| to me there are 3 things on what makes a Protagonist good 1. Good Character Desings 2. someone who has charisma and a likable personality 3. a great backstory |
| For me - good backstory and understable goal. Often the second character creates a good contrast for the protagonist (Edward Elric wouldn't be good without Alphonse). |
| “ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴀᴄᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴀɴ ʀᴇᴛᴜʀɴ ʜᴏᴍᴇ, ᴡɪʟʟ ʟᴇᴀᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ʜᴀᴘᴘɪɴᴇꜱꜱ. ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪꜱ ᴀ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ꜰᴀᴄᴛ.” – ᴋᴀᴡᴏʀᴜ ɴᴀɢɪꜱᴀ ➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵  |
| For me a good protagonist needs to be/have: - Reasonable when encountering enemies without being a stubborn fuck - they should not be wimpy, and if they are, it should be explained in a believable fashion - the protagonist being self aware (which surprisingly is rare) - a good backstory to make us understand why we should root for them to reach their goals,and so it also does not seem forced |
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| I like bad protagonists. Good proganists with charisma, nice attitude, clever thoughts etc. are more than bad written protagonists. For example: I love Goku(in dbs), Kirito. They are not great but that's why I like them. |
| "I think I wanted to attack something. Like betraying people or hurting people. And, well, it's not exactly nice, but hurting the readers too... In all honestly, I feel that's what I really wanted to do. For me, as a reader, when I think, "this manga will remain in my heart," it means, for example, it phenomenally hurt me: It's those kinds of experiences I'm after." - Pajime Hisayama (My favourite hurting author). |
| -Not overpowered,and arrogant(exactly the character type i hate,example being sora from no game no life) -Relatable and reasonably self aware -Not a complete idealist,heroes are boring,gimme something a bit more interesting. Something to note,shounen protagonists can be morally grey,such examples being Luffy from One piece and goku from dragon ball z.Luffy straight up says that he doesn´t want to be a hero,and that actively helping people are never his intentions.Goku on the other hand,is morally grey in that he really does what he does,because he loves fighting,which is why he always gives second chances to villains,in order to fight them again. |
SummerynDec 1, 2019 5:12 AM
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| I have a soft spot for flawed characters. I like to be able to be able to connect with the protagonist in some way. They don't have to be likable (though it helps) but i think they do need to be understandable and interesting. |
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| Don't: [*]Be essentially a self-insert character [*]Be gratuitously OP for no reason Do: [*]Be a believable characterisation for the setting [*]Have a real persona Shinji from NGE is a good protag even if you don't like him because he is a good characterisation of an abused, emotionally troubled fourteen year old. Same story with Bell from DanMachi, he is a believable character. Kamille is a believably written protag as annoying as he is. Arata from Trinity Seven is barely over the line, but is amusing enough to get a pass. On the other hand Kira from SEED, while I don't personally dislike him, is not a very good protag. They did well enough, but 99% of the rest of the characters are far more interesting and well written. Shinn is better but still subpar in the sequel. Inaho from Aldnoah.Zero is kind of flat and has too much OP, though he is still an enjoyable and tolerable character. Obviously most H&E series have abysmal protags but that's sort of the point. This all aside, if a series is strong enough with a weak protag then it could still be enjoyable or even good. I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy a few ecchis and harems myself despite weak protags. It's also harder to write good characters when the average entry is only 12 episodes now so I do give a little more slack to post-2014 series' to compensate. |
| Nico nico ni~eed a siggy like the all the cool kids Really wish we had a rep system so I could farm it and spam rep+ |
| A teenage male with no definable features except being extremely average to whom the plot happens rather than actually influencing it, to whom many attractive female characters are attracted with no explanation given why this might be so, is absolutely my favorite, more of that please. |
 It is obvious that "obscenity" is not a term capable of exact legal definition; in the practice of the courts, it means "anything that shocks the magistrate". — Bertrand Russell |
| Originality. I HAVE to be uncapable at pointing at him and calling him "x" copy or "This character is just like "x" " Also please subvert troupes for the love of jesus christ. But don't make fun of the medium while doing so. A great example of this is the self insert from Bunny Cancer Senpai. He makes fun of lolicon and incest in anime but is so damn explicit he might as well point his finger at the camera and say "Ha lol you pedo siscon!" Over all of this: He has to be interesting and fun to follow. Characters like Shinji are bad not because they are a little bitch but because they are boring as hell. |
Check out my taste and my profile. |
| Most of the time it's enough for me if they have charisma. I also like when they're not stupid and they're not pushovers. |
 Life is a despicable endurance race |
| checklist: at least 5feet tall is well developed(emotionally) throughout the course well designed(personality, physical appearance, background story) doesn't whine often experiences/undergoes multiple failure and grows from them is thoroughly nurtured through learning(from the environment and other characters) has a single goal and aims to achieve it step by step reflects on their past decisions |
| Well, he must be smart/strategic, righteous, n understand the real truth that everyone don't know.. someone like Saiki Kusuo.. |
 Try reading Spy x Family Manga ^_^ U will love it, i promise... |
| Not being a Super-cliched character and actually being unique from other character's is the first part. If they are like every other protagonist that shares a similar setting, then It's not a good Protagonist. Decent at the most. Then, Information about the character. A Backstory of the things the protagonist went through. The more we get to see, the more I can actually say that he's different from others. |
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| For me the best protagonist has the same qualities as the best villain. 1. An understandable goal 2. Flaws that aren't the type that come up in job interviews. 3. A good visual design that makes them stand out without being too busy. 4. I don't want to headbut my tv when they open their mouth. |
| Don't listen to people who have anime characters as their profile pic. |
| Personal preference: -Intelligent and charismatic -Extremely powerful -Strong personality flaws -May or may not fail due to those personality flaws Examples: Hiroyuki Tsunekawa (Litchi Hikari Club), Ryou (Devilman: Crybaby), Griffith (Berserk), Louis (Beastars), The Count of Monte Cristo (Gankutsuou) In general Fr, fr, there isn't really a single "bad way" to do it. Every definition of a bad protagonist I can think of, I can also think of a counter-example. However, to make a great protagonist... In general, I agree with SuperEyepatchWolf. The best way to make a memorable protagonist is to make them either less powerful or less moral (aka, having a personality flaw). And usually, it's the personality flaw that makes a character memorable and, therefore, great. A lot of why I like the characters listed under "Personal preference" isn't because they are powerful, it's their power played against their personality flaws. Griffith's determination (to a fault) Louis's need to be perceived as perfect Zera's paranoia The Count's desire for revenge Ryou's pure amorality The only example I can think of in which a protag has no flaws, yet is still interesting, is Tokuchi Toua, and it's less his personality that is interesting, and more his being made of pure brains. Also, giving them a personality outside of what the plot necessitates. That one's a biggie. And then, of course, aesthetic choices like character design and voice acting. ( @RealTheAbsurdist ) (￣▽￣)ノ |
OfDeathandLoveDec 1, 2019 7:41 PM
 now i will tell you what ive done for you fifty thousand tears ive cried maybe ill wake up for once screaming deceiving and bleeding for you and you still wont hear me going under dont want your hand this time ill save myself just when id thought id reached the bottom im dying again |
| A mc with good character design unlike some simple ones like what many animes have. Not gonna say any names. Shakugan no shana A understandable and well thought ideology Isn't too dependent to someone like the main heroine. I see alot of stories have a mc that is too dependent on the heroine. And then later become too independent from her and start a conflict. Have a major flaw that could ruin his/her life DON'T FUCKING WHINE Actually clever Isn't a too heroic it hurts type of mindset And a realistic goal that someone in real life would have. |
Byzantine_EmpireDec 1, 2019 5:55 PM
| Official account of the Eastern Roman Empire |
OfDeathandLove said: Personal preference: -Intelligent and charismatic -Extremely powerful -Strong personality flaws -May or may not fail due to those personality flaws Examples: Hiroyuki Tsunekawa (Litchi Hikari Club), Ryou (Devilman: Crybaby), Griffith (Berserk), Louis (Beastars), The Count of Monte Cristo (Gankutsuou) In general Fr, fr, there isn't really a single "bad way" to do it. Every definition of a bad protagonist I can think of, I can also think of a counter-example. However, to make a great protagonist... In general, I agree with SuperEyepatchWolf. The best way to make a memorable protagonist is to make them either less powerful or less moral (aka, having a personality flaw). And usually, it's the personality flaw that makes a character memorable and, therefore, great. A lot of why I like the characters listed under "Personal preference" isn't because they are powerful, it's their power played against their personality flaws. Griffith's determination (to a fault) Louis's need to be perceived as perfect Zera's paranoia The Count's desire for revenge Ryou's pure amorality The only example I can think of in which a protag has no flaws, yet is still interesting, is Tokuchi Toua, and it's less his personality that is interesting, and more his being made of pure brains. Also, giving them a personality outside of what the plot necessitates. That one's a biggie. And then, of course, aesthetic choices like character design and voice acting. ( @RealTheAbsurdist ) (￣▽￣)ノ OfDeathandLove said: as much as i adore Super Eyepatch Wolf, i have some issues in this video and one of the main issue is the title "What makes a Hero feel real" when he list down some Anti Heroes like brad and portray him as hero despite him not, to be honest he should've just name this "What makes a Protagonist feel real" because Protagonist can be good, neutral even bad, but that's just me.Personal preference: -Intelligent and charismatic -Extremely powerful -Strong personality flaws -May or may not fail due to those personality flaws Examples: Hiroyuki Tsunekawa (Litchi Hikari Club), Ryou (Devilman: Crybaby), Griffith (Berserk), Louis (Beastars), The Count of Monte Cristo (Gankutsuou) In general Fr, fr, there isn't really a single "bad way" to do it. Every definition of a bad protagonist I can think of, I can also think of a counter-example. However, to make a great protagonist... In general, I agree with SuperEyepatchWolf. The best way to make a memorable protagonist is to make them either less powerful or less moral (aka, having a personality flaw). And usually, it's the personality flaw that makes a character memorable and, therefore, great. A lot of why I like the characters listed under "Personal preference" isn't because they are powerful, it's their power played against their personality flaws. Griffith's determination (to a fault) Louis's need to be perceived as perfect Zera's paranoia The Count's desire for revenge Ryou's pure amorality The only example I can think of in which a protag has no flaws, yet is still interesting, is Tokuchi Toua, and it's less his personality that is interesting, and more his being made of pure brains. Also, giving them a personality outside of what the plot necessitates. That one's a biggie. And then, of course, aesthetic choices like character design and voice acting. ( @RealTheAbsurdist ) (￣▽￣)ノ |
| Start by making the character as furthest possible of the bottom-tier character of MF "self-insert" Kirito and then work your way up on aspects that make them interesting? |
| Stay Home and Wash Your Hands. Protect Yourself. Protect Your Loved Ones. Protect Your Community and Help Defeat Coronavirus. |
Lel0uchZer0 said: nice! :)Jeppy11 said: to me there are 3 things on what makes a Protagonist good 1. Good Character Desings 2. someone who has charisma and a likable personality 3. a great backstory Good points but i would order them in a different way Yes character design matters a lot but backstory and especially overall characterization are more important For me a good protagonist embodies the theme of the show and is the writer's way of sending the message Best examples for me are lelouch and senkuu 2 incredible protagonists who represent the show in every aspect speaking of senku, you planning on reading dr. stone once the anime ends? |
| Not being one note and growing as the series goes on |
| 1)Doesn't really have to be super smart, but at least not dumb like typical shounen protagonists(Goku,Luffy).It depends on type of anime, of couse: psychological and mystery anime require a smart protagonist, but that's not the point.If he/she's a bit stupid, character must able to understand other's emotions and don't act like typical MC voiced by Yuki Kaji(crying a lot, acting like an egotistical fuck). 2)Has an interesting life philosophy.Blah blah blah I'm gonna save everyone protagonists with no other ideas behing are trash.Characters who think a lot and have actual progression and change of visions over story progression are good, even if they seemed like one-dimensional comic relief characters at the beginning of the series (Okabe Rintarou, for example). 3)Design?Not really the most important thing.He(character) shouldn't just look like another Kirito clone and just seem somewhat unique,memorable, but not too flashy or vivid.Design has to fit his psychological portrait. 4)If he has some incredible power, it should be explained.It's not even funny to see another MC getting ultra buff because of some power of will/friendship when he starts losing.It's much better to see character with lots of flaws becoming better and better.If he's overpowered from the beginning, he must have some great and super interesting personality(Light Yagami and L, for example). 5)Backstory?Maybe.Unless we got too much flashbacks of the same type, it's OK. 6)Maybe having some sense of humour, being sarcastic and charismatic.Depends on type of show and character of course. It's hard to list everything from first try.I guess, I'll return here later. |
| I hate everyone equally |
RealTheAbsurdist said: 1) Unless it's an episodic series like Natsume's Book of Friends, then give the protagonist a clear goal. 2) A clearly defined personality without coming off as gimmicky. 3) The character shows a wide range of emotions. In other words, I don't like protagonists like Luffy who are always being loud and goofy and obnoxious. While I love Thorfinn, I don't like how in the current arc the anime's covering, he's always just angry. Those are what I think makes a good protagonist, but I think what makes a great protagonist are: 4) Make them flawed, in ways that a normal person would be flawed. 5) They do things that I, or many other viewers, may not necessarily agree with. 6) Yet at the same time, make them either relatable, or make it so that us, the audience, can easily empathize with them. 7) They change throughout the story gradually, not just go through a traumatic event and then do a 180. 8) Give them a backstory that explains why they behave the way they do. 9) Memorable design. 10) Struggle. Like, REALLY struggle. If it's an action series, make the stakes ridiculously high. Despite how badass Guts is, his fights are always against all odds. So far in the manga I'm reading, he can't defeat an apostle without nearly dying and breaking most of his bones. 11) Gradually become a badass. As in, start off weak/average, get a little stronger, a little more stronger, than be a total badass. Of course, protagonists like Guts are the exception, because their backstories establish that the way they were raised they HAD to be a badass. @OfDeathandLove What do you think of the topic? Pretty good list, but it feels like you were talking mostly about shounen protagonists. |
| I hate everyone equally |
| This is what I like to see/look for in a protagonist. I don't consider these concrete rules because I keep an open mind to all kinds of main characters and new ideas. Have a personality. Relatability. Introspection. Consistency. Gradual growth. |
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Xstasy said: Being morally grey preferably anit-hero and not an idealistic generic shounen protagonist for starters. Pretty much what I had in mind as well, practically everything that devaites from the mainstream shounen hero. Like Kazuma, Momonga or Hachiman. If it's an action anime, I actually prefer someone overpowered. |
| Greatly depends on the type of show and genre. But in broad lines for me: -Have an appealing character design. -Be entertaining/interesting to watch. -Have a likeable personality. -Is consistently written. |
| It depends on an anime and its genre, to be honest. But if I were to write several general points on what makes a good anime protagonist to me, then it would be (treat it as random order): - good character design - not being overpowered only because of being a main character - positive personality - consistent in terms of his/her attitude to others and acting in various situations - charisma (that make you think "oh, that must be the main character!") - interesting and original backstory Although I must say once again: in each example it might look different, simply because two animes and their two main characters, however they might be similar, will differ a lot because of small details or because of different anime genres in which they are placed in. |
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