Summary
The most memorable anime characters are often those who cannot be fully described as heroes or villains but occupy an ambiguous land in between. Some of these characters have unique morals that are inconsistent with the world around them, while others simply place their own joy and satisfaction above anything else. Some morally ambiguous characters are thematically driven towards a specific goal, but their methods are questionable as they will stop at nothing to achieve that goal.
The gray anime characters with the best morals reminds viewers that the world is not always black and white. While most of the characters are either peaceful symbols of justice, heroic acts to save the world, or evil villains who seek nothing other than to cause as much destruction as possible, The most memorable anime characters fall between those two extremes.
Perhaps they follow a strict moral code that simply doesn’t fit with what others expect of a hero or a villain, or they lack any principles, acting completely for joy and seeking self-fulfillment above all else. Regardless, their ambiguous nature often makes them more interesting, as opposed to purely good or bad people.
10 Revy (Black Dress)
Based on Manga by Rei Hiroe
Year of release
2006
Episodes
24
Where to stream it
Netflix, Funimation, Crunchyroll, Hulu
Black Lagoon’s heroine, Revy, is a polarizing and fascinating character. Growing up in a harsh environment where she was abused both physically and sexually, she grew to hate her own powerlessness. She also values money above all else, as she is aware of how difficult and unfair life is for the less fortunate. This is what put her on the path to becoming a mercenary. As a member of the Lagoon Company, Revy is known to be competitive, loud, and impatient. often resorting to violence without hesitation. However, she can also be kind and protective of those she cares about, such as Rock.
9 Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass: Lelouch Rebellion)
Original anime created by Gorou Taniguchi
Year of release
2006
Episodes
50
Where to stream it
Netflix, Funimation, Crunchyroll, Hulu
As the main character of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Lelouch Lamperouge is a complex character, whose morals and values are often ambiguous. Driven by a desire to avenge his mother and protect his sister, Lelouch aims to take over Britannia and reform it, ultimately facilitating the development of a better, more united world. So, His goals can be considered relatively noble and his attitude towards his allies is also admirable most of the time. However, HE also appears to be quite cold and cruel at times, such as when his plans involve civilian casualties, which he seems to consider a necessary sacrifice.
8 Princess Syalis (Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle)
Based on the Manga by Kagiji Kumanomata
Year of release
2020
Episodes
twelfth
Where to stream it
Animation, Crunchyroll
As a laid-back slice-of-life anime, Sleeping Beauty in the Demon Castle doesn’t involve the scale or appeal of some of the other stories. However, that does not exclude Princess Syalis from a legitimate description of her as a morally ambiguous character. Kidnapped by the demon king, most people had to spend days of fear and impatience to be saved, but Syalis was different. Instead, she saw this as an opportunity to rest, and she made it her sole goal to make sure her sleep was as comfortable as possible. To achieve this goal, she will slaughter and steal from any resident of the castle, but She eventually tries to help and befriends some of them.
7 Menou (The Executioner and Her Lifestyle)
Based on the Light Novel by Mato Satou & Nilitsu
Year of release
2022
Episodes
twelfth
Where to stream it
HIDE
In most isekai games, characters summoned to another world receive benefits and powers they would never otherwise know, enjoying their lives in magical realms. Art is full of new possibilities. Completely subverting this trope, in The Executioner and Her Way of Life, such otherworldly people are considered “The Lost” and will be executed, as they pose too great a risk if left alone. alone again. Protagonist The menu is At the same time a compassionate nun as well as a ruthless assassin tasked with preventing another major disaster. She may not get any joy from her mission, but she is nonetheless aware of its importance.
6 Kiyotaka Ayanokoji (Class of the upper class)
Based on the Light Novel by Shougo Kinugasa & Shunsaku Tomose
Year of release
2017
Episodes
25
Where to stream it
Netflix, Funimation, Crunchyroll
Classroom Of The Elite’s Kiyotaka Ayanokoji is a reserved character who often blends in with the crowd, not wanting to stand out or attract unnecessary attention. For this purpose, he chooses to stay in Class D, despite having the intelligence and aptitude necessary to join Class A, which is reserved for only the most gifted students. This contradictory nature is even more evident in his behavior and attitude towards others. In some cases, he seems really friendly. and is willing to help others, but most of the time, he has no qualms about lying, deceiving, and manipulating people if it benefits him in any way.
5 Elaina (Wandering Witch: Elaina’s Journey)
Based on the Light Novel by Jougi Shiraishi & Azure
Year of release
2020
Episodes
twelfth
Where to stream it
Netflix, Funimation, Crunchyroll, Hulu
Wandering Witch: Main character Elaina’s journey Elaina is truly a person selfish and conceited personality who refuses to interfere in the fate of most other people, even when she is aware of the grim situations they must endure without her help. As she goes from place to place, she encounters many different situations, always acting passive towards whatever happens. Since she neither aids nor directly harms anyone, she can be considered a typical neutral character. Refusing to be either a hero or a villain, she has no regard for others, as she values nothing but her own joy in life.
4 Decim (Death March)
The original anime was composed by Yuzuru Tachikawa
Year of release
2015
Episodes
twelfth
Where to stream it
Netflix, Funimation, Crunchyroll, Hulu
As Quindecim’s famous bartender and the main character of Death Parade, Decim was designed to be morally ambiguous. His bar is where two people died at the same time, waiting for their fates to be judged, and he is the arbiter who decides whether their souls will be reincarnated or lost in the Void forever. Committed to his role as a referee, Decim always tries his best to understand and care for his guests, even though he does not understand human emotions very well. However, he does not recognize himself as having an obligation to save or execute anyone, but only passes judgment as he sees fit.
3 Ken Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul)
Based on Manga by Sui Ishida
Year of release
2014
Episodes
48
Where to stream it
Netflix, Funimation, Crunchyroll, Hulu, HIDIVE
Ken Kaneki of Tokyo Ghoul is a complex and controversial character, whose personality and attitude develop strongly over the course of the series. Initially, he appears to be a gentle and reserved person who will do anything to protect his loved ones, even if it means being punished for his actions. which he did not commit. Even after becoming a half-vampire, he still retains his compassionate and sacrificial nature. However, his attitude began to change after being captured and tortured. He remains equally kind to his friends, but becomes more cruel and violent to his enemies, eventually no longer knowing who he wants to be.
2 Koko Hekmatyar (Jormungand)
Based on the Manga by Keitarou Takahashi
Year of release
2012
Episodes
twelfth
Where to stream it
Animation, Crunchyroll, Hulu
As the main character of Jormungand, Hekmatyar blood is a character whose noble goals are only obscured by his unscrupulous plans. Officially named “Jormungand” is a secret project she developed with her best friend Minami Amada, aiming to completely end war and the arms trade. While this sounds positive on paper, the problem is that her methods involve using a complex network of satellites and quantum computers that could completely prevent travel by air, and eventually by sea and land travel if necessary. Even knowing that 700,000 people could die when Jormungand activates, Koko still considers these casualties insignificant when compared to what she hopes to achieve, world peace.
1 Lady Eboshi (Princess Mononoke)
Original anime created by Hayao Miyazaki
Year of release
1997
Episodes
1 movie
Where to stream it
Netflix
Some characters are considered morally ambiguous because they cannot be considered heroes or villains. Lady Eboshi is different in that regard, as she falls into both categories at once, with the only deciding variable being one’s perspective. To the people of Irontown, she is a strong and respected leader who saved them, gave them freedom, and allowed them to live a fulfilling life. But to the spirits of nature and those associated with it, such as Princess Mononoke herself, San, she is a villain who threatens the peace and natural order of the world, who whose actions cause great suffering. Ultimately, it is up to the viewer to decide how to evaluate Lady Eboshi’s actions.
These characters can be considered morally gray solely due to the world they live in, in which they manage to find favor with certain factions but are hated by others. . In other cases, it is their indecisive nature that qualifies them for such a description, as they are too self-absorbed or inconsiderate of others to care what their peers have to say. is good or bad. Whether their goals or methods are problematic or their personality doesn’t align with certain expectations, gray anime characters with the best morals certainly also one of the most complex and memorable.