10 Anime Characters Truly Driven by Selflessness

Selfless anime characters add depth to a series by revealing their motivations and backstories. Their willingness to sacrifice for the greater good resonates with audiences and highlights traits that many admire. There are numerous selfless anime characters worthy of recognition and celebration, as their actions and sacrifices deserve appreciation. This list does not rank these characters, as selflessness is not easily quantifiable, but they all deserve recognition for their noble deeds.

Ten selfless anime characters

1. Jonathan Joestar (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

One of the most selfless anime characters out there (Image via David Production).

Jonathan is the first protagonist in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and the lead of the first part, Phantom Blood. While some may find him less interesting compared to other characters in the franchise, there's no denying that he is one of the most selfless anime characters. Despite going through a difficult childhood with his adopted brother Dio Brando, Jonathan never gave in to darkness or betrayed his principles. He was always ready to help others, even when he was just an ordinary guy. His actions, such as saving Erina and the baby in the boat at the end of Phantom Blood, were pivotal to the entire franchise.

2. Kazuma Kuwabara (Yu Yu Hakusho)

One of the most underrated when it comes to selfless anime characters (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Kazuma Kuwabara is an essential character to consider when discussing selfless anime characters. He embodies selflessness from the start of Yu Yu Hakusho, prioritizing good grades and avoiding fights to help his friend keep his job. When Kuwabara joins Yusuke Urameshi in supernatural affairs, he consistently goes above and beyond to offer his support. During the Dark Tournament arc, he reaches a new level of selflessness by being willing to sacrifice his own life so that Yusuke could find the motivation to win.

He is not only one of the most selfless anime characters out there but also one of the bravest and a true man among men, as Kazuma himself would say.

3. Inoue Orihime (Bleach)

Orihime, depicted by Studio Pierrot, is often perceived as lacking agency and as a damsel in distress by some anime fans. Despite this, she remains one of the most selfless characters in Bleach. Despite her non-combatant nature and occasional need for rescue, she consistently demonstrates a willingness to assist others, regardless of the situation.

She can be considered as Bleach's medic on the battlefield, dedicated to healing everyone regardless of their allegiances. Her compassion was especially evident in the Arrancar arc, where she even agreed to assist some of Aizen's followers who had mistreated her, showcasing her remarkable level of empathy.

It's notable that Orihime suffered abuse from her parents and her older brother, who was responsible for her care, tragically became a Hollow. Therefore, her selflessness is not a result of an easy upbringing, but rather stems from genuine empathy.

4. Tony Tony Chopper (One Piece)

Chopper (Image via Toei Animation).

Chopper and Orihime are two of the most selfless anime characters, having faced rejection and hardship. After Chopper ate the Human-Human Devil Fruit, both humans and reindeer rejected him, making him feel like a monster and an outsider.

Despite the rejection and pain, Chopper continues to help and care for others. This is most evident in the Thriller Bark and Punk Hazard arcs, where he witnesses other doctors using innocent people for their own gain, fueling his belief that medicine should be used to help others.

5. Shiryu (Saint Seiya)

Shiryu (Image via Toei Animation).

Saint Seiya is a series that honors the importance of brotherly bonds and friendship, and few characters exemplify this theme better than Dragon Shiryu. In the Galactic Wars arc, he initially serves as a contrast to the main character Seiya. However, when Shiryu's heart problem becomes an issue, Seiya is the one who helps him, leading to Shiryu feeling a deep sense of gratitude towards him.

An early example of this gratitude is when Shiryu gives some of his blood to repair Seiya’s Pegasus Saint Cloth and later fights alongside him. Shiryu's selfless acts include blinding himself to save his friends and sacrificing himself to defeat Capricorn Shura. He is a truly selfless and underrated character in the world of anime.

6. Asta (Black Clover)

Asta (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Asta is frequently compared to Naruto and dismissed as a copy, leading to a lack of unbiased analysis of his character. Despite being mistreated due to his lack of magic as a commoner, he remains a selfless figure, using his physical strength for good and helping others regardless of their status or affiliation. He represents the embodiment of selflessness in the Black Clover series and is a standout example of kindness in anime.

7. Mirio Togata (My Hero Academia)

A very special case among selfless anime characters (Image via Bones).

After dedicating his life to training and working towards a specific goal, Mirio Togata, also known as Lemillion, selflessly sacrificed everything to help Eri during the Overhaul arc in My Hero Academia. Despite losing his special powers while attempting to save her, he remained unwavering and even managed to comfort Eri with a smile when he eventually regained his abilities.

Mirio is one of the most selfless anime characters out there, and his performance in the Overhaul arc is one of the best aspects of My Hero Academia.

8. Yuji Itadori (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Yuji (Image via MAPPA).

This presents an intriguing dilemma as Yuji’s altruistic nature appears to contradict the ethos of the Jujutsu Kaisen world and the teachings of his fellow sorcerers. The Jujutsu society seems to be dominated by self-serving individuals more concerned with bolstering their own egos than aiding others. Even individuals with good intentions, such as Suguru Geto and to a certain extent Nanami Kento, end up being compromised.

Despite facing numerous tragedies and challenges, Yuji remains committed to assisting others and upholding his principles. Although he has developed a more serious demeanor, his desire to support, safeguard, and stand by others remains unwavering. This characteristic may be a key factor in Ryomen Sukuna's intense animosity towards him: they are complete opposites.

9. Leorio (Hunter X Hunter)

Leorio (Image via Madhouse) stands out as one of the most selfless anime characters in the business. This was a no-brainer for reasons similar to the ones explained in Yuji’s section. The world in Hunter X Hunter is deeply flawed because most Hunters being battle-crazed or obsessed with their own goals. In a world where people seem obsessed with their goals and ambitions, Leorio stands out as one of the most selfless anime characters in the business.

Leorio's motivation to become a Hunter stemmed from his desire to earn enough money to help those in need and fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor, a goal fueled by the untimely death of his friend in his youth. This haunting memory continues to impact him throughout the series. His selflessness is further exemplified by his defense of Gon against his father Ging, even resorting to physical confrontation to protect his friend.

10. Adam (Record of Ragnarok)

Adam, depicted in the image by Graphinica, is considered the father of humanity. He valiantly fought against the gods, not out of hatred or selfish desire for survival, but out of love for his children. His stand against Zeus on the battlefield was motivated by his deep love for humanity and his strong desire to defend his children, embodying the qualities of a good father.

Final thoughts

There are numerous other selfless anime characters who warrant ample recognition. They possess traits that contribute to a better world, whether in fiction or reality. These remarkable characters also instill hope in people and deserve all the adoration they receive.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I appreciate the recognition given to selfless anime characters in this article. It's heartwarming to see the spotlight shining on individuals who prioritize the well-being of others over their own desires. These characters serve as role models, reminding us of the importance of selflessness and compassion in our own lives.

Jonathan Joestar, Kazuma Kuwabara, Orihime Inoue, and Chopper are just a few examples of selfless anime characters who resonate with me. Their unwavering commitment to helping others, even in the face of adversity, is truly inspiring. Their actions remind us that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the world.