The Most Relatable Side Characters in Anime

Side characters are an important part of every anime series, and the most relatable ones of them are deeply engraved in the fans' memories because they deeply resonate with them, and generate empathy beyond that of those pesky main characters protected by plot armor.

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By  Lucas Simons

This list spotlights some of the most relatable side characters in anime. From a master tactician who uses the power of his mind to outsmart his foes (when he is not lazying around) to a schoolboy ousted from the classroom at the behest of a capricious and jealous teacher.

7 Shikamaru Nara (Naruto & Naruto: Shippuden)

A Lazy Genius, Who Finds Complicated Things Too Tiresome

Shikamaru is often seen as one of the most relatable characters of Naruto for two reasons: he minds his own business, and when he is thrown into other people's trouble he reluctantly helps (because he is a good guy) but complains a lot about it. He might very well be the most humane and grounded of characters in the series, but that doesn't make him a shallow and bidimensional secondary hero.

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In fact, Shikamaru is the smartest of all Shinobi, capable of a deep level of understanding of the battlefield, and gifted with a complex analytic point of view that turns his mind into the sharpest Kunai. But, he sees conflict as a pain in the rear, because it means even more work for him. And that is perhaps the most relatable of his qualities.

6 Krillin (Dragon Ball Series)

The Only Dragon Ball Character Who Remained True To Himself

Many complain about Krillin's weakness or his inability to change throughout the many arcs of the Dragon Ball series, but what readers should understand about him, is that he is the most relatable character in the franchise. He remains true to himself despite living among gods, he is grounded, friendly, and remains loyal, risking his life knowing all too well that he is going to die.

This even translates to later in the series, when he pursues a career as a police officer: he remains a hero even despite being limited in power (compared to other characters like Goku, Gohan, and Piccolo). Krillin is an exemplar of what it means to persevere, and a very relatable one at that.

5 Mako Mankanshoku (Kill la Kill)

A Relatable Villainess (Sort-of)

This cheerful and sometimes goofy girl is the representation of our everyday struggle against bigger-than-life people and the challenges that we need to overcome to move on with our journey. Friendly, persistent, and at times unstable and riddled with self-doubt, Mako is the representation of what it means to stay true to oneself despite the odds. And she's a funny sort of antagonist, besides being the best friend of Ryūko.

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Her loyalty sometimes drives her to commit mischief and to be seen as a short-fused and annoying character, but that is part of her charm.

4 Sasha Blouse (Attack on Titan)

Best Girl Sasha, Deserved Better

Sasha is the most human and relatable character in Attack on Titan, often seen as a comedic relief due to her strange and often erratic behavior, and her unyielding love for potatoes (and food in general). This strange behavior has an explanation: many war orphans and former soldiers suffering from PTSD (in real life) have manifested a sense of comfort and grounding while eating potatoes.

This is due to the high-carb content of this staple food, which might have been the only nutrient available at that time. It makes it not only something that grounds people in times of crisis but the source of life for them. Sasha's love for potatoes might look like something silly, but it is a profound message: it's the expression of coping with traumatic experiences and still carrying on with duty, all with a smile on her face. She deserves to be remembered as one of the best characters, and the most sympathetic of the side characters in AoT.

3 Nobara Kugisaki (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Behind Her Mask Of Confidence, Lies A Dark Truth

Nobara Kusigaki is a student from Jujutsu High and a side character of sorts who first approaches Yuji and Megumi in a less-than-civilized way. Behind her mask of self-righteousness and fake superiority complex, lies an amalgam of self-doubt, regret, and an inferiority complex waiting to blow up. Kusigaki represents idealism turned into flawed self-confidence and pride.

Though the cracks in her persona are right there in plain sight, her decisiveness and often stubborn attitude are what make her even more human in a world where sorcery and horror are commonplace. And despite her efforts to keep herself composed at all times, there's no way to deny that she is a little bit whacky and divergent.

2 Mr. Mantis Shrimp (Dandadan)

His Ridiculous Appearance Hides The Most Relatable Origin Story

An alien that at first attacks Okarun and Momo, as a hired mercenary of the Serpo invaders. He is powerful, strong, and resilient, but his hard chitin hides a heart-melting origin story that has kept fans weeping around ever since it was revealed.

Turns out that Mr. Mantis Shrimp is a single dad, whose wife died due to a disease, and if he doesn't want her little son to suffer the same fate, needs to work in the most dangerous odd jobs throughout the galaxy. Thus, becoming a villain when running out of options, Mr. Mantis Shrimp represents the desperate struggle of single parents to protect their children. Something more than one reader might relate to.

1 Sasazuka (Nichijou)

A Victim Of Bullying

In the crazy and hectic world of Nichijou, there's one character that has become notorious due to a meme circulating around, but the origin of that meme is quite dark and gruesome. Today, we explore the sad story of the boy simply known as Sasazuka: a student bullied by his classroom teacher, who for some reason has become a sick joke and part of the internet culture.

Turns out that the despise and hatred the teacher feels with this seemingly innocent character might have an origin in the Japanese educational system decadence, which is at times, something most of the world can relate to. Teachers' favoritism towards some students, while others are relegated or sidelined is a serious matter in all schools. Sasazuka represents this, and the intention of the author might have been a shoutout to all young-ones feeling bullied.

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