kill L. He tries to discover L's true name, using anything and anyone he can to achieve this. When he finally manages to accomplish his goal, the scene is gripping. L dies of a heart attack, the typical death of the Death Note's victims.
What is most haunting about his death is that he dies in Light's arms, who stares evilly down at his helpless victim. At that moment, L knows exactly who Light is, and Light takes pride in that. He wants L to know as he is dying that he has lost to Kira. L's death sends shockwaves throughout the entire fanbase. It is a death that still haunts fans today and is something many fans will never forgive.