10 most stubborn Naruto characters

The most stubborn Naruto characters are an interesting topic because they represent said characters' determination to reach their goals. While the protagonist's goal to become Hokage and save his friend Sasuke Uchiha from his inner darkness is a good example of being stubborn in a positive way, there are characters—some of them villains— who are opposite examples.

It is also worth pointing out that the most stubborn Naruto characters are a running theme in author Masashi Kishimoto's manga since it can represent how far people can go in terms of reaching their goals. Therefore, here are, in no particular order, the ten most stubborn Naruto characters and what makes them tick in that regard.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Naruto series. Any opinion expressed here belongs to the author and not Sportskeeda as a whole.

The 10 most stubborn Naruto characters and why

1. Naruto Uzumaki

No better way than starting with the protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki (Image via Studio Pierrot)

There is no denying that the protagonist is among the most stubborn Naruto characters and, in a way, that trait of his is the heart of the series. His drive and determination to become Hokage can be viewed as stubborn since it seemed for a long time that he didn't have what it takes for that position, which makes his accomplishments all the more notorious.

On the other hand, his desire to save Sasuke Uchiha from his inner darkness has been criticized by a lot of fans because many viewed it as an obsession. That is another major example of the character's stubbornness, which can be one of his defining traits.

2. Obito Uchiha

Obito Uchiha, another one of the most stubborn Naruto characters (Image via Studio Pierrot)

It is easy to see Obito's actions throughout the series as not only evil, driven by resentment and pain but also as stubbornness. Obito couldn't let go of the trauma of seeing Rin die, and that played a major role in his actions, which was instrumental for several plot points.

When taking all the murders, manipulation, and overall mayhem that he has caused because of his selfish desires, there is no denying that Obito Uchiha is one of the most stubborn Naruto characters. He did find redemption at the end of the original manga, although that was divisive to a lot of people.

3. Sasuke Uchiha

Sasuke Uchiha, another good example of the most stubborn Naruto characters (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Sasuke's desire to avenge the Uchiha clan has been a running theme for his character during the vast majority of the Naruto series. However, there is no denying that he is a stubborn character, much like his friend Naruto, and that played some major consequences in the story as a whole.

The young Uchiha had no problem selling his soul to Orochimaru to gain the power to kill his brother Itachi. Once the latter died and the former discovered the truth, he decided to take revenge against the Hidden Leaf Village. That is a moment where the character became divisive to a lot of people because he didn't have a clear direction and was often switching sides, adding to his stubbornness.

4. Rock Lee

Rock Lee is one of the most stubborn Naruto characters in the series (Image via Studio Pierrot)

When it comes to the most stubborn Naruto characters, there is no denying that Rock Lee is likely one of people's first choices. That is because he was incapable of using ninjutsu in any shape and form, which is why he decided to focus the entirety of his training on taijutsu and becoming a skilled ninja in his own right.

When compared to this list of the most stubborn Naruto characters, it can be argued that Rock Lee is one of the positive examples. It was through that stubborn feel of his that he managed to overcome his limitations and become a high-level ninja, even if fans wanted more from him in terms of writing and characterization.

5. Madara Uchiha

Madara Uchiha, one of the series' biggest villains (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Madara Uchiha is widely regarded and praised for a lot of reasons in the Naruto fandom, and it is true that most people wouldn't say that stubbornness is the first trait that defines him. However, when considering the nature of his plan, it takes a stubborn-hearted individual to go for it and keep trying.

That is why Madara is one of the most stubborn Naruto characters of all time: he had no qualms about betraying his clan, the Hidden Leaf Village, his friendship with Hashirama, and even killing thousands of people, directly and indirectly, to achieve his Eye of the Moon plan. In many ways, most major plot points happen because of him.

6. Hashirama Senju

Hashirama, another prominent example (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Hashirama's idealistic values can be quite endearing to a lot of fans and understandably so, but is also a clear sign of stubbornness when taking the story in context. It was through his idealistic perspective that he struggled to find peace with his friend Madara, leading to a lot of problems in the story.

It is unfair to claim that Hashirama is responsible for Madara's downfall since it was the latter's character flaws that caused most of his problems. However, there is no denying that Hashirama's ideals can make him one of the most stubborn Naruto characters in the entire franchise.

7. Sakura Haruno

Sakura Haruno, by far one of the most stubborn Naruto characters out there (Image via Studio Pierrot)

There is no denying that Sakura was always her worst enemy during the vast majority of Naruto when it came to her obsession with Sasuke Uchiha. While the character did show a lot of improvement in the early days of the Shippuden portion of the story, it is also true that she took a nosedive afterward.

From the moment Sakura was introduced in the series, she had a crush on Sasuke and never truly let that go, which actively undermined and damaged her characterization and her reception within the fandom. While she did end up with the young Uchiha by the end of the story, a lot of people consider it a toxic message and a forced conclusion, rightfully adding her as one of the most stubborn Naruto characters of all time.

8. Deidara

Deidara's quest for revenge is a sign of stubbornness (Image via Studio Pierrot)

There is no denying that Deidara is among the most stubborn Naruto characters because of his obsession to prove his art as the superior one. While that could be inspiring to a degree, it is worth pointing out that his art is blowing things up, which might not be the best message.

It is worth pointing out that Itachi Uchiha defeated him once, which led to Deidara never letting that go and swearing to get even in the process. That played a huge role in his death because he faced Sasuke for the sole reason that he was Itachi's brother, adding to his stubborn nature.

9. Orochimaru

Orochimaru's obsession with the Uchiha almost cost him his life (Image via Studio Pierrot)

While Orochimaru is an intelligent man, there were moments in Naruto when his interest in the Uchiha clan became an obsession and a clear sign of stubbornness. If he didn't have a degree of luck at some points in the story, it is almost certain that he would have died because of this.

Orochimaru wanted to become immortal and also wanted to learn every Jutsu because of his quest for knowledge, leading to him committing a lot of inhuman crimes. This included chasing the likes of Sasuke and Itachi to get their bodies to use their Sharingan, although he was eventually defeated by both.

10. Might Guy

Might Guy, a man whose determination can be seen as stubborn (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Might Guy reached the peak of taijutsu through sheer force of will, determination, and a lot of dedication, which also requires being one of the most stubborn Naruto characters of all time. This might be perceived as criticism but is a celebration of his work ethic and determination.

There is no denying that Guy reached an extremely high level as a ninja, arguably being the finest taijutsu fighter in the entire franchise, and that was because of his constant desire to be the best he could be. That alone makes him one of the most stubborn Naruto characters but as a positive example.

Final thoughts

There might be more choices for the most stubborn Naruto characters but these are some of the most prominent in the entirety of the series. All of these characters were driven to a degree because of their stubborn nature, leading to a lot of major plot points in the story.

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Edited by Ahana Mukhopadhyay