AI
Advertisement
Anime has long been a mirror of society’s fantasies, struggles, and ideals—often told through the lens of male protagonists. Whether it’s Naruto chasing acknowledgment, Eren redefining freedom, or Goku pushing past his limits, these characters are cultural icons. They’re admired, emulated, and endlessly debated in fan spaces around the world.
Yet, as anime becomes increasingly mainstream and discussions around character development deepen, one question keeps resurfacing: Do male protagonists get a free pass on toxic behavior?
From emotional suppression and unchecked violence to manipulative tendencies and blatant disregard for others’ feelings, many beloved male leads exhibit patterns that would, in real life, raise serious red flags. But in the world of anime, these traits are often romanticized, explained away, or framed as character “growth.”
Why is that? Is it because we relate to their struggles? Or is it because media has taught us to expect (and excuse) these traits in male heroes?
Red Flags in Disguise: Breaking Down the Behavior
Let’s look at some popular protagonists and their more problematic traits that often go unchallenged:
Light Yagami (Death Note)
At first, he’s a genius teen trying to rid the world of evil. But Light becomes a god-complex-driven murderer who manipulates everyone around him—including his own family and girlfriend. Instead of being called out as a villain, he’s still seen by many fans as “misunderstood” or “cool.”
Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto)
Sasuke abandons his village, tries to kill his friends, and spends much of the series brooding, vengeful, and self-centered. Yet his actions are often justified by his trauma—even though other characters with trauma (like Naruto) make far less destructive choices.
Kirito (Sword Art Online)
Kirito is portrayed as the cool, silent loner who always wins. But he often shows a lack of emotional depth and responsibility—especially in how he interacts with female characters. Still, he’s labeled the ideal “alpha male” in countless fandom discussions.
Inuyasha (Inuyasha)
Jealous, moody, and at times emotionally manipulative, Inuyasha’s treatment of Kagome often borders on toxic. Yet it’s usually chalked up to his “tsundere” personality or half-demon angst.
These aren’t isolated examples—they represent a broader pattern in anime storytelling.
The Double Standard: Male Complexity vs Female “Drama”
When male characters act out, it’s often labeled as:
-
“Character depth”
-
“Angst”
-
“Realism”
-
“Edgy appeal”
But when female characters show emotional complexity, assertiveness, or questionable behavior, they’re more likely to be labeled:
-
“Annoying”
-
“Overdramatic”
-
“Irrational”
-
“Unlikable”
Consider characters like Sakura Haruno, who gets endless hate for her emotional reactions, or Misa Amane, who’s demonized for her obsession with Light—while Light’s manipulations go largely unquestioned.
This isn’t just a fandom issue; it reflects gendered biases in storytelling. Male toxicity is framed as strength or internal struggle, while female toxicity is punished—either within the narrative or by the audience.
Trauma Isn’t an Excuse—It’s Context
Many toxic male protagonists have traumatic pasts. Eren Yeager, Sasuke Uchiha, and Denji (Chainsaw Man) are all shaped by extreme pain. But trauma should be a context, not a justification.
Anime too often uses trauma as a hall pass:
-
Violence? “He’s just coping.”
-
Manipulation? “It’s part of his arc.”
-
Abandonment issues? “He has no choice.”
When these characters hurt others (emotionally or physically), the story rarely holds them accountable—at least not with the same intensity it does for female characters or antagonists.
And while trauma-driven storytelling can be powerful, it shouldn’t create a culture where harmful behavior is applauded or swept under the rug.
Fandom Worship: The Cult of the Antihero
Characters like Levi, Gojo, Bakugo, and Lelouch are iconic, charismatic, and deeply flawed. That’s not inherently bad—in fact, it’s often what makes them interesting.
But fandoms tend to idolize them, sometimes ignoring the actual implications of their actions. Fan edits, quotes out of context, and memes flatten nuanced characters into “cool dudes who don’t care.” This removes the narrative accountability and turns toxic behavior into aesthetic.
Worse, some fans shame others for calling out these issues. Calling a male protagonist “problematic” is often met with:
“You just don’t get him.”
“He’s complex, not toxic.”
“You’re too sensitive.”
This gatekeeping culture creates an unsafe space for critical discussion—and reinforces harmful media consumption habits.
Consequences in the Narrative: Are They Ever Held Accountable?
In most cases, male protagonists either:
-
Are forgiven for their actions (e.g., Sasuke at the end of Naruto)
-
Die without learning (e.g., Light Yagami)
-
Are never truly challenged (e.g., Kirito, Asta, Goku)
Rarely do they go through meaningful, emotional accountability arcs—especially when it comes to repairing harm done to others.
Contrast this with shows like March Comes in Like a Lion, where Rei’s growth includes deep introspection and vulnerability. Or Mob Psycho 100, where Mob learns that strength isn’t measured by power but empathy.
Anime can absolutely do this well—it just chooses not to, especially for high-action, shonen-centered male leads.
Why This Matters: Real-World Impact
The portrayal of toxic behavior in media isn’t just a storytelling issue—it shapes how viewers perceive masculinity, relationships, and emotional maturity.
When young male viewers idolize characters who:
-
Lash out instead of communicating
-
Suppress emotion instead of processing it
-
Use violence to “solve” everything
…they absorb messages about what’s acceptable or even admirable.
This perpetuates toxic masculinity and reinforces emotional repression as a virtue. Worse, it influences how viewers treat others—especially women—in real life and online fandoms.
The Way Forward: Complexity Without Excuse
Let’s be clear: flawed characters are not the enemy. Stories need them.
But it’s time for anime to embrace complexity with accountability. We can:
-
Allow male protagonists to cry, fail, and change without making them emotionless icons
-
Show them making amends, not just “winning”
-
Highlight growth that comes from healing, not just fighting
We’ve seen it work in shows like Mob Psycho 100, Fruits Basket (with male leads like Yuki and Kyo), and even in arcs of Hunter x Hunter.
Toxic traits don’t have to define a protagonist. They can be the start of transformation—if anime is willing to go there.
Conclusion
The question isn’t whether male protagonists are flawed. It’s whether we—and the stories we love—are willing to hold them accountable.
As fans, we must examine why we excuse certain behaviors in our favorite heroes. We need to celebrate growth, not glorify toxicity. Because ultimately, the best characters aren’t perfect—they’re the ones who learn.
And anime, as a medium, has the power to teach that lesson better than almost any other.