Tanjiro & 9 Other Lovable Protagonists Every Anime Fan Wants to Protect
Most anime fans can appreciate a perfectly sweet MC who deserves the world. The cocky and arrogant main characters are fun, but nothing pulls at the heartstrings quite like a kind protagonist with a heart of gold. MCs with gentle natures or good intentions really pull out the protection instinct from fans.
From cute main characters who are children, like Anya Forger, or beautifully determined older brothers, like Tanjiro Kamado, some anime characters take the cake when it comes to being the most endearing anime protagonists. Lovable protagonists go a long way for their anime series, making viewers all the more invested in the narrative.
Tanjiro Kamado Will Stop At Nothing to Save His Sister in Demon Slayer
Tanjiro, Demon Slayer‘s main character, is one of the kindest characters in shonen anime. He’s just an absolute sweetheart even though his life isn’t easy. After losing his family to a demon attack, Tanjiro dedicates his life to finding a way to cure his little sister, Nezuko, who was turned into a demon. Even though demons are seen as pure evil and incapable of being saved, Tanjiro doesn’t care. He loves Nezuko, and he knows in his heart that she’s different from other demons.
But, it’s not just Tanjiro’s protective nature over Nezuko that makes him such a lovable main character. He has an incredible ambition, one that is spurred on by his devotion to his peers and mentors. Tanjiro knows that he can’t fail, so he won’t. He will live on to uphold the wishes and desires of those that have died. Tanjiro deserves a peaceful life, and while he’s capable of holding his own, fans can’t help but want to jump to his defense.
Madoka Kaname Gives Her Life Up for the World Puella Magi Madoka Magica
The most special thing about Puella Magi Madoka Magica‘s titular main character, Madoka, is that there’s nothing special about her at all. Madoka is exceptionally ordinary in everything that she does, and yet, her giant heart and endless well of kindness manage to make her the strongest being in the entire universe of PMMM. Madoka has a way of touching those around her, and this ultimately spitballs the entire plot of the series.
Madoka witnesses horror after horror, something that pains the viewers. She’s innocent by nature, and always gives others the benefit of the doubt. And yet, when it comes down to it, Madoka gives up her life and memory to become a god capable of saving every single magical girl to have ever existed. As a god, Madoka certainly doesn’t need protection from anyone, but her self-sacrificing nature is as heartwarming as it is sad.
Yuji Itadori Is an Incredibly Human Protagonist in Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen, one of the Dark Trio of anime, has no shortage of misery and trauma. The bearer of much of the guilt and hardship is none other than Yuji Itadori, a once plain high school boy who ends up sharing possession of his body with the evil Sukuna. Yuji is one of the most likable protagonists in recent years, and much of this is thanks to just how human he feels. Yuji feels like a real young man who’s simply trying to protect the ones he loves.
Something that really sets Yuji apart is the nuance of his character. His feelings are complex, but that only makes him far more dynamic. Yuji feels like someone that viewers would want to be friends with, which only makes the pain and suffering he goes through all the harder to watch. The fact that Yuji feels so normal in comparison to a lot of other shonen anime MCs is exactly why fans want to protect him — he doesn’t deserve any of his grief.
Okarun Is the Perfect Blend of Nerdy & Cool Dandadan
Okarun, whose real name is Ken Takakura, is one of Dandadan‘s co-protagonists. While Momo Ayase is one of the best female MCs in a long time, fans are more in awe of her than they are in desire to protect her. Okarun, on the other hand, is the shy otaku that makes hearts melt. Okarun can certainly be feisty at times, but it’s because he’s used to being ignored and overlooked.
Okarun just wants friends and watching his dream unfold throughout Dandadan is enough to bring a tear to the eye of any fan. Even when Okarun is being an incredibly badass anime character, his soft side never disappears. Momo and his friends are always at the front of his mind, and he’ll go for the save even if his body is broken into pieces. Okarun is an example of the “nice guy” trope, but it doesn’t feel like a trope in his case — he’s actually very kind-natured and meek.
Tohru Honda From Fruits Basket Is One of Shojo Anime’s Best Main Characters
Nothing hits like a well-written, selfless main character, and Tohru Honda is a prime example of that. The lead protagonist of Fruits Basket, Tohru is one of the most prominent characters in shojo anime history because of her strong heart, unyielding passion and nurturing nature. However, Tohru’s gentle demeanor isn’t because of a lack of hardship. Tohru’s life hasn’t been easy, and yet she keeps moving forward with a smile.
Kind characters built on grief will always reach audiences. Even when things aren’t easy, Tohru maintains an open mind and a loving heart. But, Tohru’s character is still very well-rounded, as she manages to be practical and independent, even though she’s very much deserving of being taken care of. It’s exactly because she works so hard even when going through a rough patch that viewers gravitate towards her.
Anya Forger Is the Heart of Spy x Family
One of the cutest anime protagonists of all time, Anya Forger is an absolute delight. Perfectly funny and adorable, this little telepath knows how to steal the show. Spy x Family‘s found family trope is delivered exceptionally and while viewers want nothing more than for Yor and Loid to properly fall in love, fans also desperately wish for Anya to have the loving family she deserves.
Much of Spy x Family is comedy action, but the harder moments are those in which Anya is reminded that her family isn’t permanent. Watching such a sweet young girl worry about being abandoned again hits all viewers right in the feels. Anya’s desperation to hide her psychic powers is humorous, but also oddly upsetting as she expects to be tossed aside if they’re ever revealed. Naturally, Anya has become a main character that viewers wish they could protect forever.
Atsuko Kagari Just Wants to Be Like Her Idol in Little Witch Academia
Atsuko, better known as Akko, is the adorable MC of Little Witch Academia. Little Witch Academia is a comfort anime like none other, offering an enchanting world of school shenanigans with a warm flair of fantasy. Akko is extremely incompetent when it comes to using magic, but her determination and dream to be just like her favorite witch, Shiny Chariot, make her seriously endearing.
Little Witch Academia is mostly a feel-good anime, but when it’s revealed that Akko struggles with her magic because of her idol’s actions, viewers get punched right in the gut. Seeing the betrayal on Akko’s face as she realizes what’s happened isn’t easy. But, nonetheless, Akko pushes forward to pursue her dream. It’s her ability to make friends with everyone and to keep trying even when she’s seen as not being talented that makes Akko such a likable character.
Shigeo Kageyama Has a Breath-Taking Character Arc in Mob Psycho 100
Shigeo Kageyama, nicknamed “Mob”, is the leading character in Mob Pyscho 100, an amazing super-power anime series. Mob might be a classically overpowered main character, but his personality and character have made him endlessly lovable. Though a rough past has made Mob struggle to connect with others, that hasn’t stopped him from being the kind of person who forgives and accepts.
Mob is incredibly compassionate, even when it doesn’t seem like the right time to be. But Mob isn’t just some pushover — he becomes more comfortable with himself and his desires, especially when times are tough. While Mob changes immensely throughout the run of Mob Pyscho 100, one thing remains the same, and that’s the undying love that fans have for Mob’s character.
Emma Steps Up Even When She’s Terrified in The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland may have had a rough second season, but fans will never get over Emma’s character, and everything she goes through. The Promised Neverland is a horrifying concept — children are raised on a farm to be fed to demon overlords. It’s disgusting and scary, especially when looked at from the perspective of innocent kids who shouldn’t have to fight for their survival all the time.
Emma, despite being only 11 years old at the beginning of the series, steps up to become a necessary leader for all the other children. It’s a frightening role, but one that she fills nonetheless. She’s fiery and brave, making fans love her all the more. She’s so young, but will face life-threatening danger if it means protecting her family. She’s so admirable, but fans wish that they could take her away from such a vicious life.
Izuku Midoriya Proves the Power of a Determined Underdog in My Hero Academia
Izuku Midoriya, better known as My Hero Academia‘s Deku, is very similar to Tanjiro. Deku is selfish and passionate. Though he begins Quirkless, Deku ends up becoming a force so strong that he’s almost unrecognizable. The key word here is, almost. Something that always remains the same with Deku is his heart and wealth of compassion. He wants to save his friends and the world, even if it means sacrificing himself.
Deku ends up taking on a huge role, one that isn’t necessarily suited for teenagers, but he does it nonetheless. He’s just a very sweet kid, one that will try to find the good even when it’s completely hidden. And though the harsh war and many losses ultimately change aspects of him, he never becomes hardened and closed-off. He still loves with an open mind and a smile on his face, ready to create a better future.
