10 Characters Who Start the Story… Then Disappear Forever

Some characters burst into a story with big impact, setting the stage for everything to come, only to vanish without a trace. These figures, whether from movies, shows, or anime, kick things off with their presence but leave the narrative entirely, often leaving us wondering what happened to them.

I’ve picked ten characters who start strong in their stories but disappear completely, never to be seen again. Their early roles shape the plot, yet their absence later on makes their arcs feel mysterious and unfinished, adding intrigue to their tales.

Finn – Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Finn, played by John Boyega in ‘The Force Awakens,’ starts as a stormtrooper who defects to join the Resistance, driving the plot with his escape alongside Poe. His courage and charm set up a major role, but by later films, he’s sidelined and vanishes from key moments.

His early actions spark the rebellion’s momentum, making him vital to the story’s start. Finn’s disappearance from prominence leaves fans puzzled, but his initial spark keeps him memorable as a would-be hero.

L – Death Note (2006-2007)

L, voiced by Kappei Yamaguchi in ‘Death Note,’ is the brilliant detective hunting Light from the story’s start. His quirky habits and sharp mind define the early cat-and-mouse game, but he exits abruptly after a key confrontation, never returning.

His role sets up the entire conflict, making Light’s schemes possible. L’s vanishing act shifts the story’s tone, but his early intensity ensures he lingers in fans’ minds as a genius lost too soon.

Quicksilver – Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Quicksilver, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson in ‘Age of Ultron,’ speeds into the story as a brash mutant alongside his sister Wanda, challenging the Avengers early on. His fast-talking flair drives initial conflicts, but he’s gone by the film’s end, never to reappear.

His brief presence adds emotional weight to Wanda’s arc and the team’s stakes. Quicksilver’s exit feels sudden, but his starting role as a chaotic force makes him unforgettable.

Stacker Pentecost – Pacific Rim (2013)

Stacker Pentecost, portrayed by Idris Elba in ‘Pacific Rim,’ is the commanding marshal who rallies pilots against kaiju. His leadership sets the story’s tone, but he exits after a pivotal moment, leaving the fight to others without returning.

His early authority drives the resistance’s spirit. Pentecost’s disappearance shifts focus to younger heroes, but his commanding start ensures his legacy as a stoic leader endures.

Chihiro’s Parents – Spirited Away (2001)

Chihiro’s parents, voiced by Yasuko Sawaguchi and Takashi Naito in ‘Spirited Away,’ kick off the story by stumbling into the spirit world, turning into pigs and trapping Chihiro in a magical realm. Their reckless choice sets her journey in motion, but they vanish from focus afterward.

Their brief role sparks Chihiro’s growth into a brave hero. Their absence leaves their fate unclear, but their starting blunder makes the story’s heart all about Chihiro’s courage.

Ned Stark – Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Ned Stark, played by Sean Bean in ‘Game of Thrones,’ is the honorable lord whose investigation into royal secrets drives the first season’s conflict. His moral stand sets the stage for Westeros’ chaos, but he’s gone early, never returning.

His actions ripple through the entire series, shaping his family’s fight. Ned’s abrupt exit shocks viewers, but his starting integrity makes him a legend in the story’s world.

Misa Amane – Death Note (2006-2007)

Misa, voiced by Aya Hirano in ‘Death Note,’ enters as a devoted Kira follower, sparking major plot twists with her Death Note and loyalty to Light. Her early actions escalate the stakes, but she fades completely after key events, never resurfacing.

Her presence fuels Light’s schemes and L’s pursuit. Misa’s vanishing leaves her arc open-ended, but her chaotic start keeps her as a pivotal piece of the story’s puzzle.

Asuka’s Mother – Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996)

Kyoko Zeppelin Soryu, voiced by Maria Kawamura in ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion,’ is Asuka’s mother, whose tragic backstory opens the series and shapes Asuka’s emotional struggles. Her presence sets up the Eva pilots’ trauma, but she’s gone after early flashbacks.

Her role defines Asuka’s drive and pain, fueling the story’s depth. Kyoko’s disappearance leaves lingering questions, but her starting impact makes her absence haunting.

Boromir – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Boromir, played by Sean Bean in ‘The Fellowship of the Ring,’ is a warrior whose struggle with the Ring’s temptation kicks off the fellowship’s journey. His early actions shape the group’s mission, but he exits after a critical moment, never to return.

His sacrifice sets the tone for the trilogy’s stakes. Boromir’s brief but powerful role as a flawed hero ensures his starting presence echoes through the story.

Yui Ikari – Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996)

Yui Ikari, voiced by Megumi Hayashibara in ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion,’ is Shinji’s mother, whose early actions tie to the Eva project’s origins. Her mysterious presence drives the story’s start, but she vanishes after brief flashbacks, never reappearing.

Her influence shapes Shinji’s journey and the series’ core mysteries. Yui’s absence leaves fans guessing, but her initial role makes her a haunting force in the narrative.

Which of these vanishing characters left you wanting more, or did I miss one who starts big then fades away? Share your thoughts in the comments!