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My good friend Eden is a huge anime fan, so much so that she can't pick a favorite show or character. On one of our coffee dates, she blurted out that she had finally signed up for Comic-Con (a world-famous comic convention), and was determined to dress in her best cosplay (dress up as a character) outfit yet.
Eden felt that the introvert anime characters always got more attention because of their drop-dead good looks and mysterious personalities. I can definitely agree with her there. In the anime world, introverts have a lot going for them in the looks and brain department.
Are you into anime, and perhaps you'd like to learn more about introverted characters? Or maybe you also want to take part in cosplay, but you have no idea where to start?
Well, problem solved. I have put together 13 of the best introvert anime characters of all time in this fun and detailed guide. But before we get carried anime (I mean, away), let's first take a look at what an introvert is.
What Is an Introvert?
Most people confuse shyness with introversion. Shyness is an emotion you feel, whereas introversion is a personality type. Introverts are usually socially awkward and find it challenging to be around others for too long.
This is because introverts lose energy when interacting with others or going to big events. An introvert prefers to stay at home where they can regain their energy and enjoy spending time on their own watching movies, reading, or just relaxing.
Sadly, introverts are usually misunderstood, and people find them unfriendly and cold when, instead, introverts are naturally quite empathetic, and they care about the people closest to them. An introvert pays attention to the small details, and they enjoy watching people from the sidelines.
Common Introvert Characteristics
An introvert is usually relatively easy to spot. Here's a look at some common introvert characteristics:
Common Misconceptions About Introverts
There are many misconceptions surrounding introverts, such as:
What Is Anime?
The real question is: What isn't anime? The limits are endless with this awesome hand-drawn and computer-generated animation style, and there's something for everyone (for every age group and genre you can think of).
Anime is short for the word animation and refers to an animation style that originated from Japan. Anime series, movies, and comics can be funny and light-hearted, while others can be more serious and sometimes cover some heavy and mature content.
Anime is massive all over the world, and many of the shows have a huge following. You can find most of the shows in your home language or pick up the comics (called manga) if you're in the mood for some thrilling reading.
13 Best Introvert Anime Characters
Here are my picks of the 13 best introvert anime characters of all time:
1. Vegeta
Vegeta is one of the most interesting characters in the popular Japanese anime television series called Dragon Ball Z. Vegeta's character arc is fascinating to watch as he gradually changes from an aggressive and arrogant “fallen prince” into one of Dragon Ball Z‘s greatest heroes.
Even though Vegeta comes across as a confident character, he is an introvert. He dislikes working as a team and prefers to be alone. Vegeta was prepared to train on his own in the “Room of Spirit and Time” for a couple of years to improve his fighting skills.
Most social characters go mad in this hyperbolic time chamber (such as Goku) as they struggle to deal with the empty void. Vegeta, on the other hand, thrives here as he enjoys the silence and lack of contact with others.
2. Giyu Tomioka
Giyu Tomioka (a water-breathing Hashira) is an introvert from the popular manga and anime series Demon Slayer. He may be one of the show's strongest characters, but he is in no way popular.
Giyu always wears a serious expression that fits in with his reserved and standoffish personality. In true introvert fashion, he is picked on by one of the more extroverted characters (Shinobu Kochu) for being too quiet and awkward.
Giyu only really speaks when spoken to and avoids making conversations. His introversion is made worse by his inferiority complex, and he is selective about whom he shows his true feelings to. Like a true introvert, Giyu is very protective of those that he considers his friends.
3. Chihiro Ogino
Sweet little Chihiro Ogino is the main character in Hayao Miyazaki’s popular Japanese fantasy Spirited Away (2001). Chihiro is an introvert and a very cautious and anxious character who gets trapped in a supernatural world after her parents are turned into pigs.
Chihiro doesn’t believe in herself and is often seen huddled in a corner crying as she struggles to fight her introversion. She doesn’t like being out of her comfort zone and wants things to return to normal.
Her name is taken by a witch, who gives her a new name, “Sen.” Throughout the movie, Sen makes the most unlikely friends, and her introversion helps her see characters clearer, such as the Stink Spirit, Kaonashi (No Face), and Haiku.
4. Hinako Sakuragai
Hinako Sukuragai is the loveable and shy protagonist from the hit manga comedy series Hinako Note. It follows the life of Hinako (Hina for short) as she leaves her small hometown to join the theater in an attempt to get over her shyness and introverted nature.
Hinako's introversion is so bad at times that when she speaks to new characters, she resembles a “stiff scarecrow.” Hinako is bad with words and struggles to have conversations with people. However, she is very good with animals; they were her only friends back home.
Hinako's mother is an extrovert and always pushes her to get out of her comfort zone. Hinako learns much about herself and others as she struggles to perform on stage.
5. Hotaro Oreki
Another interesting introverted anime character is from the hit Japanese television series based on the Classic Literature Club. The anime series centers around Hotaro Oreki and his ability to solve mysteries in his literature club.
Hotaro is a typical introvert whose social battery runs out very quickly when around other people. Therefore, he prefers to be on his own until his sister forces him to join a literary club.
Hotaro keeps his hair pretty long so that it covers his eyes, and he can avoid making eye contact with people (which would lead to unwanted conversations).
He is a very calm character and seems to be on the lazy side. This is to conserve his energy. Hotaru doesn't talk much, but he has excellent deduction skills, making him an asset to the team.
6. Levi Ackerman
Probably one of the most swoon-worthy introverted anime characters is Levi Ackerman (also known as Captain Levi) from the Attack on Titan anime and manga series. He is highly respected by his crew and he has a very socially awkward personality.
Levi's mean side-eye and distanced approach make him one of the most popular anime characters out of all the Shonen (Japanese style aimed at a younger male audience) anime. He oozes coolness, and you can't help but to love and hate him at the same time.
One of Levi's strong points is that he can see small details that others miss. This is significantly due to his introspective and introverted personality type. Levi cares for his crew and is extremely protective of them.
7. ShotoTodoroki
Shoto Todoroki is not the main character in the Japanese superhero manga turned anime series My Hero Academia. Still, he is a very popular character, especially when it comes to cosplay (people dress up as characters from their favorite shows).
His most prominent feature is his hair, which is two different colors (white on one side and crimson on the other) and has a perfect middle parting. Shoto prefers to spend time alone and doesn't enjoy the company of others.
He hates small talk and has an almost cold personality. As a result of his introversion, he is often belittled for not understanding certain social norms. However, as the story progresses, Shoto occasionally steps out of his shell and mingles with other people, but never for long periods.
8. Yuno
The adorable Yuno is another lovable anime character from the Japanese Yonkoma manga series Hidamari Sketch. The series is based on the lives of a group of female artists and follows their friendship.
Yuno is a highly introverted and shy character with a very childish and petite appearance. She is often teased for being too young to attend art school. Yuno is a very talented artist, but she is insecure about her work and has very low self-esteem.
As an introvert, she prefers to spend quiet time alone or with friends she holds dear to her. She enjoys a good laugh but becomes very embarrassed when a joke is made at her own expense. Yuno is usually depicted hiding her blushing face behind her hands.
9. Legoshi
Legoshi is the main protagonist in the hit series Beastars. The series centers around the relationships between beasts that coexist, and the main storyline focuses on a murder that takes place.
Legoshi is a soft-spoken anthropomorphic (animal with human traits) gray wolf struggling to navigate his reclusive life. He is an introverted and socially awkward character, and the fact that he's a carnivore doesn't help matters.
Legoshi doesn't have many friends and prefers to be alone. He does have a close and complicated relationship with a rabbit. Legoshi usually walks hunched over so that his size doesn't intimidate his herbivore classmates.
As an introvert, Legoshi is very empathetic toward others and is sensitive to subtle mood changes in his environment.
10. Tanaka
Tanaka is a relatable main character from the Japanese comedy series Tanaka-kun is Always Listless. The series follows Tanaka as he deals with high-school issues while being exhausted most of the time.
Tanaka is a true introvert who prefers his own company and tries to get as much sleep as possible. Although Tanaka is a handsome teenager, he is lazy, sighs, and complains when he is awake. He often appears dull to his peers.
His quiet and distant personality is often misread as thinking he's better than everyone else, when in fact, he is just not very good with people. He has an impressive imagination and often comes across as a scatterbrain who can't focus on one thing at a time.
11. Roronoa Zoro
Roronoa Zoro has an interesting character arc and is one of the biggest introverted anime characters around. Roronoa stars in the free anime streaming series called Zoro and is known as the “Pirate Hunter.”
Roronoa is an extreme introvert who is terrible at showing his emotions. He enjoys training on his own at the gym or sleeping. If he isn't doing one of those things, then you can be sure he's off somewhere drinking his problems and insecurities away.
Roronoa is covered in scars and has short cropped green hair. He has a very serious and distanced personality and has an extremely short temper. Roronoa gets nervous when he deals with people and often responds to serious situations in a goofy way.
12. Sophie Hatter
Dear Sophie Hatter is a beautiful hatmaker in the famous Studio Ghibli's movie Howl's Moving Castle. Sophie is a sweet introvert who prefers to make beautiful hats rather than go out and experience life with her friends.
Sophie is turned into an elderly woman when the Wicked Witch of the Waste becomes jealous of her relationship with the handsome magician Howl Jenkins Pendragon. Armed with her caring, introverted nature, Sophie sets off to find a way to break the curse.
It's amazing to watch Sophie's character develop as she meets new friends. Sophie is naturally a reserved and quiet person, but thanks to the curse, she is forced to go out into the world. Sophie has a big heart and ends up saving more than just herself.
13. Byakuya Kuchiki
The hit anime series Bleach is home to some fascinating characters. Byakuya Kuchiki is a soul reaper and one of my favorites, as he's always so calm when the world is literally falling apart around him.
Byakuya comes across as arrogant and cold, but he cares a lot about people in his own way. He enjoys spending time alone and can be very stubborn. He is very dedicated to his family and his small group of friends.
Byakuya is, in some ways, a perfectionist and enjoys routine. He especially hates it when people mispronounce his name. You'll rarely find Byakuya asking people for help, as he prefers to get the job done properly (his way).
Final Thoughts on Introvert Anime Characters
As you can see, there are plenty of introvert anime characters to choose from… and I am sure you probably found yourself relating to a couple of them. The introverted characters are always the most interesting and likable (even though they can be super awkward and goofy).
If you haven't seen any of these anime shows or movies, then check them out. It's a great way to relax and take a break from the real world for a while. Many can be found streaming online or at your local library.
If you enjoyed this article and realized you have a lot in common with these characters, you should check out our guide on 17 signs that you're probably an introvert. Or if you want to learn more about introverts, check out this read on 27 famous introverts who had amazing success in life.
Finally, if you want to identify YOUR personality type, then take one of these 11 personality tests to better understand what makes you tick.
