The cast begins with an unremarkable list of tropes, but most of them grow out of it over the course of the story. The become deep and dynamic, and the interactions between them can range from hilarious to heartbreaking, but are always entertaining. Even if I disliked some of them at first (*ahem* Taiga), I grew to love them by the time the series was half way through.
My favorite character, and probably one of the best parts of Toradora, is Ami. She is the most complex character in the entire show. She is shaped and changed by the people around her just as much as she shapes and changes those very people. She has many layers: a sweet exterior and a mean spirit beneath that, but at her very core, she is thoughtful, mature, and strong. Her character is something new, and it makes everything else feel new too.
Most of the drama in Toradora achieves it's goal: it creates tension and emotion without feeling forced. This is pretty consistent until the ending, where it feels as if the creators were grasping for some sort of climax to add to the show. It ends up being forced, with characters making decisions that don't really make sense and mostly just overreacting to the situation. It's disappointing that the drama was done so well up until that point, and then it kind of falls apart. The ending is still somewhat satisfying. Loose ends are tied, but there's nothing to write home about.
Other than that, the visuals are smooth and fitting for the show, and the music is decent. It's a great anime for anyone who likes a rom-com with well-written characters.
