Although they may seem like kind individuals with good intentions towards those they encounter, this could not be further from reality.
In other words, they are prime examples of wolves disguised as sheep. Similar to Makima, animanga features such characters who may appear ordinary, but have committed terrible acts in pursuit of their own desires or ambitions. When discussing deceit and cunning, a multitude of characters immediately come to mind.
Please note: The writer’s opinions are included in this article and it is not organized in any specific ranking order.
Manipulative Anime Characters: A Look at Makima from Chainsaw Man
God Brando
![Dio Brando (Image via David Production Inc.) Dio Brando (Image via David Production Inc.)](https://cdn.amkstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/af9c5-17214443416241-1920.webp)
Starting off this compilation of cunning anime characters similar to Makima from Chainsaw Man is Dio Brando. Despite being born into poverty, Dio possessed an unquenchable thirst for power and eventually set out to rule the world after becoming a vampire. With the assistance of his army of zombies, he also had his sights set on defeating his adopted brother Jonathan.
Despite his notoriety, Dio has gained fame for his use of loyal minions to carry out his plans, showing no hesitation in pursuing his objectives. From his first appearance, he has consistently resorted to cunning tactics in his ongoing battle against the Joestar family.
Prior to even displaying his abilities, he cleverly made sure that Jonathan faced difficulties from the start. Additionally, he possessed a power that allowed him to insert flesh buds into his victim’s brain, forcing them to obey his orders.
Light Yagami
![Light Yagami (Image via Madhouse) Light Yagami (Image via Madhouse)](https://cdn.amkstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/9ab7d-17214444518377-1920.webp)
Among the manipulative anime characters like Makima from Chainsaw Man, Light Yagami also stands out. As one of the most well-known characters, thanks to the immense popularity of Death Note, both Light and Ryuk gained quite a following. Despite this, Light remains the prime example of the consequences of “playing God.”
The boy’s exceptional intellect allowed him to excel academically with ease and even challenge expert detectives. His cautious demeanor enabled him to remain concealed, and even when backed into a corner, he displayed remarkable resourcefulness.
As seen in the series, he went by the name Kira, which enabled him to collaborate with a variety of individuals, including those assigned to catch him. His remarkable cunning allowed him to manipulate and deceive these individuals to fulfill his own twisted desires.
Aquamarine Aqua Hoshino
![Aquamarine "Aqua" Hoshino (Image via Doga Kobo) Aquamarine "Aqua" Hoshino (Image via Doga Kobo)](https://cdn.amkstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/23276-17214439774678-1920.webp)
One of the characters known for their manipulative nature, similar to Makima, is Aqua Hoshino from Oshi No Ko. In the beginning, he was Dr. Gorou Amamiya, but after being killed by a stalker, he was reborn as Ai Hoshino’s child, Aqua. He had been a fan of Ai and an orphan in his previous life, and he relished being her child, entering the entertainment industry at a young age.
Despite his initial success, Aqua’s life took a devastating turn when the same murderer killed his mother, Ai. This tragic event set him on a dark path within the entertainment industry, where he became known for his skill in psychological manipulation. Driven by his tragic fate, Aqua would stop at nothing to find and bring the guilty party to justice.
Ashload
![Cinderella (Image via Wit Studio) Cinderella (Image via Wit Studio)](https://cdn.amkstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/25b42-17214445681111-1920.webp)
Askeladd is an essential addition to the list of manipulative anime characters, alongside figures like Makima. Despite his manipulative tactics, he remains relatively well-liked by fans. While it cannot be denied that he committed heinous acts such as killing Thors Snorresson and causing immense pain to Thorfinn, his charisma and meaningful actions have earned him the understanding and support of many.
In short, Askeladd is a determined man who is unafraid to use manipulation to achieve his goals. A clear illustration of this is his involvement with Canute, where he helps the young prince grow and ultimately orchestrates a situation where his death would spark greater opportunities.
Griffith
![Griffith (Image via Nippon Television) Griffith (Image via Nippon Television)](https://cdn.amkstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/21d29-17214447140171-1920.webp)
Griffith is a well-known figure in the world of anime and manga. It would be inaccurate to exclude someone familiar with both mediums from recognizing his manipulative nature, much like the character Makima from Chainsaw Man. Like Dio, Griffith had humble beginnings and a strong desire to one day become a ruler of his own kingdom.
As he matured and established the Band of Falcon organization, his ambition continued to shine, and he carried himself with the demeanor of a king. What sets Griffith apart is his unwavering prioritization of his ambition above his companions.
Despite lacking emotion and displaying manipulative and cruel tendencies, he had no hesitation in sacrificing his group during The Eclipse in order to join the God Hand.
Zetsu
![Zetsu (Image via Studio Pierrot) Zetsu (Image via Studio Pierrot)](https://cdn.amkstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/e67f9-17214448225280-1920.webp)
Without the cunning tactics of Zetsu, the legend of Naruto may not have come to fruition. It is clear that he deserves a spot on this list of shrewd anime characters, such as Makima from Chainsaw Man, as he was the orchestrator of the major events in the Naruto series.
Despite becoming a member of the Akatsuki, this clever sentient offshoot of Kaguya Otsutsuki orchestrated a series of events that ultimately resulted in her return and the outbreak of a full-blown war, all with the sole intention of bringing Kaguya back to life.
Shogo Makishima
![Shogo Makishima (Image via Production IG) Shogo Makishima (Image via Production IG)](https://cdn.amkstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/c8fdf-17214449218159-1920.webp)
Shogo Makishima joins the ranks of manipulative anime characters like Makima from Chainsaw Man, as he strives to expose the flaws of a system intended to prevent criminal activity in his world. Despite living in a society where such a system exists, his ultimate goal is to reveal its hypocrisy and inefficiency.
Despite the possibility of committing heinous acts, he had no fear. He used his knack for manipulating the system to eliminate and control others in order to expose the humanity that he believed the system was eradicating. Throughout his journey, Shogo had only a handful of people who remained steadfast, while the rest met a grim fate once they were no longer beneficial to him.
Johan Liebert
![Johan Liebert (Image via Madhouse) Johan Liebert (Image via Madhouse)](https://cdn.amkstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/7e012-17214450485076-1920.webp)
Johan Liebert is a prominent addition to this list of deceptive anime characters, much like Makima. His traits perfectly align with the title of the series, Monster, as he demonstrated his exceptional skill in controlling others from a young age. He used this power to spread chaos and devastation wherever he went.
In addition, he possesses a skillful ability to manipulate and sway his targets, making them believe that their own goals align with his own. This ultimately results in them carrying out his commands. Johan has operated under various identities and has taken the lives of numerous individuals. However, he harbors a special sentiment for Kenzo Tenma, the main character of the series, who had once saved his life.
Sosuke Aizen
![Sosuke Aizen (Image via Pierrot) Sosuke Aizen (Image via Pierrot)](https://cdn.amkstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2d979-17214438291869-1920.webp)
Despite Light Yagami’s immense popularity, Sosuke Aizen from Bleach has also been highly favored by fame. His influential character and ambitious schemes require no introduction as he earns a spot on this list of manipulative anime characters, alongside Makima from Chainsaw Man.
Despite having long planned to do so, Aizen’s ultimate goal was to claim the “vacancy on the world’s throne”by dethroning the Soul King.
Despite scheming in the shadows, he maintained his position as a member of the Gotei 13 and eventually rose to become a Captain. He carefully carried out his actions in secrecy, collaborating with two other Captains in order to achieve his objectives. Even after initiating his plan, he continued to manipulate others without considering the feelings of those close to him. This is why he is often compared to manipulative anime characters like Makima.
10) Lelouch Lamperouge
![Lelouch Lamperouge (Image via Sunrise) Lelouch Lamperouge (Image via Sunrise)](https://cdn.amkstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3cfe4-17214451767598-1920.webp)
In conclusion, Lelouch Lamperouge is added to this list of cunning anime characters such as Makima from Chainsaw Man. He is widely regarded as one of the most captivating personalities in the world of animanga, portraying both a savior and a antagonist. In the series Code Geass, his affection towards his younger sister is the only instance in which he displays a softer side.
Aside from that, his determination for retribution has never wavered. He possesses exceptional intellect, making him a formidable opponent even without his Geass abilities. This was made evident when he outwitted the Geass-enhanced Rolo and sparked numerous rebellions in the Chinese Federation. His clever and scheming nature is precisely what secures him a place on this compilation of cunning anime characters like Makima.
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