Top 10 Mind-bending Anime Protagonists Who Challenge Morality

From the thought-provoking inquiries they present about the concepts of good and evil, the worth of human life, and the ethics of achieving goals, anime has long featured protagonists whose morality is not easily categorized as black or white. These characters are often haunted by their past and face difficulty finding their place in a world that simplistically divides moral choices.

None of these individuals can be neatly labeled as purely good or evil. In fact, some possess genuinely noble intentions, but their methods for achieving their objectives are typically intricate, encompassing virtues from various perspectives. Some may even perceive their behavior as erratic, although the underlying reasoning behind their actions is far from straightforward. Consequently, many of these protagonists have become central figures in highly praised and renowned anime and manga series, compelling fans to contemplate the true essence of heroism.

7 Lelouch vi Britannia

Lelouch vi Britannia, a highly intelligent protagonist in the world of anime, showcases his greatest strength in Code Geass by strategically outmaneuvering his adversaries. Initially driven by a desire to build a better world for his sister Nunnally and seek vengeance for his mother's assumed death, Lelouch's subsequent actions appear to be motivated by his own ego, the urge to triumph over his foes, and his own arrogance.

In battle, Lelouch can display a cold and merciless demeanor, showing no hesitation in sacrificing civilians and innocent lives to attain his objectives. While his intentions may have noble origins at their core, his methods do not align with the conventional model of a hero. Nevertheless, he does accept accountability for his actions and possesses some degree of compassion.

6 Ken Kaneki

Ken Kaneki's journey throughout Tokyo Ghoul and Tokyo Ghoul:re is marked by immense suffering and the brutal retaliation he inflicts upon his oppressors. From a timid book lover, Kaneki's transformation into a one-eyed ghoul serves as a catalyst for his deteriorating mental state.

As a result, he develops multiple personas that are prone to violent and deranged outbursts, indiscriminately attacking those around him and engaging in horrific acts like cannibalizing fellow ghouls, ultimately leading to the manifestation of a kakuja. While he eventually develops a desire to protect both ghouls and humans, the devastating consequences of his actions in his Dragon form cannot be overlooked, even though his story eventually finds a semblance of happiness.

5 Denji

Despite the hardships he faced in his youth, burdened by heavy debts, lacking a formal education, financial stability, and a traditional family environment, Denji has always been driven by his primal desires and the need for companionship. At his core, he strives to be a responsible member of society if it benefits him and shows some concern for those around him.

However, he is also someone who will readily serve those who provide for him and readily succumb to his base instincts when the opportunity arises. Furthermore, as Chainsaw Man, he reveals a darker side, deriving immense pleasure from killing devils, to the point where his sanity may be questioned.

4 Light Yagami

Proclaiming himself as the "god of a new world," Light Yagami, the protagonist of Death Note, seeks to establish a society free from death, crime, evil, and suffering. Despite being a gifted genius, Light succumbs to megalomania and arrogance after obtaining the Death Note. He embarks on a ruthless campaign to eliminate criminals, instilling fear and attempting to eradicate those he deems "evil."

Though his methods are highly questionable, particularly due to the countless innocents he sacrifices to protect himself, Light's underlying motive, while unjustifiable, is always driven by his twisted vision of justice.

3 Alucard

Alucard, the fearsome vampire in the world of anime, reigns as the central character in Kouta Hirano's Hellsing. Endowed with immortality and near invincibility, he embodies a twisted killing machine, deriving pleasure from annihilating anyone who dares to challenge his might. Engaging in savage and merciless combat, he taunts adversaries by subjecting himself to explosions, only to regenerate and showcase the vast power differential between them.

Beneath his ruthless exterior, he grapples with internal conflict, harboring immense admiration for mortals who possess an unyielding spirit. Tired of his eternal existence lacking purpose, he yearns to encounter someone worthy enough to vanquish him once and for all.

2 Eren Yeager

Eren's journey has been transformative since the loss of his mother during the Fall of Wall Maria. Once a stubborn and impulsive young boy, he has evolved into a calculated and skilled soldier, capable of navigating through challenging situations. Eren's character in Attack on Titan is exceptionally intricate, especially following the four-year time skip.

Driven to protect his loved ones from the world's cruelty, Eren stoops to committing unforgivable acts in the pursuit of survival, ultimately resulting in the devastating Rumbling. Despite this, he is not devoid of sympathy, for he too is a victim of his predetermined fate, stripped of the freedom he yearned for all his life.

1 Guts

Since his initial appearance as the Black Swordsman, Guts' narrative has revolved around his personal battle with his inner demons, particularly those that reside within his psyche. His tumultuous upbringing subjected him to multiple betrayals and near-death experiences, even at the hands of those he admired, resulting in his gruff and cynical perspective on life. Following the horrific events of the Eclipse, his fear of forming attachments grew profound, leading him to become increasingly withdrawn and obstinate. When confronted with Apostles or members of the God Hand, Guts exhibits formidable aggression, disregarding his own well-being.

Furthermore, he exhibits no hesitation when it comes to eliminating obstacles, and his approach can be ruthlessly brutal. In comparison to other characters in the realm of anime, his kill count is exceptionally high. The trauma he has endured throughout his existence has manifested as the Beast of Darkness, an inner malevolence that frequently causes him to lose control of his faculties. In a disturbed state of mind, he even perpetrates harm upon his former lover Casca. Conversely, Guts still possesses a softer, compassionate side in the company of those he trusts, demonstrating that he has not entirely relinquished his humanity despite enduring immense hardships.