10 Anime Protagonists with Mysterious Pasts

Including anime protagonists with enigmatic or unrevealed backgrounds brings a sense of fascination and thrill to a narrative. The lack of knowledge about a character’s complete past leaves the audience curious about how their past events influenced their current identity.

Despite some individuals concealing distressing recollections they wish to erase from their minds, others possess backstories that are so extraordinary that revealing the reality leaves both viewers and the characters themselves stunned. However, regardless of the details, these mysterious protagonists continue to keep their admirers intrigued about their true identity while embarking on captivating journeys of self-discovery.

This piece will investigate 10 anime main characters who possess enigmatic pasts, as their hidden histories are gradually unveiled through clever storytelling methods.

10 Fascinating Anime Characters with Enigmatic Backstories

Protagonist of Grisaia

Yuuji Kazami, a protagonist in the world of anime, arrives at Mihama Academy and becomes a member of a group of female students who also have complicated pasts. Despite his competence, kindness, and helpfulness, his past remains shrouded in mystery, even to those who are closest to him.

It eventually came to light that Yuuji had been forced into becoming an assassin by a government agency based in Ichigaya. He had undergone intense training in violence, closely monitored by the ruthless Asako Kusakabe. Although he had completed an assassination job without hesitation, he later struggled with feelings of remorse.

Despite receiving support from his friends at the Academy, Yuuji continues to grapple with his past actions. However, certain details, such as the individuals who took advantage of him, remain unclear and frustratingly vague, especially when it comes to Heath Oslo.

Character Profile: Kiyotaka Ayanokouji

Despite being perceived as a lazy and underachieving student by his classmates, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji is accepted into the esteemed Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing School. Little do they know, Kiyotaka hides his exceptional intellectual abilities and keen observation skills behind a carefully constructed facade.

By being privy to Kiyotaka’s inner thoughts, viewers come to understand that he spent his formative years in an experimental facility known as the White Room, where he was put through rigorous psychological and physical training. As a result, he possesses a keen understanding of human behavior and societal norms on a logical level, but lacks practical social experience.

The White Room was a project aimed at creating the ultimate human being, and Kiyotaka was one of its most successful subjects in the anime. He uses his abilities to manipulate Class D’s increasing academic achievements, all while concealing his scheming tactics. It is only as time goes on that his classmates begin to catch a glimpse of his exceptional intelligence and unconventional upbringing.

3. Hei from Darker Than Black

Hey, just like other anime protagonists with enigmatic backgrounds, Hei lives a normal life as Li Shengshun but also serves as a formidable Contractor known as “The Black Reaper”in a covert battle between Contractors and Intelligence agencies.

In order to comprehend the origins of the war, it is crucial to examine his human past and family background. Hei and his sister Bai shared a strong bond as siblings. Bai became a Contractor after the enigmatic ‘Heaven’s Gate Incident,’ which was connected to the appearance of the Gates and the emergence of Contractors.

Hei retains certain human characteristics and morals, but he must conceal this vulnerability from the merciless Contractors. Revealing these suppressed memories inspires Yin, Mao, Huang, and other individuals who are connected to the enigmatic protagonist in this animated series.

4. Atsushi Nakajima ( Bungou Stray Dogs )

Despite being abandoned at a young age, Atsushi Nakajima endures suffering at an orphanage before eventually escaping onto the streets. In a state of starvation and exhaustion, he happens upon Detective Dazai, who is staging a suicide attempt in a river, and manages to rescue him.

Despite being an orphaned stray, Atsushi reluctantly becomes a member of Dazai’s supernatural investigation firm. He believes that he had a typical and sorrowful upbringing, but begins to exhibit strange abilities, such as the ability to transform into a white tiger at his own will.

In truth, it is not a secret to the head of the Armed Detective Agency, Fukuzawa, that Atsushi possesses remarkable abilities. As the anime unfolds, more information is revealed about Atsushi’s origins and how they are connected to his exceptional powers.

5. Seth (Radiant)

Despite having no childhood memories, Seth was discovered by Alma in Pompo Hills at a young age. Driven by his belief that the Nemesis hold the key to unlocking his lost memories and identity, Seth is determined to fight them through the mysterious power of “Radiant.”

Together with Melie, Seth embarks on a quest to locate and eliminate the Nemesis’ lair known as Radiant, all while trying to rediscover his true self. As he begins to display impressive magical abilities, it becomes apparent that he may come from a lineage of sorcerers.

The visions of the past indicate that Seth not only possesses crucial information for defeating Nemesis, but may also have ties to the mysterious origins of Radiant. This implies a complicated history involving Seth, Alma, and the sudden appearance of dangerous creatures, which has yet to be fully revealed.

Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass

Lelouch Lamperouge acquires the formidable abilities of Geass, which grants him absolute obedience. In order to dismantle the tyrannical Britannian empire, he assumes the guise of Zero and embraces his status as a banished member of the royal family.

As a result of his childhood trauma from imperial family betrayals, Lelouch skillfully orchestrates a revolutionary war, driven by a desire for revenge for his mother’s death and his sister’s disability, utilizing his sharp intellect.

Over time, Lelouch is forced to confront the painful truths about his past that hold deeper significance than he initially realized. His evolving relationship with the enigmatic C.C., the origins of Geass, and the true motivations of his family in their fight against Britannia all play a crucial role in his journey towards making peace.

Ganta Igarashi (Deadman Wonderland)

Despite having no recollection of the event, Ganta Igarashi is imprisoned at the malevolent Deadman Wonderland prison, accused of slaughtering his entire middle school class. Enduring cruel experiences, he maintains his innocence and endeavors to unveil the true culprit behind the massacre.

Despite being a prisoner, Ganta possesses the unique ability to weaponize his blood as a “Branch of Sin,”making him a formidable opponent against the dangerous schemers within the prison walls. This power also connects him to the infamous “Red Man,”the source of both the classroom massacre and the terrifying powers given to Deadmen.

Throughout various story arcs in the anime, fragmented memories reveal the interconnectedness between Ganta, the Red Man, and the former mad scientist Hagire Rinichirō over the course of several years.

8. Character Profile: Yuichiro Hyakuya ( Owari no Seraph )

Similar to other anime protagonists with enigmatic backgrounds, Yuichiro Hyakuya lost his parents at a young age. As he was being used as food by vampires, he develops a strong connection with the other children from the Hyakuya Orphanage, one of whom is the vampire aristocrat Ferid Bathory.

Following Ferid’s massacre of the orphans, Yuichiro, driven by revenge, immediately enlists in the Japanese Imperial Demon Army with the goal of eradicating the vampire threat. Yuichiro adopts a human-centered mindset as a way to cope with the traumatizing events of his childhood and is welcomed into the Army’s ranks.

Yuichiro gradually discovers that his deep-seated hatred towards vampires stems from forgotten events that are connected to the origins of the Hyakuya orphanage. As he learns more about the extent of human corruption, he realizes that he plays a crucial role in the experiment known as “Seraph of the End,”which is essential in bringing an end to the vampire rule.

Eren Yeager – Attack on Titan

Eren Yeager (Image via Wit Studio / MAPPA)

Motivated by the traumatic experience of witnessing a Colossal Titan break through humanity’s protective walls in his childhood, Eren Yeager commits himself to eradicating them. Following the destruction of Shiganshina, Eren joins the Survey Corps with Mikasa and Armin, determined to defend the remaining fragments of human society.

Eren eventually gains the power to shapeshift, granting him the ability to turn into the Attack Titan. Haunted by recurring nightmares that suggest hidden memories, Eren is resolute in his mission to uncover the link between his abilities, his father’s enigmas, and the origins of the Titans.

Despite the enigma surrounding his father’s basement, it is possible that Eren’s elusive past holds crucial information that could determine the fate of humanity against the Titans, for better or for worse.

10. Tanya Degurechaff ( Youjo Nobody )

Tanya Degurechaff, an orphan girl reborn in an alternate pre-World War II era, quickly ascends the military ranks with her ruthless cunning. However, her past as a male Japanese salaryman who met his demise after being pushed in front of a train remains hidden.

The entity known as “Being X”reincarnated Tanya’s soul into this universe as a challenge after she refused to believe in God. Despite this unusual situation, Tanya utilizes her abilities to fight against both her fellow soldiers and divine forces, all while striving for a peaceful retirement.

Tanya skillfully hides her unearthly background, ensuring that her previous existence and godly mission remain unknown to all.

Summary

The inclusion of enigmatic backstories for anime protagonists adds thrill and tension to their stories. Whether it is Yuuji Kazami’s secretive past or Tanya’s fabricated origins, these hidden details keep viewers intrigued and guessing about their true intentions and eventual revelations.

The revelation of these hidden secrets propels the plot forward and adds depth to the characters. Despite their diverse backgrounds, these anime main characters with enigmatic histories rely on fragments of remembrance to achieve self-discovery and form new connections.

The protagonists of Darker Than Black, Bungou Stray Dogs, and Attack on Titan, namely Hei, Atsushi, and Eren, all embark on a quest to discover their purpose in the world and confront unique dangers that only they possess the power to overcome. Even after their enigmatic backgrounds are unveiled, the impactful journeys of these anime characters continue to leave a lasting impression.

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