13 Anime Where the Token Straight Character Is the Butt of Every Joke

Comedy anime often relies on a chaotic dynamic between eccentric oddballs and one rational observer. This serious figure is known as the straight man or tsukkomi in Japanese humor. These characters frantically try to maintain logic while the world around them spirals into absolute absurdity. The humor frequently stems from their suffering and their futile attempts to correct the bizarre behavior of their peers.

‘Gintama’ (2006–2018)

Shinpachi Shimura serves as the exhausted voice of reason amidst the sci-fi chaos of alternate Edo. The other characters constantly mock him for being plain and uninteresting compared to the aliens and samurai around him. His entire existence is frequently reduced to nothing more than a pair of floating glasses by the rest of the cast. He tries to maintain order but usually ends up screaming in frustration at the sheer stupidity of his friends.

‘Daily Lives of High School Boys’ (2012)

Tadakuni starts the series as a central protagonist but slowly loses his relevance as the show progresses. The other boys steal his spotlight and force him into humiliating roleplay scenarios involving his younger sister’s clothing. The writers eventually make a running gag out of his decreasing screen time and lack of presence. He simply wants a normal high school life while his friends drag him into their bizarre and delusional antics.

‘D-Frag!’ (2014)

Kenji Kazama is a self-proclaimed delinquent who finds himself forcibly recruited into a club of eccentric girls. He spends every episode shouting rapid-fire retorts at the elemental powers and nonsense games the girls invent. His attempts to act tough are constantly undermined by the absurdity of the Game Creation Club members. The show revolves entirely around his desperate struggle to act as the only sane person in the room.

‘Arakawa Under the Bridge’ (2010)

Kou Ichinomiya is a wealthy business heir who prides himself on never owing anyone a favor. His life falls apart when a strange girl named Nino saves him from drowning and demands he become her lover. He moves into a community of homeless eccentrics who believe they are kappa or nuns with guns. Kou endures constant ridicule and confusion as he tries to apply real-world logic to their delusional society.

‘Seitokai Yakuindomo’ (2010–2014)

Takatoshi Tsuda attends a former all-girls school and finds himself appointed to the student council. The female council members constantly make lewd jokes and double entendres that leave him baffled. He acts as the sole barrier between the student council and total moral collapse. His days consist of ignoring crude remarks and trying to get actual work done while the girls tease him relentlessly.

‘Clannad’ (2007–2009)

Youhei Sunohara acts as the punching bag for almost every physical gag in the series. He confidently proposes wild schemes and romantic advances that result in him getting beaten up by the female cast. Tomoya Okazaki frequently manipulates him into embarrassing situations for his own amusement. Sunohara remains loyal despite being the primary target for the show’s slapstick humor and pranks.

‘Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun’ (2014)

Chiyo Sakura confesses her love to a classmate only to find out he is a dense manga artist who thinks she wants an autograph. She becomes his assistant and watches him misinterpret every romantic signal she sends. Her internal monologues highlight the absurdity of his manga research methods. Sakura endures bizarre modeling sessions and misunderstandings while her affection goes completely unnoticed.

‘Baka and Test: Summon the Beasts’ (2010–2011)

Akihisa Yoshii is labeled the ultimate idiot at his academy and suffers physically for it during summoner wars. He is the constant target of misunderstandings regarding his romantic interests and lifestyle. The systems of the school punish him more severely than anyone else due to his low test scores. His friends frequently sacrifice him to enemies or set him up for failure to save themselves.

‘Cromartie High School’ (2003–2004)

Takashi Kamiyama is a mild-mannered student who enrolls in a high school filled with hardened delinquents. He somehow fits in despite being surrounded by robots and gorillas and masked figures. The humor comes from his serious acceptance of these impossible classmates. He often offers logical solutions that the delinquents ignore in favor of their bizarre rituals.

‘Lucky Star’ (2007)

Kagami Hiiragi serves as the sharp-tongued counterpoint to the lazy and otaku-obsessed Konata Izumi. She tries to focus on her studies and responsibilities but gets dragged into Konata’s hobbies and nonsensical debates. Konata knows exactly how to push her buttons to get a reaction. Kagami constantly questions why she hangs out with them even though she secretly enjoys the friendship.

‘The Devil Is a Part-Timer!’ (2013–2023)

Sadao Maou was once a terrifying demon lord but now frets over the cost of living and fast-food shift schedules. His demon general Ashiya acts as a frugal housewife who nags him about the budget. They suffer the indignities of poverty and customer service while trying to maintain their demonic dignity. The irony of powerful magical beings stressing over broken appliances drives the comedy.

‘Grand Blue Dreaming’ (2018)

Iori Kitahara moves to a coastal town hoping for a refreshing college life filled with beautiful girls. He is immediately coerced by the nude upperclassmen of the diving club into a life of heavy drinking. Every attempt he makes to escape their influence pulls him deeper into their chaotic lifestyle. He eventually adapts but continues to be the victim of misunderstandings and peer pressure.

‘Azumanga Daioh’ (2002)

Koyomi Mizuhara tries to maintain her weight and grades while dealing with her eccentric best friend Tomo. Tomo constantly provokes her and ruins her plans with impulsive energy. Yomi is the target of jokes regarding her diet struggles and her serious personality. She acts as the mature contrast to the airheads and hyperactive girls in her circle.

Let us know which anime straight man you think suffers the most in the comments.