5 anime characters great at hiding their true emotions (& 5 who wear their heart on their sleeve)

There are different character archetypes for anime characters in the animeverse. Using multiple character archetypes in a plot makes it more interesting and adds multiple layers to the narrative.

Usually, two opposite archetypes are placed together in a plot to highlight their qualities, such as placing a "Kuudere" (emotionally stable, calm, and composed) and a "Genki" (expressive, cheerful, and outgoing) together.

Most famous anime use cold, introverted, seemingly apathetic characters as the intelligent masterminds in the plot, and they play a big part in constructing the plot, e.g. Shikamaru in Naruto. Many famous anime characters rarely show emotions on screen, while characters like Asta and Naruto are very emotional. This list enlists examples of 5 anime characters who never show any emotion and 5 anime characters who wear their hearts on their sleeves.

5 anime characters great at hiding their true emotions

1) Giyu- Demon Slayer

Water Hashira Tomioka Giyu is one of the key figures in the 2019 anime Demon Slayer. Throughout the anime, we find Giyu rarely showing emotions; he seems as cold and calm as still water.

He lost his family and later a close friend because of demons. The childhood trauma Giyu faced made him shun his emotions towards others. He is one of such Kuudere anime characters.

2) L-Death Note

L. Lawliet is an anime character who rarely shows emotions on screen. He is the world-famous consulting detective in the Death Note universe.

Death Note's L was brought up in a special institute for gifted children. His childhood and detective profession made him seem like an emotionless character. Even while dying, his emotionless blank face was truly saddening for fans.

3) Itachi- Naruto

Itachi Uchiha certainly has one of the saddest backstories in the animeverse, however, he's not one of the emotional anime characters. The child prodigy Itachi’s adolescent life was filled with bloodbaths.

He was employed as a child spy and joined the Anbu Corps to safeguard Konoha. He had to murder his whole clan under the order of Danjo. Itachi didn't even flinch when he had to kill his parents. Throughout the anime, he masks his emotions under a stoic expression, which adds a heart-breaking layer to the story.

4) Kyotaka-Classroom of the Elite

Ayanokoji Kyotaka’s strong statement, “All humans are nothing but tools”- says a lot about his apathy for fellow human beings. Like L. Lawliet, Classroom of the Elite’s Ayanokoji is also a result of a special child training program. In the anime, he is shown as a "Machiavellian" genius who manipulates people to get what he wants without revealing his true colours.

Throughout the plot, he never shows any emotion or reaction. From his monologues and asides, it becomes clear that he doesn’t only hide his emotion, he cannot feel any. He is one of the ruthless anime characters, who sacrifices people as if they are pawns on a chess board.

5) Johan Liebert-Monster

People who have watched Monster will forever remember the name Johan Liebert. Johan’s character was inspired by the character of Hannibal Lecter, the infamous serial killer from the movie Silence of the Lambs.

The anime is set in post-World War 2 Germany, where the city of Düsseldorf is terrorized by the serial killer Johan. Johan is a ruthless, psychopath, for whom human lives have no value. Throughout the plot, he has hidden his real intentions and emotions behind a well-crafted mask and stays as a part of a good society.

5 anime characters, who wear their hearts on their sleeve

1) Akira- Devilman Crybaby

Akira is the titular “crybaby” of Devilman Crybaby, he is one of the most vulnerable anime characters in the anime world. The anime offers a complex plot with themes of bigotry, social alienation, and ethnic cleansing.

The plot of Devilman Crybaby is extremely sensitive, and so is the protagonist, Akira. Throughout the plot, he takes actions based on his emotions, even if they are not rational enough. In the end, he bursts into outrage after seeing civilians parading with his friends' mutilated dead bodies.

2) Tanjiro-Demon Slayer

Tanjiro is the protagonist of the fantasy anime Demon Slayer. Tanjiro joins "The Demon Slayer Corps" after his family is murdered by the demon leader Mujan. The plot is loosely based on Tanjiro’s journey to take revenge on Mujan Kibutsuji and turn his sister into a human again.

Tanjiro is the complete opposite of Tomioka Giyu, he is sensitive, cries often, and is a complete empath. However, unlike Asta and Naruto, Tanjiro never totally gives in to his emotions, he tries to be levelheaded and make the best possible choice in every situation.

3) Bakugo- My Hero Academia

Bakugo Katsuki, the parky blonde guy, always screaming “Die! Die!!” in My Hero Academia, is one of the most emotionally vulnerable characters. However, unlike characters like Naruto or Asta, he fails to address his emotions properly.

In the anime, Katsuki has a strong sense of pride, which forbids him from admitting his feelings to his peers. But, his emotional heart takes the better of him, and almost all the time he breaks out in a frantic feat of anger. With the plot progression, Bakugo learns to address his emotions properly and becomes more open.

4) Naruto- Naruto

The famous Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto has to be one of the most emotional anime characters. Be it charging a powerful enemy head-on or never giving up on Sasuke, no matter what the situation is, he always acts on his emotions in the anime.

Naruto being an emotionally charged character also helps in plot development. Although he acts on his emotions, he never makes any ethically wrong decisions, which adds a layer to his character.

5) Asta-Black Clover

Asta from the 2016 anime Black Clover is a complete crybaby. His character is built around his emotional drive. Albeit being powerless, he never lost hope and charged his way forward.

Asta is shown as a complete empath; caring and considerate to the point of selflessness. He is always cheery and never hesitates to express his emotions and opinions. He is one of the most emotional anime characters in the anime-verse.

Final Thoughts

Any anime becomes more relatable through the portrayal of various sets of characters. Placing an empathetic character like Manabu and an apathetic character like Ayanokoji (Classroom of the Elites) shows the difference in human nature and helps the audience to understand the characters properly.

Portrayal of human emotions is a key factor in any anime or movie. Therefore, whether it’s an expressive character or an inexpressive character they have their significance in the plot. Nonetheless, both archetypes contribute to an enjoyable experience for the audience.

Edited by Bharath S