Unbreakable Loyalty: Discover the Anime Characters Who Refuse to Take a Life
Discover the rare breed of anime characters who refuse to take a life no matter the circumstances Meet Kenshin Himura and 7 other remarkable individuals who embody compassion and restraint in the face of adversity
Anime characters who refrain from killing are a rare occurrence within the medium. Surprisingly, many individuals hold the misconception that most characters, especially those in shonen anime, adhere to a strict no-killing policy. However, these characters often find themselves eventually making the difficult decision to take a life when circumstances push them to their limits. Take All Might from My Hero Academia, for instance. He is not inclined to eliminate all of his adversaries, but when faced with the immense danger posed by All for One, he is willing to consider it.
Certain anime characters defy this trend and remain steadfast in their resolve to never kill, even when confronted with intense challenges throughout their respective series. Their unwavering commitment to this path adds complexity to their characters. This position is commonly inhabited by individuals with idealistic beliefs or those who have endured enough hardship to firmly establish a moral code. The series they appear in put their convictions to the test, and the following list presents these characters in no specific order.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the stories of these anime characters who never kill.
Kenshin Himura and 7 other anime characters who never kill
1. Chisato (Lycoris Recoil)
One of those anime characters who never kill (Image via A-1 Pictures).
In the anime series Lycoris Recoil, the spotlight is on guns, which may lead one to expect a heavy emphasis on killing. However, Chisato defies this expectation, standing in stark contrast. Unlike those around her who prioritize efficiency, she goes the extra mile by employing rubber bullets and tranquilizers to vanquish her foes.
What makes this all the more intriguing is Chisato's exceptional skill in combat, rendering her untouchable by her enemies. Despite this, she remains committed to demonstrating to her partner, Takina Inoue, that there are alternative approaches to accomplishing their missions.
Her no-killing rule is a very good example of her resolve and moral compass, which is a major aspect of her character across the series.
2. Clare (Claymore)
An intriguing illustration of anime characters who have sworn off killing (Image via Madhouse).
Clare's place within the realm of anime characters who abstain from taking lives is undeniably debatable. This arises from the fact that despite her assignment to eliminate Yoma, the malicious creatures, she abides by the restriction of refraining from ending human existences, regardless of their wickedness or destructiveness.
This, undoubtedly, becomes a crucial story element in the Claymore series and also reveals the positions of various characters, including Clare, regarding this issue.
Nevertheless, it is a principle she firmly follows and plays a vital role in shaping her character as the story progresses.
3. Mob (Mob Psycho 100)
A prime example of anime characters who never kill (Image via Bones).
Mob is an exemplary anime character who embodies the concept of non-violence, largely influenced by the circumstances he finds himself in. Picture being an incredibly potent psychic with the capacity to shape reality according to your desires, and yet consciously choosing to lead a mundane and harmonious existence.
The character of Mob finds himself persistently tested by formidable and otherworldly entities, yet his ultimate ambition remains simple: to be ordinary. This is evident in his convictions, his demeanor, and his unwavering commitment to not harm anyone, rendering him an incredibly captivating and virtuous protagonist.
4. Yusuke Urameshi (Yu Yu Hakusho)
Yusuke evolves into one of those anime characters who never kill (Image via Studio Pierrot).
Yusuke is an intriguing character as he evolves into one of those anime protagonists who never resort to killing, showcasing remarkable growth throughout the story.
Initially, he found it impossible to take the lives of humans, a trait evident in the Chapter Black arc. However, as the series unfolds, Yusuke's perspective gradually changes, and he begins to value the lives and existence of demons, demonstrating a newfound respect.
Initially, Yusuke perceived demons as mere targets to be eliminated. However, as he delved into his own demonic origins and formed a connection with his ancestor, Raizen, his perspective underwent a significant transformation.
By the end of Yu Yu Hakusho, Yusuke had developed a profound appreciation for the value of every life, regardless of whether they belonged to humans or demons.
5. Izuku "Deku" Midoriya (My Hero Academia)
Deku doesn't want to take lives (Image via Bones).
Deku is a character who consistently chooses the non-violent path and refrains from killing. While he has evoked mixed opinions as the protagonist, his stance on taking someone's life has remained unwavering throughout the series. Remarkably, up to the current point in the manga, he has not killed a single person.
At present, a central part of the story revolves around whether Deku will ultimately choose to kill Tomura Shigaraki, a major antagonist. Given Deku's strong belief in offering people redemption, it seems unlikely that he would take such action. However, it is also possible that his position could undergo changes in the following months.
6. Vash the Stampede (Trigun)
A prime example of this trope (Image via Madhouse).
Trigun's Vash the Stampede epitomizes the recurring anime trope of characters who refrain from killing, and with good reason - his steadfast refusal to end lives is a central defining trait of his persona. Furthermore, Vash's unwavering commitment to nonviolence delves into the manga's fundamental themes of peace and redemption, ultimately constituting a crucial element in comprehending the entirety of the series.
Vash's belief in redemption and peace drives him to constantly choose forgiveness over killing his enemies, despite possessing remarkable gun skills and the ability to eliminate his problems through lethal means.
7. Dr. Kenzo Tenma (Monster)
The dark side of not taking a life (Image via Madhouse).
The belief is often debated that anime characters who refrain from killing will face consequences as the villains constantly return, resulting in innocent lives lost. Kenzo Tenma from the Monster series embodies this concept. Having saved a young boy who later became a notorious serial killer, his actions haunt the doctor's conscience. Eventually, Tenma struggles with the decision to track down and end the life of the individual he once saved, leading to a moral crisis due to his ethical obligations as a medical professional. This dilemma manifests as one of the series' numerous virtues.
8. Kenshin Himura (Rurouni Kenshin)
The biggest example among anime characters who never kill (Image via Liden Films).
Rurouni Kenshin's main character, Kenshin Himura, stands out among anime characters for his commitment to non-violence. The series revolves around Kenshin's journey to move on from his violent past and lead a peaceful existence, an endeavor that becomes increasingly difficult as the story unfolds.
What sets Kenshin apart is that he possesses the skills to overpower his adversaries should he choose to take their lives. Yet, he refuses to forget the countless lives he has taken in his life as a ruthless samurai, opting instead to distance himself from that dark chapter. This complexity in his character makes him a truly captivating and multi-dimensional persona for analysis.
