More than echoing the novelty of a heroes' society, My Hero Academia focuses on the question, "What makes a true hero?" As Seasons 5 and 6 serve to challenge the label of "villain," the title of "hero" has always been questionable for certain characters as well. No one in the series has struggled more between these two sides than Katsuki Bakugo.
In the beginning, Bakugo comes across as a detestable bully who somehow always has his way. His contempt for protagonist Izuku Midoriya and arrogant personality stirred a vast hatred within MHA's fandom. As Midoriya grew into a fearsome rival, Bakugo was put on track for a harsh redemption arc that would change his character to become more worthy of the title "hero." Though some fans still hold Bakugo in contempt, for valid reasons, Bakugo's growth is a brilliant addition to the secondary character and challenges the labels of "hero" versus "villain."
Katsuki Bakugo's Many Offenses in My Hero Academia
Despite his rough personality, Bakugo's peers have always admired and respected him because of his versatile and powerful Quirk and his brilliant mind. Midoriya is also one of these people, as well as Bakugo's childhood friend. As they grew up, Bakugo attained his rotten, arrogant personality as he was consistently praised, while Midoriya, who never developed his own Quirk, was often bullied or ignored. Though Midoriya considered him a friend, Bakugo treated him terribly, even going as far as telling Midoriya to kill himself.
It doesn't take long for MHA viewers to detest Bakugo for his arrogance and brutality, and thankfully, the sentiment is quickly shared among his classmates at U.A. Bakugo disrespects everyone around him, causing friction with his classmates. Though he is one of the best in the class, his hot temper and wild nature become major concerns in the eyes of his teachers as well as his classmates. As they learn to become Pro Heroes, Bakugo is ironically compared to the villains more than once.
Becoming a True Hero in MHA Is Always a Choice
Bakugo's horrible personality traits might leave him labeled a villain, but the reason he's generally regarded as a hero is simply that he chooses to fight among heroes. To be fair, his behavior in Season 1 of MHA, as well as various scenes from his childhood, do earn him the title of "villain" -- though anti-hero might be better fitting. As he gradually changes, Bakugo reveals that at his core, he yearns to become a true hero -- even if he's undeserving of the title as a student.
Like most, Bakugo grew up inspired by the heroics of All Might, whose integrity and moral radiance inspire good within so many who know him. All Might's inspiring work led numerous children to dream of becoming a hero like him. Though the countless praise he received as a child may have gone to his head, Bakugo's intentions are to be like All Might. Earning that praise is most important to him.
He might have responded well to his peers' acclaim when he was younger, but Bakugo proves later on that he has his own standards to meet. Typically, a character so hot-headed and drunk on power would be elated with any win or chance to achieve the next level, but two moments prove that at the very least, Bakugo is looking for more than power.
Bakugo's first moment of redemption is at the end of the Sports Festival when he is deemed the winner against Shoto Todoroki. When Bakugo realizes that Todoroki held back his powers, he furiously rejects first place because he feels he didn't earn it. Granted, the moment doesn't make up for his behavior up to that point, but it was a small glimpse into Bakugo's more respectable qualities.
The second moment is when he is captured by the League of Villains and given the chance to join them. Given Bakugo's great desire for power and victory, and how he clearly doesn't fit in with the heroes, Shigaraki is confident Bakugo will join their cause. The League of Villains is shocked when he instead attacks them in rage, declaring he wants to win like All Might and that nothing will deter him from his path toward becoming a Pro Hero. This is the turning point for Bakugo's character in My Hero Academia, and when he begins to achieve his goal of earning the title of a hero.
Karma Forces Bakugo's Change in My Hero Academia
As a talented young child, Bakugo appears to have been led to believe it was his ability alone that merited the same adoration as his hero All Might. No matter what atrocities Bakugo committed, no one, not even his teachers, would properly reprimand him. It wasn't until his time at U.A. that he was finally given the discipline he needed. Part of this is directly taught by his teachers, but some of it is karma.
When Midoriya becomes a student at U.A. like Bakugo, the hot-tempered egoist takes great offense to it. However, after he loses to Midoriya during training and sees how much the boy has grown, he is forced to admit he's wrong -- though that doesn't discourage him as a rival. From Midoriya's example and after failing to attain his Provisional Hero's License for his crude behavior, Bakugo finally begins to cool his temper, ever so slightly.
During Class 1-A's tournament against Class 1-B, Bakugo teams up with his classmates and not only shows his impressive and profoundly inspiring leadership, but also consideration and care for his teammates. In recent events during Seasons 5 and 6, Bakugo even shows some tough love and support for Midoriya, whom he accepts as All Might's successor. His crass attitude might still be present, but he does show signs of change. Though his character still needs further redemption to make up for his worst behavior -- especially in regard to Midoriya -- the change and likability of Bakugo's gradual transformation are key to his role in MHA.
Bakugo Is Transforming From a Villain-Like Character Into a Hero
With My Hero Academia's central focus on the differences between heroes and villains, a character like Bakugo -- with both heroic and villainous qualities -- is significant. His worst qualities might make him villainous and earn more contempt than praise, but even among the worst villains in this series is the potential for growth. In Bakugo's case, his slow transformation is proof that villainy is a choice. He chose to act like a villain in his youth, but as he trained under the Pro Heroes he began to realize he needed to change.
Despite his awful personality, Bakugo's best qualities make him a fearsome leader who's learned to support others when necessary. Even when given the option for praise, riches and victory, he has made morally good choices even when it wasn't easy. This change in character is so vital because choosing to do the right thing no matter the challenge, regardless of merit or praise, is what a true hero does.
While there's no question that Midoriya has the qualities of a true hero, Bakugo's transformation proves that even the worst villains can change themselves around and, eventually, become heroes themselves. Though Bakugo still has to prove himself worthy, he's at least on his way toward redemption.