Why Do Anime Side Characters Often Have Cooler Backstories Than Mains

Anime thrives on dramatic arcs, emotional depth, and larger-than-life personalities. While protagonists carry the weight of the narrative, it’s often the side characters who leave a lasting impression—sometimes even overshadowing the hero. A recurring phenomenon in popular series is that supporting figures boast richer, more tragic, or more mysterious pasts than the main cast. From Kakashi Hatake’s haunting war history in *Naruto* to Roy Mustang’s military guilt in *Fullmetal Alchemist*, these secondary players frequently possess backstories that feel more compelling than those of the leads. Why does this happen? And what does it say about how anime constructs heroes, villains, and everything in between?

The Role of Protagonists: Relatability Over Complexity

Main characters in anime are typically designed to serve as entry points for the audience. They embody accessibility—ordinary teens with extraordinary potential, driven by clear goals like becoming Hokage, mastering alchemy, or winning the Pokémon League. This simplicity isn’t accidental; it’s strategic. A relatable protagonist allows viewers to project themselves into the story. If the hero begins too burdened by trauma, moral ambiguity, or complex motivations, the audience might struggle to connect.

Consider Naruto Uzumaki. His backstory—being ostracized for housing the Nine-Tails—is impactful, but it’s framed in broad strokes early on. The deeper psychological toll, his identity crisis, and the legacy of Minato and Kushina are explored gradually, only after years of narrative buildup. In contrast, Kakashi’s tragedy—the death of Obito and Rin during the Third Shinobi World War—is revealed much earlier and presented with cinematic gravity. It’s not just sad; it’s layered with betrayal, duty, and survivor’s guilt.

This structural choice highlights a core principle: protagonists are often blank slates at the start, evolving over time. Side characters, however, can be introduced fully formed, their histories already steeped in drama. There’s no need to ease the audience in—they arrive with instant gravitas.

Tip: When analyzing character depth in anime, consider narrative function first. A cool backstory isn’t always a sign of better writing—it may simply reflect a different role in the story.

Narrative Efficiency and Emotional Payoff

Side characters are often deployed to deliver emotional punches without derailing the central plot. Because they don’t require long-term development arcs, writers can invest heavily in their pasts to create immediate impact. A single flashback can elevate a minor player into a fan favorite.

Take Jiraiya from *Naruto*. Though technically a mentor figure, he functions narratively as a supporting character. His journey as a spy gathering intelligence on Akatsuki, his failure to recognize Nagato as the “Child of Prophecy,” and his final moments writing a coded message—these elements form one of the most poignant arcs in the series. Yet, had this level of detail been given to Naruto himself at that stage, it would have disrupted the pacing. Jiraiya’s backstory works because it’s self-contained and serves both emotional and plot-driven purposes.

Likewise, in *Attack on Titan*, Levi Ackerman’s origin in the Underground and his connection to Kenny the Ripper aren’t essential to Eren’s transformation into a Titan, but they deepen the world-building and enrich the theme of systemic oppression. These stories are efficient—they add layers without demanding ongoing screen time.

Why Tragedy Resonates More Than Growth

There’s a psychological reason tragic backstories stand out: negativity bias. Humans remember negative experiences more vividly than positive ones. A character who has lost everything—family, comrades, innocence—leaves a stronger imprint than one who’s simply striving to achieve a dream.

Main characters usually follow a growth arc: weak → strong, naive → wise, isolated → connected. These are satisfying, but gradual. Side characters, especially antagonists or antiheroes, often begin at their emotional peak—or nadir. Griffith from *Berserk* isn’t built up to his fall; we witness it in devastating detail through the Eclipse. That singular event defines him more than any victory Guts achieves later.

“Tragedy compresses meaning. One devastating moment can convey more about human nature than a hundred episodes of steady progress.” — Dr. Lina Takahashi, Narrative Psychologist & Anime Scholar

World-Building Through Secondary Characters

Anime worlds are often vast, layered with political intrigue, ancient wars, and hidden organizations. Main characters typically learn about these elements piece by piece. Side characters, however, can act as living conduits to that lore.

In *My Hero Academia*, Izuku Midoriya discovers the truth about All For One and the origins of quirks slowly, through exposition and investigation. But Shigaraki Tomura’s backstory—his abandonment, obsession with Stain’s ideology, and relationship with All Might’s neglect—paints a darker, more personal picture of societal decay. His pain isn’t just individual; it reflects systemic failures in hero society.

This makes side characters ideal vehicles for thematic exploration. Their backstories often tackle mature topics—war, loss, corruption—that would weigh down a coming-of-age protagonist. By placing these narratives in secondary roles, creators maintain tonal balance while still addressing complex issues.

Case Study: Vash the Stampede vs. Nicholas D. Wolfwood (*Trigun*)

In *Trigun*, the contrast between main and side character backstories couldn’t be starker. Vash the Stampede, the protagonist, is a pacifist gunslinger with amnesia. His past is shrouded in mystery, revealed only in fragments across the series. While intriguing, this slow burn keeps him emotionally distant for much of the run.

In contrast, Nicholas D. Wolfwood, the priest with a gun, arrives with a fully fleshed-out history. Orphaned, trained by a mercenary priest, torn between faith and violence—he embodies internal conflict from his first appearance. His bond with Chapel the Elder and eventual sacrifice resonate deeply because his motivations are clear, immediate, and tragic.

Fans consistently rank Wolfwood as more compelling than Vash, despite the latter being the lead. This isn’t a flaw in writing—it’s a testament to how effectively a well-crafted backstory can captivate an audience, even with less screen time.

The Limits of Main Character Development

Protagonists are bound by structural constraints. They must survive, grow, and ultimately succeed (or fail in a redemptive way). This limits how dark or damaged they can become. A hero who starts with too much baggage risks becoming unrelatable or stagnant. Imagine if Naruto had begun the series aware of Minato’s sacrifice and the full weight of the Nine-Tails’ destruction. His childish antics would feel dissonant, even offensive.

Side characters face no such limitations. They can be broken, vengeful, or morally compromised. They can die, betray, or vanish—adding stakes without derailing the central journey. This freedom allows writers to explore edgier, more experimental narratives within the same universe.

Compare this to Sasuke Uchiha, who straddles the line between main and side character. His backstory—the massacre of his clan by Itachi—is arguably the most iconic in *Naruto*. It drives much of the early plot and gives him a darkness that Naruto lacks. Yet, as Sasuke becomes more central, his arc becomes messier. Redemption, forgiveness, reintegration—these are harder to pull off than pure tragedy.

Aspect	Main Characters	Side Characters
Backstory Depth	Gradual reveal	Immediate, impactful
Emotional Tone	Hopeful, aspirational	Tragic, complex
Narrative Function	Drive the plot forward	Add depth and theme
Character Arc Flexibility	Must resolve positively	Can end in death or failure
Audience Connection	Relatability-focused	Intensity-focused

How Writers Use Side Characters to Elevate the Protagonist

Cool backstories aren’t just about emotional appeal—they’re tools to highlight the protagonist’s journey. A side character’s tragedy often serves as a cautionary tale or a mirror.

In *Demon Slayer*, Giyu Tomioka’s stoicism and cold demeanor stem from failing to save his sister Koyome. This contrasts sharply with Tanjiro’s relentless determination to save Nezuko. Giyu’s past isn’t just cool—it’s a benchmark. It shows what happens when a demon slayer falters, making Tanjiro’s perseverance all the more admirable.

Similarly, in *One Piece*, characters like Brook (who waited eight years for his crew to return as bones) or Nico Robin (the “Devil Child” hunted since childhood) provide historical weight to the world. Their suffering underscores the brutality of the Marines and the World Government, making Luffy’s dream of freedom feel more urgent and revolutionary.

Checklist: What Makes a Side Character’s Backstory Memorable

• Clear emotional stakes (loss, betrayal, survival)
• Connection to larger themes (war, injustice, identity)
• Contrast with the protagonist’s journey
• Self-contained arc that doesn’t require resolution
• Visual or symbolic representation (e.g., scars, heirlooms, flashbacks)
• Moral ambiguity that challenges black-and-white thinking

FAQ

Do main characters ever get equally cool backstories?

Yes, but usually later in the series. Examples include Guts in *Berserk*, Eren Yeager in *Attack on Titan*, and Saitama in *One Punch Man* (whose origin is comedic but subversive). However, these are exceptions that often redefine the genre. Most mainstream shonen protagonists start simpler to maintain accessibility.

Is it bad if side characters overshadow the main cast?

Not necessarily. Strong supporting characters enhance the world and raise narrative stakes. However, if the protagonist feels underdeveloped in comparison, it can lead to audience disengagement. Balance is key—characters like Killua in *Hunter x Hunter* complement Gon without replacing him.

Can a side character become the de facto main character?

Yes. Characters like Levi in *Attack on Titan* or Rintarou Okabe in *Steins;Gate* (originally a supporting role in early drafts) gained so much popularity and narrative weight that they function as co-leads. This shift often occurs when a character’s backstory and motivations drive major plot developments.

Conclusion: Embracing the Power of the Periphery

The allure of anime side characters isn’t a flaw in storytelling—it’s a feature. Their cooler backstories fulfill crucial roles: deepening world-building, amplifying emotional resonance, and providing contrast to the hero’s journey. While protagonists guide us through the plot, it’s often the supporting cast who make the world feel real, lived-in, and emotionally rich.

Next time you find yourself more moved by a mentor’s final words, a rival’s tragic past, or a villain’s origin story, recognize it for what it is: masterful narrative economy. These characters remind us that everyone has a story worth telling—even if they’re not the one holding the spotlight.

🚀 Did a side character ever change how you saw an entire anime? Share your favorite underrated backstory in the comments and spark a conversation about the unsung heroes of anime storytelling.