The suffering of anime characters is a frequent theme in the medium, with many enduring various forms of torture and abuse, and being trapped in unending cycles of agony. Numerous series push the limits of the genre and present challenging circumstances for their characters, particularly for the protagonists in some instances.
Despite criticism claiming that certain anime characters endure excessive suffering for the sake of shock, these elements are often crucial to their development, as exemplified by characters like the Soul King in Bleach and Guts in Berserk. With that in mind, here are some of the most unfortunate anime characters in no particular order, and the reasons behind their tragic fates.
This article includes spoilers for every series mentioned on this list.
Anime Characters with Tragic Endings
Hidan (Naruto)
Hidan is an unwavering follower of Lord Jashin and successfully achieved immortality, making him the only character in the Naruto series unable to be killed. His impactful entrance as a member of Akatsuki led to his fatal attack on Asuma Sarutobi, sparking Shikamaru Nara’s determination to seek revenge for his mentor.
After Shikamaru and his allies finally captured Hidan, he was mercilessly dismembered and buried alive. It was a necessary measure, as Hidan’s immortality ensured that he would never meet his end by any means. To this day, fans of the series believe that Hidan remains buried, solidifying his reputation as one of the most tragic characters in anime.
Guts (Berserk)
Guts is often one of the first names that come to mind when discussing anime characters who have endured tragic circumstances. From the moment of his birth, Guts has experienced immense suffering. His mother passed away, he was adopted by mercenaries, his surrogate mother fell victim to the plague, and as a child, he was forced into battle and subjected to sexual abuse by a fellow soldier named Donovan, among other trials.
Despite Guts’ advancing age, the situations he faced only became increasingly dire. His former ally, Griffith, betrayed and offered the entire Band of the Hawk as a sacrifice to the malevolent Godhand. This decision forced Guts to constantly battle evil demons, resulting in the loss of many of his companions and loved ones. He also had to endure the heart-wrenching sight of his beloved Casca being subjected to abuse by Griffith.
Guts’ resilience in the face of adversity in Berserk is all the more remarkable as few anime characters have experienced the same trials as he has.
The Soul King (Bleach)
The Soul King is a prime example of an anime character whose fate is worse than death. In Bleach, he was a powerful figure in the original world that existed at the dawn of time. However, he met his demise at the hands of the five noble houses who controlled the Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the world of the living.
Despite being far more powerful than any other being, the series has never fully revealed why the Soul King willingly allowed himself to be mutilated. He ultimately became the energy source for the three worlds, and this resulted in the creation of Yhwach. As a result of his condition, various aspects of him took on their own identities, including Mimihagi as his right arm, Pernida as his left arm, and Gerald as his heart.
Character Profile: Elder Toguro from Yu Yu Hakusho
It can be argued that Elder Toguro’s fate was fitting, considering he was considered to be the most wicked character in Yu Yu Hakusho. This is evident in the fact that his younger brother chose to become a demon in order to avoid aging and the pain of losing his students, while Elder Toguro did so simply for his own pleasure in causing harm to others.
Despite his enjoyment in taunting and causing misery to others, he showed this trait during his battle with Kazuma Kuwabara by mocking Genkai’s death. Because of his unique ability to manipulate his body, he was unable to die, leading Kurama to trap him in a special device that forces him to continuously fight against him in his own mind. This has been ongoing to this day, as far as anyone knows.
Despite being an anime character, he is one of the few who undeniably deserved a fate worse than death in numerous aspects.
Character Profile: Diavolo (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Despite being born in Italy under strange circumstances, Diavolo possessed a dual personality and gradually climbed the ranks of the criminal underworld to become the mafia’s leader. In the fifth arc of JoJo, Golden Wind, he showed no hesitation in killing his own men and even his daughter, Trish, in order to protect his secret. However, his plans were disrupted when Giorno Giovanna appeared.
After obtaining the Requiem Arrow, Giorno’s Stand, Gold Experience Requiem, subjected Diavolo to an unimaginable punishment – a never-ending cycle of death. No matter what actions Diavolo took, he was doomed to meet his demise, leading to the popular fandom meme, “If Diavolo dies, then it’s canon.”
6. Zeno
Zeno is among the four Dragon warriors, who possess unique abilities and have been selected to serve the Crimson Dragon in its quest for world peace. While the other three warriors are mortal and can be replaced by new generations with their powers, Zeno stands apart as the only immortal warrior, having lived for centuries since the first generation emerged.
Despite Zeno’s youthful and optimistic demeanor, he is regarded as one of the most tragic anime characters due to witnessing the deaths of all those he holds dear and being unable to die in combat or by his own will. His personal journey serves as a poignant depiction of the consequences of immortality and its impact on one’s mental well-being.
7. Main Character in Tokyo Ghoul – Ken Kaneki
Despite the challenges posed by the anime adaptation by Studio Pierrot, Ken Kaneki’s battle to preserve his humanity remains a central theme throughout the Tokyo Ghoul series. For those who have read the manga, it is evident that the protagonist faced countless struggles and tragedies.
The infamous “torture scene”was another significant moment in the series, following the most notorious example of Kaneki turning into a ghoul who must feed on human flesh to survive. This event marked the beginning of his character development as he gradually transforms into a monstrous being.
Nina from Fullmetal Alchemist
Despite her minor role in the series, Nina from Fullmetal Alchemist undoubtedly had one of the most tragic fates among anime characters. The impact of her tragedy has resonated with fans, who still remember her to this day.
As the daughter of Alchemist Shou Tucker, she witnessed her father’s descent from grace in his profession and his desperate attempts to maintain his license. Tucker had previously conducted experiments on his own wife before Edward and Alphonse Elric uncovered the truth – that he had turned their beloved Nina and their dog, Alexander, into a chimera. As a result, Tucker was sentenced to prison.
One of the most devastating moments in the series was when the chimera of Nina and Alexander was killed in order to release their souls. This scene has become iconic in the franchise, as it highlights the innocence of Nina in the tragic events that unfolded. She did not deserve any of the suffering that she endured.
Subaru Natsuki (Re:Zero)
Subaru Natsuki is a character in the isekai genre who has faced numerous challenges due to his unique ability. This power allows him to go back in time whenever he dies. As a result, Subaru is unable to die permanently and retains the memories and emotions of his previous experiences, while the rest of the world has no recollection of those events as they have been erased by his time traveling ability.
Throughout the series, the central focus is on Subaru’s various challenges and his resilience in overcoming them. His remarkable ability proves to be a valuable asset in the story, but not without an immense amount of suffering that sets him apart from other isekai anime characters, as previously noted.
10. Bartholomew Kuma (One Piece)
In 2023, the backstory of Bartholomew Kuma was revealed, making him one of the most recent anime characters to suffer a particularly devastating fate. Although One Piece is not known for its extreme violence or harsh punishments towards its characters, author Eiichiro Oda made a rare departure with Kuma, cementing his place as one of the most tragic figures in the entire series.
The Egghead arc features a flashback of Kuma’s past as a member of the Buccaneer race, during which he was enslaved by the World Government. In order to save his daughter, Bonney, he made the ultimate sacrifice by giving up his humanity and becoming a Pacifista. As a result, his body is now a mere shell, devoid of any individuality. He also tragically lost his wife in the process.
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