5 Anime Main Characters Who Are Better Written Than Yuji Itadori (& 5 Who Can’t Be Compared)

The main protagonist of the widely acclaimed anime series Jujutsu Kaisen is Yuji Itadori. Despite being a high school student, he gains extraordinary powers as a jujutsu sorcerer, enabling him to effectively battle against menacing curses.

During the entirety of the series, Yuji encounters significant obstacles, devastating defeats, and fierce clashes with powerful curses. His relatable demeanor and the intricate evolution of his character throughout the plot deeply resonates with fans.

Although Yuji is undoubtedly a well-written and compelling protagonist, the world of anime is vast and filled with numerous characters who may surpass him in terms of their character development. These characters could possess more complex backgrounds, confront greater inner struggles, or make a deeper and longer-lasting impression on the audience.

Additionally, there are also well-liked characters who, while possessing distinct qualities and a strong fanbase, do not quite measure up to the level of complexity and excellence in their writing when compared to the character development and depiction of Yuji Itadori.

5 Anime Main Characters Who Are Better Written Than Yuji Itadori

1) Spike Spiegel (Cowboy Bebop)

Spike Spiegel (Image via Sunrise Studio)

Despite both being well-developed characters, Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop stands out as more intricately crafted compared to Yuji Itadori. This can be attributed to his complicated past, which continues to shape him and prevents him from moving on, adding depth to his character. The show delves into Spike’s past, his dynamic with his former partner, Jet Black, and the internal conflicts that contribute to his unique perspective on life.

Spike’s charming mix of cynicism and idealism, combined with his deep perspective, have solidified him as a beloved character among fans. Moreover, his skill in navigating the morally grey world of bounty hunting only enhances his undeniable appeal over Yuji Itadori.

Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)

Eren Yeager, the protagonist of the Attack on Titan series, goes through significant changes as the story unfolds. In contrast to Yuji Itadori from Jujutsu Kaisen, who undergoes a more straightforward character development, Eren’s journey is characterized by greater intricacy and profoundness.

At first, Eren was depicted as a determined and passionate young man whose intense desire for vengeance against the monstrous Titans stemmed from witnessing the merciless devouring of his mother. However, as the story unfolds, Eren’s character experiences a transformation that mirrors the harsh realities of the war he becomes embroiled in.

In the anime, Eren undergoes a transformation from a rash and hot-headed youth to a complex individual who struggles with the consequences of his choices and the ethical challenges he faces.

Hyakkimaru: The Protagonist of Dororo

Hyakkimaru, the protagonist of Dororo, was born missing 48 body parts. His quest revolves around reclaiming these missing pieces and discovering his true identity. The narrative delves into Hyakkimaru’s challenges in recovering his stolen body parts, as well as his bond with Dororo, the young girl who supports him along the way.

As the story progresses, Hyakkimaru undergoes significant emotional and psychological growth. His complex perspective allows him to confront themes of self-identity, morality, and the essence of humanity, resulting in a more profound development of his character compared to Yuji Itadori’s portrayal.

Shinji Ikari – Main Character of Neon Genesis Evangelion

Despite the similarities in their names, Shinji Ikari and Yuji Itadori are vastly different characters in Neon Genesis Evangelion. While Yuji is portrayed as a typical heroic character, Shinji’s struggles with self-doubt, emotional issues, and loneliness make him stand out. The show delves deep into Shinji’s psyche, exploring his complicated relationship with his father as well as his search for purpose and his coping mechanisms for life’s harsh realities.

Shinji’s character development provides a compelling exploration of the human experience, making him a more multifaceted and intriguing protagonist compared to Yuji Itadori.

Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass

Lelouch Lamperouge (Image via Sunrise Studio)

Lelouch Lamperouge, the protagonist of Code Geass, possesses not only exceptional intelligence but also a complex moral compass. In contrast to Yuji Itadori, whose main goal is to do what is right, Lelouch’s intentions are influenced by intricate factors. He strives to topple the oppressive Britannian Empire and establish a more favorable future for his beloved sister, Nunnally.

Lelouch’s character delves into the blurred line between heroism and villainy. In contrast to Yuji Itadori, he proves to be a more intriguing protagonist as the series delves deeply into his thought process, revealing his questionable motivations, complex relationships, and the far-reaching impacts of his choices.

5 Anime Protagonists who Stand Out from Yuji Itadori

1) Character Profile: Kamado Tanjiro from Demon Slayer

Kamado Tanjiro (Image via Studio Ufotable)

Despite sharing similar values and a desire to protect their loved ones, the protagonist of Demon Slayer, Kamado Tanjiro, differs greatly from Yuji Itadori, the main character of Jujutsu Kaisen. Tanjiro’s primary goal is to find a way to reverse his sister Nezuko’s transformation into a demon, which leads him on a completely different path than Yuji, who is focused on containing the dangerous cursed spirit Sukuna.

Despite both Tanjiro and Yuji undergoing significant character development, their journeys are differentiated by their focus on different themes. While Tanjiro’s growth centers around family, forgiveness, and healing, Yuji’s journey is driven by his inner struggles and heroic actions. However, Yuji’s psychological wounds, caused by the recent loss of mentors Nanami and Gojo as well as his friend Nobara, add depth and complexity to his quest to defeat Sukuna, making him a well-written and intriguing main character.

Kirito (Sword Art Online)

Kirito and Yuji Itadori may share the title of main character, but they are vastly different in many ways. Drawing comparisons between these two leads is challenging due to their vastly different worlds and objectives. Kirito’s journey unfolds within a virtual reality game where death is a reality and the ultimate goal is to reunite with loved ones.

Despite Kirito’s story being shaped by his exceptional gaming and swordsmanship skills, it is Yuji’s battles with cursed spirits in the real world and the personal tragedy he faces that truly make him a compelling main character. Unlike Kirito, whose development is driven by his talents, Yuji’s growth is rooted in his deep understanding of the Jujutsu realm and his strong sense of duty. His journey is even more poignant and tragic due to the loss of his friends and mentor throughout his experiences.

Yukiteru Amano – The Protagonist of Future Diary

Yukiteru Amano, the protagonist of the anime Future Diary, differs greatly from Yuji Itadori. Initially, Yukiteru is reserved and introverted. Nevertheless, when thrust into a life-or-death competition, he undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis. As the narrative unfolds, Yukiteru evolves from a reclusive individual to a determined survivor willing to go to any lengths.

The themes explored in Future Diary differ from Yuji Itadori’s direct and traditional hero’s journey. Yuji’s character undergoes a journey of personal growth and overcoming obstacles, starting off as naive but constantly evolving and challenging his moral compass throughout the series. This endears him to fans of anime.

Alucard Character Overview (Hellsing)

Alucard, the main character of the Hellsing anime, is a multifaceted individual whose intentions remain enigmatic. Through the Hellsing series, we learn about Alucard’s history, his connection to the Hellsing Organization, and the full extent of his extraordinary powers.

Despite Alucard’s immense strength, his moral compass is not as clear-cut as that of traditional heroic protagonists. In contrast, Yuji Itadori is guided by a strong sense of justice and duty. While Yuji’s objectives are straightforward, Alucard’s loyalties and intentions remain shrouded in ambiguity. This is why Jujutsu Kaisen’s character-focused storytelling sets Yuji apart and establishes him as a more intricately developed character than Alucard.

Violet Evergarden (Violet Evergarden)

Violet Evergarden (Image via Kyoto Animation)

Violet Evergarden had a difficult childhood as a child soldier, facing trauma and devastating losses. Due to her past experiences, she found it challenging to comprehend and express emotions, as she had learned to suppress them during her time as a soldier.

In contrast, while Violet’s journey in the series revolved around her efforts to regain her humanity through letter writing and forming connections, Yuji Itadori had a fairly typical upbringing. His kind-hearted but stern grandfather raised him, and his grandfather’s dying wish served as a source of inspiration for Yuji.

While Violet’s inquiries focused on emotions and human relationships, Yuji’s ponderings centered around life, death, and ethics. What differentiated Yuji from Violet were the circumstances he found himself in. He was abruptly thrown into the perilous realm of Jujutsu, where he had to continuously suppress Sukuna, a powerful entity living within him, all while confronting a looming death sentence. This added a sense of urgency and intricacy to his persona. Moreover, the ongoing struggle for dominance gave Yuji an advantage in overcoming the obstacles that Violet encountered.

Concluding Remarks

Despite Yuji Itadori from Jujutsu Kaisen being a well-written character, there are others in the world of anime who have equally complex stories, if not better. For instance, characters like Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan and Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass have incredibly deep character arcs and play crucial roles in their respective stories, surpassing Yuji in certain aspects.

Despite having distinct storylines and concepts, individuals such as Alucard from Hellsing, Violet Evergarden, and Kamado Tanjiro from Demon Slayer pale in comparison to Yuji due to his unmatched depth and complexity.

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