Studying how anime characters overcome deep trauma provides insight into their nature. Introducing sad details not only adds to the dramatic element but also reveals aspects of characters that are rarely shown. Thoughtful observation in alarming situations will reveal important insights into a character’s identity and what motivates their behavior.
In “A Silent Voice,” a young girl endures bullying due to her deafness, leaving lasting scars on those involved. Meanwhile, in “Tokyo Ghoul,” Ken Kaneki undergoes a complete personality change after being tortured by a monstrous cannibal. Some characters realistically reflect real-world PTSD reactions, while others exhibit reactions that seesaw between imagination and
Guts Probably the worst childhood in Anime history
Guts from Berserk had a really difficult childhood. His mother died when he was young, and a bad guy named Gambino adopted him, treating him terribly. Guts went through a terrifying event called Eclipse, was injured, and now has a mark that attracts ghostly things.
Ken Kaneki’s meek personality disappeared after being tortured
Ken Kaneki, the Tokyo Ghoul hero, faces a difficult life, is attacked by a vampire and becomes a vampire/human hybrid. Despite the horror, he hid his feelings, convincing himself that everything was fine.
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Edward Elric tries to bring his mother back to life And fail
Young Edward Elric, after his mother’s death, tried to use alchemy to bring her back, but it backfired. He lost all four limbs, and his brother lost his entire body, falling into a difficult situation. What is surprising is that despite this, Edward remains emotionally strong.
Subaru is trapped in an endless loop of death and rebirth
In “Re:ZERO,” Subaru faces a unique challenge in a new world. When he died, he went back in time, unable to share this with anyone due to a curse. The cycle of violent deaths took a toll on his sanity.
Eren Jaeger’s mother was eaten alive right in front of him
Eren from Attack on Titan was really sad because he was stuck in a town hiding from the Titans. When his town was attacked, his house destroyed, and his mother eaten, he was furious. Now, he is truly determined to fight for his freedom.
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10. Lucy from Elfen lies
Lucy experienced a cruel and unforgiving childhood
Lucy, a horned Diclonius, constantly faces bullying because of her appearance. Orphaned and ostracized in an orphanage, her breaking point comes when bullies kill her dog, sparking a violent revenge. Driven by hatred, Lucy then begins killing many people with her telekinetic abilities.
9. Kousei Arima From your lie in April
Kousei Arima’s mother tried to live vicariously through her son’s piano playing skills
Kusei Arima, a young pianist, cannot hear his own music because the strict lessons from his son’s mother, a famous pianist, beat him. After her death, he was orphaned and could no longer enjoy playing the piano, once his source of joy.
8. Gintoki Sakata from Gintama
Gintoki Sakata was a war veteran who passed away from PTSD due to laziness
Gintoki Sakata, from Gintama, may seem lazy, but he was originally an orphan who became a samurai. He fought a war to save his teacher and survived while many others did not. Starting out as a body snatcher, his past holds more than his lazy exterior.
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7. Shouko Nishimiya and Shouya Ishida from the silent voice
Shouko Nishimiya and Shouya Ishida were both bullied
“A Silent Voice is a popular anime about Shouko, a deaf girl, and Shouya, who bullied her but wants to make amends. They both felt really sad—Shouko because she was teased, Shouya because he hurt her. They feel comfortable fixing things and becoming friends.”
Himura Kenshin will never kill again
Kenshin, once a fearsome assassin named Battōsai, now seeks peace and vows to never harm anyone again. He thinks that people he has hurt in the past may seek revenge and he feels he does not deserve happiness because of his low self-esteem. In “Rurouni Kenshin”, he strives for a peaceful life.
5. Nao Tomori from Charlotte
The government tested Nao Tomori’s brother, urging her to help others avoid the same fate
Nao Tomori’s mission is to protect others from the same pain her brother, Kazuki, endured thanks to his special abilities. Scientists conducted harmful experiments on Kazuki, leaving him weak and prone to outbursts. Nao is committed to helping people hide their power to prevent similar exploits.
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An abusive childhood made Shoto Todoroki unwilling to use his full powers
Shoto Todoroki, a hero student, faced a difficult childhood with a father, Endeavor, who only cared about his strength. Endeavor’s abuse traumatized Shoto and his mother, resulting in lasting scars from boiling water on Shoto’s eyes. Despite this, Shoto still strives to be a hero despite his sad past.
Sayu Yagami’s brother turns out to be a serial killer, and she ends up kidnapped
Sayu Yagami, once a happy teenager, faces a tragic turn when her brother becomes a vigilante killer. Kidnapped by Mello, she returned mute and unable to walk. In the final scene, she sits in a wheelchair, looking blankly, haunted by the ordeal.
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Nezuko witnessed her entire family murdered and turned into demons
Tanjiro returns home to a horrifying sight: his family has been massacred by a demon. His sister Nezuko, the sole survivor, has now become a flesh-eating demon who changes her life forever. The tragedy leaves them grappling with loss and a challenging new reality.
Almost crushed by rocks The first injury that Obito had to go through
Obito, a young ninja in Naruto, encountered a tragic accident, was saved by Madara, and his body was replaced with plants. Madara tries to convince him that the world is terrible. Obito becomes a misunderstood villain due to this trauma in a war-torn world.
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