Anime Characters with Tragic Backstories
Anime is full of characters with tragic backstories. These characters have often experienced pain, loss, and suffering, and their stories can be both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Some of the most tragic anime characters include:
Gaara (Naruto):
Gaara was the jinchuriki of the One-Tailed Shukaku, and he was raised to be a weapon of war. He was isolated from others and feared for his power, and he eventually became a ruthless killer. However, he was eventually able to overcome his past and become a kind and compassionate leader.
Guts (Berserk):
Guts is a former mercenary who was branded with the Mark of Sacrifice. This mark attracts demons, and Guts has been forced to fight for his life ever since. He has seen more than his fair share of death and violence, and he has lost many of the people he cared about. However, he continues to fight for what he believes in, and he refuses to give up hope.
Shiro (Deadman Wonderland):
Shiro is a young girl who was experimented on by the government. She was given the ability to control her blood, and she was forced to fight in the Deadman Wonderland prison. Shiro is determined to escape from the prison and to find a way to free the other Deadmen.
Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan):
Levi Ackerman is a skilled soldier who is known for his ruthlessness and efficiency. However, his past is full of pain and suffering. He was born in the underground city of Shiganshina, and he witnessed the death of his parents and sister at the hands of Titans. He was then taken in by Kenny Ackerman, a former criminal who taught him how to fight. Levi eventually joined the Survey Corps, and he dedicated his life to fighting Titans and protecting humanity.
Killua Zoldyck (Hunter x Hunter):
Killua Zoldyck is a skilled assassin who is trained to kill from a young age. He is also a member of the Zoldyck family, a clan of assassins who are feared and respected throughout the world. However, Killua’s childhood was far from happy. He was abused and neglected by his family, and he was forced to kill people for their amusement. However, he eventually escaped from the Zoldyck family and met Gon Freecss, a boy who showed him that there was more to life than killing. Killua has since become Gon’s best friend, and he is determined to find a new purpose in life.
Ken Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul):
Ken was a shy and unassuming college student who was attacked by a Ghoul. He was saved by Rize Kamishiro, a Ghoul who was also his childhood friend. However, Rize was killed in the attack, and Ken was transformed into a half-Ghoul. Ken has struggled to come to terms with his new identity, and he has been forced to live in a world where he is both feared and hunted.
Why are tragic backstories so commonly utilized in anime?
Anime characters with tragic backstories are prevalent for several reasons. First and foremost, the medium often delves into themes of loss, grief, and redemption. Such themes can be explored more profoundly when the characters have undergone significant trauma in their past.
Furthermore, tragic backstories serve to make the anime characters more sympathetic and relatable. Witnessing a character conquer immense adversity makes the audience more inclined to root for them and find inspiration in their journey.
Moreover, incorporating tragic backstories into the narrative simply makes for more captivating storytelling. Anime characters facing past traumas have something to overcome, thus introducing an element of conflict and suspense that enhances the engagement and excitement for the viewers.
