15 Anime Side Characters Who Stole The Show

Side characters have a way of reshaping entire stories, popping in with a crucial skill, backstory, or twist that changes everything you think you know. These standouts come from across shonen, supernatural drama, and action series, and they bring more than just flashy moments. They push plots forward, anchor themes, and often carry arcs on their own. Here are fifteen who made a lasting mark while the spotlight was aimed somewhere else.

Satoru Gojo

In ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’, Satoru Gojo serves as a teacher at Tokyo Jujutsu High and is known for the Limitless technique and the Six Eyes. His Domain Expansion, Unlimited Void, demonstrates the series approach to spatial sorcery. Story arcs detail his mentorship of first years and his long history with Geto. MAPPA highlights his battles with crisp choreography and striking effect work.

Osamu Dazai

In ‘Bungo Stray Dogs’, Osamu Dazai works with the Armed Detective Agency and specializes in blanket ability nullification called No Longer Human. Flashbacks cover his time in the Port Mafia and explain his connections to Chuuya. His plans frequently hinge on layered misdirection and precise timing. Bones presents his character through bold lighting and fluid action cuts.

Soshiro Hoshina

In ‘Kaiju No. 8’, Soshiro Hoshina serves as the Vice Captain of the Third Division and leads close quarters engagements with kaiju. His fighting style relies on compact blades and rapid directional shifts that target cores. Early missions establish his trust in squad formations and his high compatibility with defense force gear. Production I.G brings his duels to life with dynamic camera movement.

Levi Ackerman

In ‘Attack on Titan’, Levi Ackerman commands the Special Operations Squad and is noted for exceptional control of vertical maneuvering equipment. His background connects the Ackerman lineage to innate power activation under stress. Major operations chart his leadership during city raids and forest ambushes. Wit Studio and MAPPA frame his engagements with precise timing and gritty detail.

Roy Mustang

In ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’, Roy Mustang advances through Amestris military ranks and uses flame alchemy via ignition cloth gloves. Key investigations follow his pursuit of truth around the Fifth Laboratory and Central Command. His alliances with Hawkeye, Breda, and others underpin strategic moves within the capital. Bones stages his transmutations with sharp visual emphasis on ignition and air composition.

Roronoa Zoro

In ‘One Piece’, Roronoa Zoro fights as a swordsman who practices Santoryu with three blades. His training under Koshiro and later growth through Wano arcs map out steady power scaling. Crew dynamics show him guarding Luffy’s ambitions while tackling high bounty opponents. Toei Animation underscores his techniques with distinct motion lines and weighty impacts.

Kyojuro Rengoku

In ‘Demon Slayer’, Kyojuro Rengoku stands as the Flame Hashira with forms that channel flame breathing into decisive strikes. His code emphasizes protection of civilians and strict battlefield discipline. Records of the Hashira detail his family legacy and the burden of expectations. Ufotable renders his forms with layered effects that blend hand drawn flames and compositing.

Reigen Arataka

In ‘Mob Psycho 100’, Reigen Arataka runs the Spirits and Such Consultation Office and guides Mob through everyday life and psychic crises. Despite lacking psychic power, he employs counseling, sleight of hand, and social insight to defuse situations. Several arcs show clients seeking him for practical solutions to ghost related problems. Bones uses expressive character acting to sell his comedic timing and speeches.

Kakashi Hatake

In ‘Naruto’, Kakashi Hatake serves as a former ANBU operative and leader of Team 7 with mastery over lightning release. The Sharingan grants him copying ability across a wide range of ninjutsu. Mission logs cover his mentorship across the Chunin Exams and the Search for Tsunade. Studio Pierrot depicts his techniques with steady buildup and clear hand sign animation.

Killua Zoldyck

In ‘Hunter x Hunter’, Killua Zoldyck draws on assassin training and develops Godspeed through transmutation nen. His arcs track shifting loyalties from the Zoldyck family toward deep friendship with Gon. Tactical decisions in Heaven’s Arena and the Chimera Ant missions highlight his analysis and speed. Madhouse conveys his bursts of motion with crisp smears and tight framing.

Itachi Uchiha

In ‘Naruto Shippuden’, Itachi Uchiha wields the Mangekyo Sharingan with Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu, and Susanoo. Files reveal his covert role in preventing wider conflict despite outward allegiance to Akatsuki. Encounters with Sasuke revisit village history and clan politics in detail. Studio Pierrot layers his genjutsu scenes with distinctive color palettes and slowed pacing.

Shoto Todoroki

In ‘My Hero Academia’, Shoto Todoroki combines Half Cold Half Hot to regulate temperature and output in training and combat. Family history with Endeavor shapes his early restraint and later balance between ice and fire. School festivals and work studies document progress in teamwork and rescue protocol. Bones emphasizes thermal contrasts through lighting shifts and clean panel inspired layouts.

Kento Nanami

In ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’, Kento Nanami applies Ratio Technique to create weak point lines that produce critical damage at fixed percentages. His career path from salaryman to sorcerer informs measured decision making under pressure. Field reports pair him with Yuji for urban exorcism operations and policy adherence. MAPPA presents his fights with clear geometries and a deliberate rhythm.

Power

In ‘Chainsaw Man’, Power operates as a Blood Fiend whose blood manipulation enables weapon creation and regeneration. Her contracts and living arrangements detail the Public Safety framework and daily life with Denji and Aki. Several incidents show her tactical shifts between impulsive action and coordinated plans. MAPPA animates her transformations with sharp posing and textured effects.

Sebastian Michaelis

In ‘Black Butler’, Sebastian Michaelis serves as a demon butler bound by a contract to Ciel Phantomhive. Household management and investigations cover London underworld cases tied to royal requests. His skill set spans combat, espionage, and flawless service that supports the Phantomhive enterprise. A 1 Pictures presents Victorian settings with elegant linework and period detail.

Share your favorite scene featuring any of these standouts in the comments and tell us who else deserves a spot.