Cowardly anime characters are prevalent in almost every anime series. These characters often struggle to confront difficult and intimidating situations, choosing instead to flee or rely on someone else to take charge. Frequently, it is this inherent cowardice that leads to misfortunes and losses for their side.
While some of these characters experience development over time, emerging braver after pivotal events, others maintain their façade of courage while concealing deep-seated insecurities. Here’s a list of cowardly anime characters that many fans will recognize, ranked from the most to the least faint-hearted.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the author’s opinions.
Ranking the Most Cowardly Anime Characters from Most to Least Faint-Hearted
1) Hercule Satan
Starting off this list is Hercule Satan from Dragon Ball. Despite claiming to be the strongest fighter on Earth, Hercule tends to flee whenever he faces someone stronger than himself.
Unlike the Z Fighters, he lacks the ability to wield Ki and merely serves as Earth’s champion while Goku and his allies do the hard work. Early in the series, he even tries to take credit for their victories, underscoring his cowardly nature.
2) Minoru Mineta
When discussing cowardly anime characters, Minoru Mineta from My Hero Academia is often at the forefront. Throughout much of the series, he has displayed a consistent inability to confront daunting challenges, often overshadowed by his lewd tendencies toward girls.
Mineta is open about his fears and, unlike his classmates, his motivations for becoming a Pro Hero are less honorable. He prefers to stay in the background, allowing his stronger peers to take the lead. However, he eventually grows into a more respectable Hero as the series progresses.
3) Sekke Bronzazza
Sekke Bronzazza from Black Clover is another character primarily used for comic relief and easily earns his spot on this list of cowardly anime characters. Although he presents himself as overly confident and arrogant, this is merely a façade that conceals his timidity.
Throughout the series, Sekke often avoids dangerous situations rather than confront them, resorting to comedic antics instead. Ironically, he is appointed as the King’s Guard, yet he exhibits no real courage despite being a Magic Knight.
4) Zenith Agatsuma
One of the most beloved characters from Demon Slayer, Zenitsu Agatsuma also fits in the list of cowardly anime characters. Although he is eager to join the Demon Slayer Corps, Zenitsu is often paralyzed with fear during pivotal moments.
He often freezes during missions but transforms entirely when he falls asleep, revealing a formidable warrior. As the narrative unfolds, Zenitsu gradually overcomes his cowardice and showcases his potential as one of the strongest members of the Corps.
5) Grey
A surprising entry, Grey from Black Clover also makes it onto this cowardly anime characters list. Initially, she is not depicted as cowardly. Thanks to her shapeshifting magic, she maintained a different persona and led a blissful life.
However, when her true form is revealed, she becomes painfully shy and anxious, to the point where she struggles to hold conversations with others, including her guild members.
6) Shinji Ikari
Shinji Ikari from Neon Genesis Evangelion can also be categorized as a cowardly anime character. Like Usopp from One Piece, his situation is more nuanced. As a child caught in an all-out war, it’s natural for him to feel fear.
Shinji’s timidity and emotional outbursts set him apart from typical protagonists. His cowardice is sometimes viewed negatively, but it’s rooted in a desire for connection and acknowledgment, a very human sentiment.
7) King
Another notable name on this cowardly anime characters list is King from One Punch Man. Dubbed “The Strongest Man on Earth,”he is, in reality, just an ordinary citizen who has unintentionally taken credit for Saitama’s heroic feats.
Despite giving off an intimidating façade, King is genuinely cowardly and has become so adept at maintaining this illusion that he has successfully fooled everyone around him.
8) Usopp
Usopp from One Piece also finds himself on the list of cowardly anime characters. A sniper and senior officer in the Straw Hat Pirates, Usopp is the fourth member to join the crew but has a more intricate character arc.
While Usopp tends to be timid, he reveals immense courage when his back is against the wall, becoming far more dangerous than his initial disposition suggests. His cowardly traits are a defining characteristic, but they do not hinder his willingness to support his comrades in trying situations.
9) Kobeni Higashiyama
Chainsaw Man’s Kobeni Higashiyama is another character emblematic of cowardice. From the very start, her nervousness is evident, particularly during the Eternity Devil Arc when her anxiety leads her to prioritize her safety over others, even considering betraying Denji.
Later in the series, after an encounter with the Hell Devil, she quits the Public Safety department but is inevitably drawn back into the chaotic world of hunters. Despite her fear, Kobeni showcases remarkable combat skills when necessary, adding a portrayal of vulnerability in the wildly dramatic world of Chainsaw Man.
10) Ritsu Sohma
Ritsu Sohma from Fruits Basket is included in the lineup of cowardly anime characters. He is depicted as fickle, overly apologetic, and somewhat anxious. His kind nature makes him endearing to both other characters and the audience, even when he can be a bit overwhelming.
Ritsu’s tendency to freeze due to anxiety often leads him to either overly apologize or flee in embarrassment. Although he has limited screen time, his character development plays out in the backdrop, as he learns to cope with his anxieties and find comfort in his own skin.
Final Thoughts
Cowardly anime characters often enhance various stories by adding a touch of comedy. Their reactions to stressful situations provide comedic relief, ensuring the narrative remains engaging and avoids overly grim tones.
As noted earlier, some characters evolve and find courage, contributing meaningfully to the storyline, while others continue as comic relief, vital in their own right. Rather than diminishing their importance, such characters serve unique functions in their respective series.
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