A good protagonist is the backbone of any brilliant story. They lead the charge in the majority of plotlines and bring the colorful cast of the show together in new and exciting ways. However, sometimes the secondary character in a series draws in just as much attention and praise.
A deuteragonist is defined as "the character second in importance to the protagonist," and they often bring an element to a film or series that the protagonist can't. Whether that be a darker outlook, a new vulnerability, or even better clarification on the story, one thing is for certain, well-written deuteragonists can have just as much of an impact as the protagonist.
10 Lisa Mishima Is The Softness Within Chaos (Terror In Resonance)
When viewers meet Lisa she's meek, timid, and soft-spoken. She quickly finds herself wrapped up in Nine and Twelve's chaotic plans. Without any kind of direction or drive in her life, she goes along for the ride.
Terror In Resonance is an extremely human story at its core, but a lot of the genuine heart comes from Lisa's place in it. She isn't special, talented, nor does she possess a genius-level intellect. She is simply herself, loved just as she is by these two incredibly remarkable boys. She brings both Nine and Twelve down to a much more relatable level.
9 Genos Is The Most Human Character (One-Punch Man)
Saitama's star apprentice provides a heavy dose of humanity in One-Punch Man, which is ironic considering Genos is an android. His extreme humanity and empathy are key points in the show which often lead to him getting severely hurt.
Due to Saitama remaining unharmed, Genos is the one who raises the stakes for the audience. Despite being an android, viewers watch Genos' body get destroyed over and over again as he puts the safety of others before himself. While he gets stronger each time, there's the looming threat that every time could be his last.
8 Rin Would Be Lost Without Mimi (Mnemosyne)
Mimi is Rin's only constant companion throughout Mnemosyne. She helps Rin with most of her detective work, and has an undeniable impact on the short-run series. Mimi keeps Rin level headed, and cares for her deeply while trying her best to care of her.
Mimi represents something tangible for Rin to lose. Although there aren't many ways for the immortal women to die, it's still a possibility. It's refreshing to see the reckless, devil-may-care Rin have these moments of vulnerability throughout the series, thanks to her relationship with Mimi.
7 Vegeta And Goku's Rivalry Is Iconic (Dragon Ball Z)
The bitter, but friendly, rivalry between Goku and Vegeta is legendary. With the two producing many of Dragon Ball Z's brilliant moments through sheer stubbornness alone. If they aren't actively bickering, they're likely spending their time apart attempting to out-train the other in hopes of being the strongest Saiyan.
Despite their rivalry, Vegeta and Goku have still forged an unbreakable bond based on both their existence as Saiyans, and their deeply hidden respect for each other.
6 Korosensei Makes The Unlovable, Lovable (Assassination Classroom)
Korosensei is initially introduced as a villain in Assassination Classroom. He is later humanized throughout the series, and his identity as the prey perfectly complements Nagisa Shiota's identity as the predator. Assassination Classroom boasts a cast of eccentric characters, but it's Korosensei who truly pulls them all together.
While audiences mainly follow Nagisa's attempts to kill Korosensei, it's the insights into the deuteragonist's past and motivations that set the tone for the series. Korosensei maintains the ability to turn this simple comedy into a tear-jerking drama.
5 Roy Mustang Shows The Extent Of Fullmetal's Political Workings (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Edward and Alphonse are brilliant protagonists who have aged well beyond their years. However, they're still two children at heart who can navigate outside the realms of the political landscape. Unfortunately, Colonel Roy Mustang does not have that luxury. In a juxtaposition to the Elric brother's freedom, Mustang shows viewers Fullmetal Alchemist's real enemies.
From his unwanted status as a war hero to his distaste for bureaucracy, Mustang's journey in Fullmetal Alchemist is one fraught with tension as he questions those around him. Alphonse and Elric bring plenty of action, while Mustang brings suspense and tension.
4 Nikaido Has Blind Faith In Kaiman (Dorehedoro)
Dorehedoro creates a unique dynamic between Nikaido and Kaiman by having Nikaido hide the extent of her power from him, and interact with him as a normal person. From the beginning of the series, viewers are shown the blind faith and trust the pair have in each other despite their strange situations. Fans are drawn into the pair's natural camaraderie in the face of dire circumstances.
There's something particularly heart-warming and simple about watching Nikaido live a simple life with Kaiman rather than use her powerful magical abilities. Although it doesn't last long, watching their plain life before everything gets turned on its head helps demonstrate how much Kaiman and Nikaido care for each other.
3 Sasuke Uchiha Is The Darkness To Naruto's Light (Naruto)
Sasuke Uchiha's rivalry and friendship with Naruto is the most defining relationship in Naruto. Sasuke's development sees him betray Konoha in search of ultimate power and revenge. His journey is frustrating and moving, which is what makes him such a brilliant deuteragonist.
Naruto is an underdog with a heart of gold, so its easy to root for him. Conversely, Sasuke provides a bigger dilemma. He's broody, difficult to work with, and selfish. The audience loves him initially because Naruto does, but as time goes on Sasuke proves why he deserves a place in everyone's heart.
2 Homura Akemi Does Everything To Save Madoka (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
Opening the series as the coldest and most aloof character, Homura balances out Madoka's pep and optimism. Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a tale of two halves. Madoka and Homura play their roles perfectly to make all of the endings and outcomes in the series heartbreaking.
Homura has to work hard to be as loveable as Madoka, especially considering how personable Madoka is. But the writing does her justice, and viewers find themselves conflicted on who should give up their life to let the other live.
1 Killua Zoldyck Becomes A Hero In His Own Right (Hunter X Hunter)
While Gon provides Hunter X Hunter viewers with the typical tale of a rookie to hero, Killua enters the scene already highly skilled and highly conflicted. His status as a member of the Zoldyck family means he's destined to become a deadly assassin with no remorse or compassion. But Killua defies all odds and becomes an inspirational character with a lot of heart.
In the anime, Killua's final arc focuses on freeing his sister, Alluka, from his family's control to save Gon. Gon is completely out of commission during the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc, and it's Killua's magnetic presence on screen, his likeability, and viewers' desire to see him win, that makes Hunter X Hunter's story so satisfying – despite its lengthy hiatus.
Source: Trendz OH
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