Many anime characters are completely self-sacrificing. Often, this is used in order to portray them as heroes the audience can root for as well as to glorify the concept of altruism. However, it may come as a surprise that not all selfless characters in anime are depicted as heroic.

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Others disguise their intentions as greedy ones in order to save face, and a handful of selfless characters are even paradoxically villainous. It is only by uncovering the context behind their actions that fans can understand what motivates them to be exceptionally noble.

10 Misa Amane Gave Everything For Love (Death Note)

Misa Amane with her eyes closed in Death Note.

As one of Death Note's only female characters, Misa Amane stands out in many ways. Having discovered Light early in the series, she was already smitten by him and willing to do whatever he asked.

Misa went so far in serving Light that she was even willing to let herself get caught on his behalf. Further, she voluntarily halved her lifespan so that he could make use of the shinigami eyes without reducing his own mortality. Unfortunately, Misa wasn't that selfless as her altruism was only directed towards a single person.

9 Karin Was Sasuke's Loyal Companion (Naruto)

Karin blushing and smiling at Sasuke in Naruto

Naruto's Karin and Misa have much in common. Both served partners that used them, and both were completely sacrificial toward that end. Karin was so devoted to Sasuke that she even overlooked him spearing her through the chest.

What makes Karin slightly more selfless than Misa is that she's never killed anyone. Furthermore, her rare medical ninjutsu was essential in stabilizing the Allied Shinobi Forces as the battle against Madara gradually drew to a close. She has been a decent asset to the Leaf Village ever since.

8 Leorio Claimed To Be More Selfish Than He Was (Hunter X Hunter)

Leorio Laughing At The Thought Of Money

Paradoxically, Leorio claimed to be more selfish than he actually was. When obtaining his hunter's license, he claimed that he was only interested in the money that followed. However, it didn't take Kurapika much prying in order to discover his true intentions.

In reality, Leorio wanted money so that he could attend medical school and fund a hospital for those who could not afford medical treatment. This made him one of the most selfless characters in Hunter X Hunter, even if he'd have others believe that he was self-absorbed.

7 Kin'emon Went From Cutthroat To Retainer (One Piece)

Kin'emon frowning from One Piece

As a young man, Kin'emon was a cutthroat who stole from everyone around him. Abducting a baby pig from its gargantuan mother almost destroyed the Flower Capital and nearly got him killed. The city's defenders were not capable of defeating a monster of that size on their own.

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However, after Oden vanquished the creature, Kin'emon pledged his life as a retainer. Ever since, he has led the Scabbards with diligence and fearlessness. Kin'emon's life is evidence that moral complexity still exists despite the relatively binary nature of heroes and villains in the One Piece series.

6 Aang Was A Complicated Airbender (Avatar)

Avatar Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender flying on his glider

As the main protagonist of Avatar, one might expect Aang to be as selfless as possible. In addition to being the prophesied savior of the world, Raava's influence ran deep through his veins. To be certain, Aang usually acts courageously and was even so selfless that he let Ozai live.

However, considering that he abandoned the world for an entire century to allow the Fire Nation's dominion, his cowardice and selfishness had serious repercussions for everyone else. It meant that within that period, the Avatar could not be reborn as a more motivated person.

5 Historia Had To Learn Selfishness (Attack On Titan)

Historia releasing Eren in Attack On Titan.

Initially, Attack On Titan's Historia was selfless to a fault. She put others' needs above her own to such an extent that it endangered her own life. For example, she tried to drag Daz through the snow and back to base even though she could have frozen to death herself.

Historia's altruistic tendencies proved so self-destructive that Ymir had to remind her that she owed herself love. When Historia finally became Queen of Paradis, she balanced her benevolent nature with Ymir's gritty teachings. Her reign may have been short, but it was wildly influential.

4 Avdol Sacrificed At Every Opportunity (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)

JoJo Stardust Crusaders Muhammod Avdol's Fire Finger

Avdol was easily the most selfless hero of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Unlike the other heroes who had a personal interest in defeating DIO, his only objective was to assist Mr. Joestar to subdue a person he knew could threaten more innocent lives.

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His selfless nature is reflected on the battlefield. Avdol nearly got himself killed saving Polnareff from J. Geil and Hol Horse. Then, he actually died Polnareff out of the way from Vanilla Ice. Avdol's willingness to give his life makes him a memorable companion.

3 All Might Would Give Anything For Others (My Hero Academia)

All Might Passes The Torch In My Hero Academia

Embodying the tenants of heroism itself, My Hero Academia's All Might proved to be a worthy Symbol of Peace. Even after being badly injured by All For One, he did not hesitate to save the innocent despite the high toll it took on his body.

All Might was also not selfish with his power, willing to pass it on to Izuku Midoriya at the earliest opportunity. Given the large number of people he inspired, the only credit against his legacy is that he was not honest about his failing health.

2 Elizabeth Risked Everything For A Good Cause (Seven Deadly Sins)

A born Samaritan, Elizabeth was easily the most benevolent character of the Seven Deadly Sins. As an archangel, she refused to execute demons needlessly and even embraced her love with Meliodas in spite of the Supreme Deity.

Elizabeth's benevolent nature made her abilities especially appropriate. Her magics were almost purposed entirely for healing, and she objected whenever Meliodas executed his enemies. Although Elizabeth may not always have the best judgment, her altruism and kindness are her most unquestionable qualities.

1 Orihime Even Healed Her Enemies (Bleach)

Orihime from Bleach is very happy.

Bleach's Orihime was a free-spirited girl with a huge heart for others. Some might argue that her compassion was a detriment, especially considering who she actually used her healing abilities on. In addition to mending Grimmjow's wounds, Orihime also healed two women who had previously abused her.

This compelled them to stand up for her against Yammy later even if they had not abandoned their surly and misanthropic attitudes. Although Orihime's generosity has served her well, it has the potential to backfire very quickly.

NEXT: Bleach: 10 Harsh Realities Of Being An Espada