Demise and Destiny: The Fates of 5 Demon Slayer Characters

The characters in Demon Slayer are typically transparent in their motivations, techniques, and roles in the series. Their outward appearances accurately reflect their true nature, a formula that has consistently proven successful, particularly in the acclaimed anime adaptation by Ufotable.

However, it is undeniable that the ending of the series was polarizing. There are several characters in Demon Slayer whose fates could have been different, potentially enhancing the story to some extent. This, of course, is subjective, but here are five characters who should have survived and five who should have met their demise.

5 Demon Slayer characters who should have lived

1. Genya Shinazugawa

Genya should have lived (Image via Ufotable).

Genya's arc feels rushed and underdeveloped, especially when compared to other Demon Slayer characters. His quick transformation from a rash, almost bully-like character to becoming Tanjiro's friend happens too fast for the audience to fully connect with him. His relationship with his brother Sanemi is not fully explored.

It would have been intriguing to see more of Genya, even after the series concluded. His ability to consume demon flesh and transform into a demon for a limited time is never adequately explained beyond his strong stomach.

2. Obanai Iguro

Woefully underutilized (Image via Ufotable).

The Hashira are supposed to be the most powerful members of the Demon Slayer Corps and are often the most popular characters. However, their roles in the story and their outcomes can be inconsistent. For example, Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, was not given enough opportunity to show his full potential and ultimately died alongside his beloved Mitsuri. It would have been more interesting to see him live and deal with the aftermath, which would have added depth to his character.

Speaking of grieving...

3. Mitsuri Kanroji

Mitsuri's popularity has likely soared among Demon Slayer characters, especially after her remarkable performance against the fourth Upper Moon in the anime's third season. Ufotable did an exceptional job in portraying her battle and gave her ample opportunity to shine, a move that was well-received by the fandom.

Informing anime-only viewers that this was the character's sole highlight in the series is disheartening. Mitsuri's contribution in the final arc is minimal, and her ending is underwhelming. The only comfort she found was in her death alongside her beloved, Obanai. She was the only Corps member who joined without a traumatic past or thirst for vengeance, but simply sought a sense of belonging. It would have been intriguing to witness her journey beyond Obanai's demise, as she grieved and potentially found solace and joy on her own.

4. Muichiro Tokito

One of the most popular Demon Slayer characters (Image via Ufotable).

Moichiro's remarkable natural gifts as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps were prominently featured throughout the series. It was heartbreaking to realize that he was denied the chance to experience a normal childhood, becoming a child soldier instead. His tragic fate was understandable given the circumstances and his exceptional abilities, but it was still a devastating loss.

Although his death at the hands of Kokushibo provided closure for his character, it's hard not to wonder what potential future he could have had. Despite his youth, he had tremendous potential, but it was cut short far too soon.

5. Shinobu Kocho

It would have been interesting to see another ending for her (Image via Ufotable).

Shinobu Kocho is undeniably one of the most compelling characters in Demon Slayer. Her calm demeanor paired with her deep-seated animosity towards demons adds an intriguing layer to her character. The fact that she was taken during her battle with Doma, the one responsible for her sister Kanae's death, is truly tragic.

Shinobu spent so much of her life consumed by hatred and the desire for revenge against demons. It would have been fascinating to see how she would have moved forward after the war and achieving her goal. It raises thought-provoking questions about what happens when you have been driven by hatred for so long and what comes next after that goal is accomplished.

5 Demon Slayer characters who should have died

1. Sanemi Shinazugawa

Sanemi's near-death experience should have been the end for him (Image via Ufotable).

There is no denying that Sanemi stands out as one of the most captivating characters in Demon Slayer. Initially portrayed as a borderline psychopath, his design reinforces this perception, only for author Koyoharu Gotouge to surprise the audience by revealing his tragic childhood. This revelation sheds light on the immense suffering Sanemi has endured, and explains the depth of his animosity towards demons like Nezuko.

Despite his cool abilities and solid backstory, some may argue that Sanemi is not as intriguing as Genya. His brother's complex backstory, driven by his inferiority complex, adds an interesting layer to the story.

It would have been more captivating to analyze his brother's demon abilities. Therefore, it would have made more sense for them to switch places in the casualties department.

2. Zenitsu Agatsuma

A controversial decision (Image via Ufotable).

Zenitsu has long been a polarizing character in the world of Demon Slayer, both loved for his impressive fighting abilities while asleep and criticized for his constant fear and attitude towards women, especially Nezuko. While his character did show growth during his battle with Kaigaku, his development and sacrifice in the final battle would have been a more satisfying conclusion than his seemingly random relationship with Nezuko.

3. Tanjiro Kamado

Tanjiro's survival was forced (Image via Ufotable).

The truth is, Tanjiro becoming a demon near the end of the story was a missed opportunity for Demon Slayer characters. It felt like Gotouge didn't take the risk of killing the protagonist in what could have been a bittersweet yet captivating conclusion to the story.

Throughout the series, Tanjiro's goal was to eliminate demons, and his transformation into a demon would have been a unique twist. However, the story took a safe route by saving him at the last moment, which felt forced and unsatisfying.

4. Giyu Tomioka

Tomioka had death flags during the entire series (Image via Ufotable).

When it comes to characters in Demon Slayer, Giyu Tomioka is known for having the most potential for tragedy throughout the series. This is largely due to his crucial role in saving Tanjiro and Nezuko's lives, as well as his position as a mentor to the protagonist at key moments in the story.

Additionally, Tomioka has always carried a sense of impending doom and a desire for self-sacrifice, which adds to the possibility of a heartbreaking outcome. His death would likely be the most impactful among all the characters in Demon Slayer, particularly if it were to occur during his battle with Akaza, just before Tanjiro's pivotal moment.

5. Nezuko Kamado

Nezuko should have died (Image via Ufotable).

Nezuko Kamado's potential death would have been a significant and intriguing development in the world of Demon Slayer. As the main driving force behind much of the series, her demise would have greatly impacted Tanjiro and added crucial tension and stakes to the story. This potential plot point could have brought a new level of depth to the characters and their motivations.

Final thoughts

The fates of Demon Slayer characters could have varied depending on the circumstances, leading to different outcomes, whether positive or negative. Nevertheless, the undeniable success of the series is not up for debate.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the fates of the characters in Demon Slayer. On the one hand, I understand the narrative choices made by the author and appreciate the emotional impact of certain character deaths. The loss of Genya, Obanai, Mitsuri, and Muichiro was particularly poignant and added depth to the story.

On the other hand, I can't help but feel that some of these characters had the potential for further development and could have contributed more to the overall plot. Genya's rushed character arc and Obanai's limited screentime left me wanting more, while Mitsuri's underwhelming ending felt like a missed opportunity to explore her character beyond her relationship with Obanai. Muichiro's tragic fate was heartbreaking, but I couldn't help but wonder what he could have achieved if given the chance to grow and mature.