Top 33 Best Deredere Anime Characters

Naruto Uzumaki, a member of the Uzumaki clan from Konohagakure, stands out as a highly skilled shinobi. As the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, he endured loneliness and rejection from the village in his youth, which fueled his determination to become Hokage and earn the acceptance of others.

By joining Team Kakashi, Naruto faced and overcame numerous obstacles, gradually growing into a formidable ninja. His perseverance eventually gained him the admiration of his peers and the wider world, earning him the title "Hero of the Hidden Leaf."

Naruto's vibrant personality and unwavering presence have brought excitement and depth to the series. His involvement in every significant event underscores why his stardom resonates so powerfully with audiences.

In the Fullmetal Alchemist series, Alphonse Elric, affectionately known as Al, plays a vital role as the devoted younger brother of Edward Elric. After a tragic Human Transmutation attempt goes awry, Alphonse loses his body and becomes a soul bound to a towering suit of steel armor.

Alongside Edward, he embarks on a journey to find the legendary Philosopher's Stone, seeking its powers to reclaim their original forms. Unlike Edward's headstrong personality, Alphonse is the embodiment of serenity, patience, and deep compassion.

Although his armored body gives him a fearsome appearance, Alphonse's gentle and innocent nature shines through. His kindheartedness and optimism never waver, even as he copes with the challenges of living as a soul in armor.

Ochaco Uraraka, also known by her hero name Uravity in My Hero Academia, is a dedicated student of Class 1-A at U.A. High School, where she dreams of becoming a Pro Hero. She stands out among her peers with her easygoing attitude, exuding a bubbly and occasionally absent-minded charm that makes her incredibly relatable.

Her candid nature sometimes leads her to speak frankly, and she often finds humor in both her own quirks and those of her friends, infusing every moment with laughter. Ochaco is widely appreciated for her infectious optimism and warm, energetic presence that lifts everyone's spirits.

As a beloved female character in the anime, Ochaco embodies compassion, kindness, gentleness, and an affectionate spirit—traits that fans admire. With her impressive abilities, she consistently exceeds expectations and secures her place as one of the show's standout characters.

Nezuko Kamado, the deuteragonist of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, is both a demon and the devoted younger sister of Tanjiro Kamado from the Kamado family. Once a gentle and compassionate girl, Nezuko always put the needs of others above her own, much like her brother Tanjiro.

After being transformed into a demon by Muzan Kibutsuji, Nezuko experiences a dramatic shift. Despite her initial struggle with bloodlust, her innate kindness emerges, and she develops strong protective instincts for her friends, exhibiting both a humane and calm demeanor throughout the series.

Nezuko consistently remains sweet and humble, embodying gentle qualities that make her character truly captivating. Her unique charm stands out among others, making Nezuko an especially remarkable and memorable presence for viewers.

Orihime Inoue lives in Karakura Town and once attended Karakura High School. She is now happily married to Ichigo Kurosaki, with whom she has a son named Kazui Kurosaki.

Known for her independence and friendly personality, Orihime stands out for her humor, optimism, sensitivity, and kindness. While she excels academically, she is sometimes portrayed as naive and a bit absent-minded, adding charm to her character.

Her strong dedication to her studies is influenced by her relatives, who agree to support her as long as she maintains good grades. Orihime’s warm and genuine demeanor plays a far more significant role in the story than fans might expect at first glance.

Emma is the spirited and compassionate protagonist of The Promised Neverland. As an orphan at Grace Field House, she stands out for her unwavering optimism, caring nature, and deep bonds with her friends. Her exceptional intellect and athleticism make her a reliable figure among the children.

Regarded as one of the top "Premium quality goods" alongside Norman and Ray, Emma helps mastermind a daring escape from their captivity. Determined to find safety, she leads her group on a perilous journey to seek William Minerva and a life free from the threat of demons.

Sōma Yukihira is the spirited protagonist of Shokugeki no Soma, also known as Food Wars. As the son of Jōichirō and Tamako Yukihira, proud owners of Restaurant Yukihira, Sōma is deeply rooted in his family's passion for cooking. He is a former resident of the Polar Star Dormitory and a graduate of the 92nd Tōtsuki Generation, where he quickly became known for his boundless energy and infectious optimism.

Sōma shares a strong connection with his father, which fuels his drive to become an extraordinary chef. Confident in his skills, he constantly seeks new challenges, eager to test and improve his culinary techniques with every opportunity he encounters.

Despite facing overwhelming odds and high-pressure cooking battles, Sōma consistently maintains his composure and positive outlook. His relentless determination and willingness to confront any challenge make him a standout character and truly embody the deredere spirit.

Lucy Heartfilia is a proud and confident member of Team Natsu in the Fairy Tail Guild, often taking pride in her appearance and exuding charm. Though she sometimes displays a touch of vanity, her genuine warmth quickly wins others over.

Beneath her stylish exterior, Lucy is intelligent, compassionate, and deeply caring toward her friends. She is passionate about literature and secretly pens a novel chronicling her adventures with Fairy Tail, keeping her writing hidden from those around her.

Hailing from the distinguished Heartfilia family, once a powerful and influential force in Fiore, Lucy's noble background enriches her character and adds intriguing layers to her journey.

Eru Chitanda is a central figure in the Classic Literature Club series, particularly in Hyouka. As a student at Kamiyama High School, she serves as the president of the Classical Literature Club and leads her peers in unraveling intriguing mysteries.

Known for her gentle personality and cheerful demeanor, Eru consistently exhibits exemplary manners and a friendly attitude. Her character is defined by sensitivity, innocence, and a heartfelt sense of curiosity, which gives her a unique, childlike charm.

While Eru usually appears calm and composed, her curiosity can become overwhelming. When something piques her interest, she transforms—displaying boundless energy, intense focus, and sometimes a disregard for personal boundaries as she pursues the answers she seeks.

Iruma Suzuki is the central character of Mairimashita! Iruma-kun (Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-Kun). At just 15, Iruma finds himself thrust into the Demon World after his parents sell him to a demon. Now he must navigate life at a school for demons, all while keeping his true human identity a closely guarded secret.

Iruma is also a surprising contender to become the next demon king. His tough, lonely childhood has fostered immense empathy and a desire to avoid conflict. Always eager to help others, Iruma struggles to say no—especially when someone pleads. These same hardships have gifted him great defensive instincts, letting him dodge danger with remarkable ease.

Yotsuba Nakano is a central character in the manga and anime series 5-toubun no Hanayome, also known as The Quintessential Quintuplets. She is the fourth sister among the quintuplets, which includes Ichika, Nino, Miku, and Itsuki.

As one of Fuutarou Uesugi's main love interests, Yotsuba stands out for her energetic and supportive nature. Her cheerful personality, coupled with her passion for sports—especially track and field—makes her a memorable character.

Yotsuba is easily recognized by the bright green ribbon she wears on her head. Over time, she also takes on the role of Class 3-1's representative, highlighting her leadership qualities.

Chiyo Mihama, affectionately called Chiyo-chan, is a standout character in Azumanga Daioh known for her brilliance as a child prodigy. At just ten years old, she skips five grades to enter high school, where her intelligence and academic achievements quickly set her apart from her peers.

Her exceptional abilities don't go unnoticed, as her classmates select her to serve as class representative. Despite her talents, Chiyo-chan maintains the innocence and vulnerabilities typical of her age. She surprises everyone by forming deep friendships and fitting in seamlessly with her much older classmates.

Tohru Honda shines as the main protagonist in the beloved anime and manga series Fruits Basket. After losing her parents, she attends Kaibara Municipal High School and demonstrates her passion for cooking, along with her remarkable skills as a homemaker.

Eager not to burden her relatives, Tohru takes on a part-time janitorial job to help pay for her tuition. She is universally admired for her polite, optimistic demeanor, always embodying kindness and unwavering selflessness.

Her life takes an unexpected turn when, through a series of events, she begins living with the mysterious Sohma family—individuals cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac.

Kouko Kaga is a central character in the Golden Time series and serves as the secondary protagonist. She begins her story as a first-year law student, initially harboring feelings for her childhood friend Mitsuo Yanagisawa. Over time, Kouko's heart shifts as she forms a deep romantic connection with Banri Tada, ultimately becoming his girlfriend and fiancée.

Raised in an affluent family, Kouko exhibits a refined and formal demeanor, which makes her stand out in social interactions. Her behavior often changes depending on the people she is with, highlighting her adaptability.

When meeting strangers, Kouko presents herself with both formality and kindness. However, in the company of those she truly cares for—like Mitsuo and later Banri—her genuine emotions and vibrant personality become most apparent.

Sakura Kinomoto is the charismatic protagonist of the beloved anime and manga series Cardcaptor Sakura, created by CLAMP. Living in Tomoeda, Japan, she embarks on a magical adventure at just 10 years old while attending Tomoeda Elementary School, as featured in both the Clow Card Arc and Sakura Card Arc.

As the story transitions into the Clear Card Arc, Sakura starts her journey as a freshman at Tomoeda Junior High School. Her cheerful, energetic personality is a hallmark, though she sometimes seems naive, clumsy, or unaware of certain situations.

Despite these moments, Sakura’s keen intuition and heartfelt optimism emerge, driving her unwavering determination and endearing spirit. Her kindness and perseverance make her a true embodiment of the "deredere" archetype.

Yashiro Nene is a first-year student at Kamome Gakuen's High School Division who has become Hanako's devoted assistant after forming a contract with him. Energetic and good-natured, Nene longs for acceptance among her classmates and tries hard to fit in.

Her compassion often comes from a place of innocence, inspiring her to help those in need—even when that means encountering supernatural phenomena. While she often depends on Hanako for protection from these dangers, she is also fiercely resolved to defend Hanako and their friends.

Beneath her bright and cheerful demeanor, however, Nene struggles with self-doubt, especially about her ankles and whether she is truly liked by others.

In the anime series "Kaguya-sama: Love is War," Chika Fujiwara is a standout protagonist known for her energetic and eccentric personality. As a third-year student at Shuchi'in Academy, Chika is an active member of the Tabletop Gaming Club and has served as secretary for both the 67th and 68th Student Councils.

Chika brings endless joy to those around her with her lively spirit and ever-present smile. She has a knack for inventing quirky games and creative ideas, ensuring her fellow student council members are always entertained and amused by her antics.

Often oblivious to the romantic tension simmering between Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, Chika's unpredictable actions frequently derail their carefully crafted plans to confess their feelings, adding a layer of chaos and humor to the story.

Erika Amano is the main heroine in the manga series "A Couple of Cuckoos." Renowned as a popular Instagram personality, Erika is revealed to be the biological daughter of the family that raised Nagi.

Their story begins when Erika, desperate to escape an arranged marriage, meets Nagi in a park and convinces him to pretend to be her boyfriend. This encounter sets off a series of events, including Erika's parents arranging her engagement to Nagi, which leads to the two living together.

When photos of Erika and Nagi together surface at school, Erika is forced to transfer to Nagi’s school. On the surface, Erika might seem like a privileged and lighthearted young woman, but there is more depth to her character as the story unfolds.

Shikimori is a warm-hearted high school student and the devoted girlfriend of Izumi. While she radiates kindness, she reveals a striking transformation whenever Izumi faces trouble—her demeanor shifts to cool and captivating, drawing everyone's admiration with her mesmerizing, intense gaze.

Known for her extraordinary reflexes, Shikimori frequently rescues Izumi from danger, earning her a reputation for bravery and charm. Her friends call her Mi-chon (or Micchon in the anime), while Izumi’s parents have affectionately nicknamed her Mi-chan.

Sporting light pink hair, Shikimori excels both academically and athletically, especially when cheered on by Izumi. Despite her usual self-assurance, she shows a vulnerable side whenever Izumi admires other girls or female celebrities, highlighting her relatable, multi-layered personality.

Momiji Sohma is a prominent character in the beloved Fruits Basket anime and manga series. With his unique blend of Japanese and German heritage, Momiji serves as the embodiment of the Rabbit in the Chinese Zodiac.

Although he appears much younger than his peers, Momiji is actually the same age as Hatsuharu Sohma and one year younger than Tohru Honda. His lovable and energetic personality makes him stand out, and he attends Kaibara High School with Hatsuharu as they both begin their first year.

Beneath Momiji's cheerful exterior lies deep emotional pain stemming from his difficult family circumstances. After being abandoned by his mother at birth, her memories of him were later erased, and his younger sister, Momo, remains unaware that Momiji is her older brother.

Najimi Osana, a character in the series Komi Can't Communicate, is an enigmatic individual whose gender remains undisclosed. In direct contrast to Komi Shouko, Najimi possesses extraordinary communication skills, allowing them to establish deep connections with others within mere minutes.

Their remarkable talent in this area, combined with a history of frequent school transfers, has resulted in Najimi befriending virtually everyone at Itan Private School, including Tadano Hitohito, who is privy to some of Najimi's hidden knowledge.

Due to their exceptional communication abilities, Najimi holds the position of vice president in Class 1.

Marin Kitagawa takes on the role of the main female protagonist in the Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo suru series. She is characterized as a lively, extravagant, and occasionally clumsy individual with a deep passion for cosplaying and being an otaku.

Marin's enthusiasm revolves around magical girl anime and adult video games, and she considers cosplaying as the ultimate manifestation of love for her beloved characters. She holds a genuine kindness, friendliness, and cheerfulness that resonates with others.

However, Marin strongly dislikes individuals who excessively criticize and judge people based on their interests.

Chiyo Sakura, the main female protagonist, is a high school student at Roman Academy and an active member of the Art Club. She works as Umetarou Nozaki's assistant, responsible for filling in the betas.

Chiyo possesses a bright and cheerful personality, often influenced by her vivid imagination. Her initial excitement and misjudgment of relationships, such as when meeting Yuu Kashima through Mikoto Mikoshiba, highlight her easily swayed nature.

However, Chiyo's ability to get along with others shines through, and she is known for her hardworking and passionate nature, as acknowledged by Umetarou Nozaki.

Rinko Yamato, a student at Koizumi Girls' Academy, was rescued by Takeo from a molester on a train, which sparked her feelings for him. However, Takeo mistakenly believed she liked his friend Suna.

With Suna's help, they clarified the misunderstanding and became a couple. Yamato is a kind-hearted and gentle girl with unique tastes in men, instantly falling for Takeo's personality and appearance.

She appreciates acts of kindness but finds it challenging to reciprocate them. Despite her sincere intentions, her efforts to evoke the same intense emotions in Takeo often encounter obstacles. Yamato's affectionate and romantic nature aligns with the "Deredere" archetype, making her heart race whenever she's around Takeo, although her plans to express her feelings don't always go as planned.

Hotaru Ichijō, a central figure in Non-Non Biyori, becomes a fifth-grade student at Asahigaoka Branch School after her father's job necessitates their move from Tokyo. With an insatiable curiosity, Hotaru eagerly explores the rural lifestyle of the village.

Her heart is captivated by Komari Koshigaya, whom she admires for her petite appearance. Hotaru embodies a mature personality, akin to that of an "older sister," and is relied upon by many of the characters due to her responsible nature, despite being easily flustered.

Interestingly, within the confines of her home, Hotaru reveals a more childlike side, particularly when interacting with her mother, although others may mistake her modest behaviour as an act of humility.

Yui Yuigahama attends Sōbu High School's Class 2F and becomes the first official customer of the Service Club before joining as its third member. She exudes cheerfulness and sociability, rarely showing sadness and always maintaining a smile.

Yui confesses her desire to fit in, finding disagreement with friends distressing. However, her perspective changes as she interacts with Hachiman and Yukino in the club, discovering the value of being true to herself.

Initially labelled by Hachiman as the attractive but intellectually limited and popular type, Yui defies expectations.

Meiko Honma, known by the nickname Menma, serves as the female protagonist in this tale. As a ghost, she makes her presence known to Jinta Yadomi, seeking the fulfilment of her wish alongside their mutual friends.

Menma was once a carefree member of the Super Peace Busters until a tragic accident claimed her life. Her character is defined by an innocent and cheerful nature, constantly placing others' needs before her own, especially when it concerns Jinta, also known as Jintan.

Menma's childlike disposition, likely influenced by her premature passing and subsequent return as a spirit, becomes evident throughout the series.

Ako Tamaki takes on the role of the primary female protagonist in the Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta? series. Within the school environment, she presents herself as shy and withdrawn, often absent due to her strong addiction to online games.

Ako persistently proposes to Hideki in the virtual realm, eventually becoming his in-game spouse despite his initial reluctance. At school, her quiet and timid nature attracts attention and raises concerns about her well-being.

Ako holds a disdain for "normies" and finds solace in the company of fellow gamers. Her true passion lies in gaming, preferring the virtual realm over real-world interactions, although she occasionally attends school.

Rikka Takanashi serves as the primary female protagonist in the Chūnibyō Demo Koi ga Shitai! light novel/anime series. She establishes and leads the Far Eastern Magic Napping Society of Summer.

Rikka is a typical chuunibyou case, frequently indulging in her fantasies and displaying peculiar behaviours as a consequence. Her demeanour is characterized by drama and theatrics, as she boldly asserts possession of the "Tyrant's Eye" and dons an eye patch to suppress its powers.

Rikka's delusions often mirror her real-life emotions, exemplified by her belief that consuming tomatoes depletes one's mana, leading her to avoid them.

Chiho Sasaki works alongside Maou at MgRonald's and considers him a friend. She develops romantic feelings for Maou and gains the ability to understand the language of Ente Isla due to a hypnosis spell cast by Maou on her father, Inspector Sasaki.

Chiho, a petite teenager with light auburn hair, tied with blue ribbons, and a curvaceous figure, often catches the attention and envy of others. She possesses a strong-willed and pleasant personality, always displaying politeness and friendliness.

Chiho's infatuation with Sadao Maou leads her to experience jealousy whenever she sees him together with Emi Yusa.

Tamaki Suoh, also known as René Tamaki Richard de Grantaine Suoh, is an exuberant and theatrical individual who happens to be the illegitimate son of Yuzuru Suoh, the chairman of Ouran Academy.

He holds the position of president and co-founder of the Ouran Host Club, where he displays his captivating and dramatic personality. Despite his flamboyant outward appearance, Tamaki is a dedicated student, loyal friend, and committed host.

He embodies the role of a "princely" type, employing refined etiquette and charming compliments to entertain the female clientele. Within the Host Club, Tamaki sees the members as his chosen family, assigning each member a specific familial role.

Known as Lady Elizabeth Midford, she is the daughter of Alexis Leon and Francis Midford, and the cousin and fiancée of Ciel Phantomhive. Elizabeth is a spirited and determined individual who possesses a strong affection for cute things, such as small animals and flowers.

Described by Divinator Blavat Sky as someone who dances to their own beat, she steadfastly pursues her passions, exhibiting both extravagant and meticulous tendencies in her choice of attire and shoes.

If you haven’t watched Black Butler or Kuroshitsuji yet, make sure that you do so as soon as possible.

Lala Satalin Deviluke is the main female character in the To-Love Ru series, although her role diminishes in To-Love-Ru Darkness. The story begins with Lala fleeing her home to evade an arranged marriage with one of her suitors.

By chance, she ends up unclothed in Yuuki Rito's bathtub. Upon her arrival on Earth, Lala feigns affection for Rito to prevent the unwanted marriage, but over time, her love for him grows as she misinterprets a statement he makes while defending himself.

A character that will make you blush and give you the wholesome vibe that you wish for from the To Love-Ru franchise.