Some of the most memorable anime characters are idealistic. Their faith in humanity, fresh-faced determination, and optimism can sometimes be unrealistic. Idealistic characters always have their heart in the right place, even if they don't have the practicality to put their ideals in action all the time.
Idealism can come from the high hopes of precocious youth, or as a way to cope with trauma, or a corrupt and violent world. Having high ideals can keep a hero from becoming a villain, and it can lead people to make bad mistakes for the right reasons.
10 George Joestar Always Erred On The Side Of Generosity
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
George Joestar's guidance cultivates a kind and generous nature in Jonathan in the first arc of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. George is by no means a flawless person. He can be overly harsh with Jonathan, and he doesn't foresee how his actions will bring on future tragic events for him and his son.
But at his core, George's high principles set his son up to be a strong adult and a good example for the Joestars. The selfishness of others like Dio Brando don't take away from George's intrinsic goodness.
9 Roy Mustang Only Pretends To Be Useless
Fullmetal Alchemist
Roy Mustang is not the most overtly idealistic character in Fullmetal Alchemist, that role may belong to Ed, but Roy is the most interesting. On the surface, Roy Mustang is a lazy egoist, and an outrageous flirt.
However, underneath his distasteful facade lies something more of an idealist. Despite what he says and the silly antics he gets up to, he shows time and again that he's devoted to duty and the people who rely on him. Deep down, he's aware that the safety of others depends on his choices.
8 Luffy Doesn't Sacrifice His Values
One Piece
One Piece protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, doesn't seem to ostensibly care about too much; he can come off as flighty. While he can be chaotic at times, he always chooses to act with honor, even if it means breaking the rules for the greater good. He has also remained steadfast in his dream to become the Pirate King.
Luffy's strength is in his imagination, which makes him a creative problem solver. People, even those who could be considered enemies, are drawn to him and want to befriend him, which is part of what makes him a great leader to the Straw Hat Pirates. His list of heroic deeds outstrips the hefty bounty over his head.
7 Ochaco Has A Positive Attitude
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia's Ochaco can look at people objectively enough when she needs to, but in general she's inclined to look at things with rose-colored glasses. Though she does heroic deeds for money, she nevertheless proves to have high ideals. The money isn't for her own personal gain but for her parents, who she supports. It's admirable how honest she is about her motives.
Ochaco is cheerful and optimistic, but she's also able to mold herself to whatever the situation calls for. Her sweeter disposition also makes her a good ally able to bolster spirits.
6 Eru Wants To Solve Every Mystery
Classic Literature Club
Eru of Classic Literature Club has an overwhelmingly positive disposition. She's both curious and incredibly guileless, which can make her a bit socially inept, at times. That is understandable, as she's rather young. When she's interested in something, she devotes everything she has, which is admirable.
Her childlike personality shouldn't lead anyone to underestimate her intelligence, however, as she has some of the best academics in her school. Eru prioritizes seeking knowledge and having fun, which keeps her from holding on to difficult emotions for long.
5 Vash The Stampede Knows Enough Of Pain To Want Peace
Trigun
Trigun's Vash the Stampede has endured enough pain in his long life that he's eager to spread kindness and help others evade turmoil and hurt. He's suffered many betrayals which makes him often turn inward; he has a tendency to brood, as most sensitive, philosophical souls do.
Though Vash is an inter-dimensional being, he has a great soft spot for humanity, loving them despite the humans who have hurt him over and over. His goals are noble and sometimes come at a great personal cost.
4 Sailor Venus Has A Pure Heart
Sailor Moon
Though Sailor Moon is the Moon Princess the Senshi all serve and fight beside, the actual leader of the Sailor Senshi in Sailor Moon is Sailor Venus. She cares about others to the point of self-sacrifice, and has lofty ideals about romance.
Sailor Venus is a great person to lead alongside Sailor Moon because of her strength, resilience, and sensibilities. Those dreamer-like qualities are most rewarded in the Sailor Moon world. When the Senshi lean into their more idealistic instincts, they make pure-hearted decisions.
3 The Outdoors Activities Circle Has A Sweet, Bolstering Energy
Laid-Back Camp
The entire main ensemble cast of Laid-Back Camp come together to help each other in the wilderness, warming their cold hands and souls by the communal campfire. As a group, the six girls enjoy hiking in the woods and encourage each other in a relaxed, gentle way, making for an overall comforting watch.
The central protagonist Rin starts out as a bit of a loner, but the other girls come together to help her come out of her shell. The group has a wholesome, pure appreciation for nature and each other.
2 Tanjiro Is The Best Big Brother
Demon Slayer
Tanjiro's noble and self-sacrificing character can make him too trusting in the first season of Demon Slayer. He adapts quickly to training, however, all while keeping his respectable goals in mind: to look after his sister, and to protect others from demons like the ones thay destroyed his family. It's always Tanjiro's first instinct to put others before himself.
Even before tragedy struck Tanjiro, he always acted with others' best interests at heart. He helped his mother and supported his family happily. That generous nature isn't reserved only for his family, he's also known for lending a capable hand in his village.
1 Tohru Honda Doesn't Let Strife Dampen Her Spirit
Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket's Tohru Honda's evergreen sense of optimism in the face of life's aridity is her strongest personality trait. While such a quality may read as naive and immature, it actually takes a lot of strength to work hard and face challenges and emotional pain while still finding a way to smile.
Tohru faced great personal loss, rejection from her own family members, and financial hardship – that would be hard to surmount for any high schooler, but she faced all of that without getting disenchanted. Rather, she doubles down on her sense of hope, working hard to forge a path for herself while also looking out for others.