Protagonists are meant to be theheart of the story, the ones we follow, root for, and connect with. But sometimes, a side character steps into the spotlight and steals the show in ways no one saw coming. With limited screen time and often intricate backstories, these supporting characters leave an impression so strong that they rival or even surpass the main heroes.
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Fromtactical mastermindsand enigmatic mentors to charismatic leaders and tragic figures, these side characters have become icons in their own right. Their moments on screen are unforgettable, their personalities magnetic, and their stories sometimes more compelling than the central plot itself. Here are eight side characters who didn’t just support the story, they defined it.
Black Clover
Black Clover set up Yuno as Asta’s lifelong rival, but unlike many shonenrivals, he wasn’t just there to brood in the background. Yuno was a powerhouse in his own right, and at times, he felt even more like the main character than Asta did.
His rise through the ranks was meteoric, and every time he fought, he showcased why he was worthy of being the future Wizard King. His battle against Zenon was a prime example, while Asta was still struggling to master his powers, Yuno was already pushing himself beyond his limits, standing toe-to-toe with one of the strongest enemies in the series.
Even though Black Clover is Asta’s story, Yuno never felt overshadowed. Instead, he stood beside him as an equal, making every battle between them feel like a clash of two destined kings.
Tokyo Revengers
In Tokyo Revengers, Takemichi is the protagonist, but the story often felt like it revolved around Mikey instead. Charismatic, unpredictable, and overwhelmingly strong, Mikey wasn’t just a gang leader for the fans. Whether he was cracking skulls with a single kick or holding his friends together with nothing but his willpower, he dominated every scene he was in.
The contrast between his playful, almost childish demeanor and his terrifying strength made him one of the most compelling characters in the series. But what really made Mikey steal the show was his tragic descent into darkness. Every time Takemichi fought to save him, fate seemed to pull Mikey deeper into the abyss. His struggle against his own demons was more gripping than the time-traveling plot itself, making him the true heart of the series.
Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga’s main character, Thorfinn, spent most of the first season seeking revenge. But the one who truly commanded the screen was Askeladd. He wasn’t just another Viking warrior; he was a master manipulator, a strategist who could outthink and outfight nearly anyone.
Unlike most warriors in the series, Askeladd didn’t rely on brute strength alone. He played the long game, always staying one step ahead of both his enemies and his own men. The moment he revealed his true allegiance to his mother’s homeland of Wales was the moment he became one of the greatest side characters in anime.
His death wasn’t just an end; it was a masterstroke. He stole the spotlight in his final moments, changing the entire course of the story and leaving Thorfinn completely shattered. Without Askeladd, there was no Vinland Saga as we knew it.
Bungo Stray Dogs
In Bungo Stray Dogs, Atsushi is the protagonist, but let’s be real, Dazai is the one fans came to see. With his eccentric personality and obsession with suicide jokes, he seemed like nothing more than comic relief at first. But underneath the carefree facade was a man who had lived through some of the darkest times in the series.
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Dazai wasn’t just smart; he was terrifyingly brilliant. A former member of the Port Mafia, he carried the scars of his past, using his intelligence and strategic mind to stay ahead of every enemy. Every time he appeared, the tension in the series shifted. You never knew if he was joking or planning something five steps ahead.
His rivalry with Mori and his past with Chuuya added layers to his character, making him more than just the “funny guy.” Even in moments where Atsushi or Akutagawa were supposed to be in the spotlight, Dazai had a way of stealing it effortlessly.
4Gojo Satoru
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori’s journey after becoming the vessel for Sukuna, but it’s his teacher Gojo Satoru who captivated audiences worldwide. With his blindfolded appearance, carefree attitude, and overwhelming power, Gojo quickly became the series' breakout character.
Gojo’s popularity exploded beyond even what the creator expected. His first display of power, explaining thelimitless techniquewhile effortlessly obliterating a special grade curse, showed fans exactly why he’s considered the strongest jujutsu sorcerer. The scene where he removes his blindfold to use Purple against Jogo became an instant classic moment.
Despite limited screen time, Gojo’s impact on the story is immense. His absence during the Shibuya Incident arc proved just how central he had become, the entire villain strategy revolved around removing him from the battlefield first.
3Kyojuro Rengoku
Demon Slayer
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Demon Slayer has many strong characters, but few left as deep an impact as Rengoku. Introduced in the Mugen Train arc, he didn’t have much screen time, but that didn’t stop him from becoming one of the most beloved characters in the entire series.
Unlike the other Hashira, who were initially cold toward Tanjiro, Rengoku welcomed him with open arms. His unwavering optimism and unshakable spirit made him instantly likable. But what truly cemented his place as a show-stealer was his final battle against Akaza.
Despite being outmatched, he refused to back down, standing tall until his last breath. The entire scene, from his fierce combat to his final words, left both the characters and the audience in tears. He may not have been around for long, but his presence burned brighter than most.
Bleach’s protagonist, Ichigo, had a long journey, but whenever Urahara stepped in, things got a whole lot more interesting. He was more than just the quirky shopkeeper, he was one of the smartest and most unpredictable characters in the series.
No matter how dire the situation, Urahara always had a plan. Whether it was helping Ichigo unlock his full potential or manipulating Aizen’s downfall, he always stayed three steps ahead. His casual, carefree attitude masked the fact that he was a former captain and one of Soul Society’s most dangerous minds.
When Aizen, one of the most broken villains in anime, was finally taken down, it wasn’t Ichigo who delivered the final blow, it was Urahara, proving once again that he was the ultimate wild card.
Naruto: Shippuden
For most of Naruto, Itachi Uchiha was painted as a villain, the cold-blooded traitor who slaughtered his own clan. But as the story unraveled, so did the truth about his sacrifice. He wasn’t just another rogue ninja; he was a man burdened with impossible choices, choosing to carry the weight of the Uchiha clan’s sins on his back.
Despite the series being about Naruto’s journey, Itachi stole the show every time he appeared. His battle against Sasuke, where he seemingly fought to kill his brother, only to reveal later that every move was calculated to protect him, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest side characters in anime history. His death wasn’t just an emotional moment, it was a realization of the tragic hero he truly was.
(I swear I didn’t cry when I saw the character I love die with a smile bigger than anything… Nope, not at all.)
His presence was so impactful that even after death, his reappearance during the Fourth Great Ninja War overshadowed nearly everything else happening at the time. While Naruto and Sasuke were supposed to be the focus, Itachi single-handedly stopped the Edo Tensei, proving once again that he was always ten steps ahead of everyone.
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