5 Anime Heroes Whose Suffering is Far Worse Than Villains

Kapanlagi.com - In many anime, protagonists are usually depicted as figures capable of defeating enemies thanks to their determination and relentless spirit. However, behind their victories, there are wounds and suffering that are often far greater than those of the villains they face.

Some characters even have to lose family, friends, and their entire world multiple times. Ironically, they still choose to rise and protect others even though life continues to present relentless trials.

Interestingly, most of the villains on this list have never experienced suffering as great as these heroes. This is what makes their stories feel much more emotional while also proving that being a hero does not mean having an easier life.

Here are five anime heroes who are said to have experienced the heaviest suffering throughout their journey.

1. Future Trunks

5 Anime Heroes Whose Suffering is Far Worse Than Villains (credit: IMDb.com)

Future Trunks becomes one of the most tragic characters in the Dragon Ball franchise. He comes from a future devastated by the attacks of Android 17 and Android 18. Almost all of the Z fighters have been killed, while humanity lives in fear for years.

In order to change fate, Trunks travels back to the past to warn Goku and his friends. Thanks to his actions, the main timeline is saved from the same destruction. Unfortunately, Trunks' original world remains filled with suffering that is hard to fix.

Ironically, after finally managing to defeat the Androids in his own world, tragedy strikes again with the appearance of Goku Black in Dragon Ball Super. In the end, the entire timeline from which he came is completely erased. All the struggles he went through seem to have to be paid for with repeated losses.

2. Shinji Ikari

5 Hero Anime Whose Suffering Is Much Worse Than the Villain (credit: IMDb.com)

Since the beginning of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Shinji Ikari has actually been just an ordinary teenager who seeks attention from his father. However, his life changes completely when he is forced to become the pilot of EVA Unit-01 to fight the Angels that threaten humanity.

Shinji's biggest problem is not just the battle against giant monsters. He also has to face immense psychological pressure, manipulation from adults, and a cold relationship with his own father, Gendo Ikari. All of this burden is carried by a child who does not even understand himself.

Instead of becoming stronger like the typical anime protagonist, Shinji gradually experiences a mental breakdown. Trauma after trauma makes him continuously question the meaning of life and his existence. Compared to the antagonists who pursue their goals with full conviction, Shinji becomes the greatest victim in the same conflict.

3. Ken Kaneki

5 Hero Anime Whose Suffering is Far Worse Than the Villain (credit: IMDb.com)

Before becoming a feared figure, Ken Kaneki was just an ordinary student who loved books. Everything changed when he nearly died from an attack by Rize Kamishiro and ultimately underwent an organ transplant that turned him into a half-Ghoul.

From that moment, Kaneki's life turned into an endless nightmare. He had to endure cravings for human flesh, be hunted by the CCG organization, face conflicts among Ghouls, and lose many people he loved.

The peak of his suffering occurred when he was brutally tortured by Yamori. This torture not only destroyed his body but also his personality. The initially gentle Kaneki transformed into a cold figure to survive. All this suffering happened not because of his own choices, but rather due to circumstances that forced him to change.

4. Subaru Natsuki

5 Hero Anime Whose Suffering Is Far Worse Than Villains (credit: IMDb.com)

At the beginning of Re - Starting Life in Another World, Subaru thinks he will have a fun isekai adventure. The reality is much harsher when he gains the ability Return by Death, which allows him to return to the past every time he dies.

At first glance, this ability seems like a blessing. However, in reality, Subaru has to experience death in very horrific ways over and over again. Even more tormenting, he has to witness the deaths of those he loves repeatedly before finally finding the right path.

What makes his suffering even heavier is that Subaru cannot tell anyone about this ability. Every time he tries to reveal his secret, the witch's curse attacks him directly. All the pain is something he bears alone, causing his mental state to shatter repeatedly before he finally rises again to save everyone.

5. Guts

5 Hero Anime Whose Suffering is Far Worse Than the Villain (credit: IMDb.com)

When it comes to the most suffering anime characters, the name Guts from Berserk almost always makes it to the top of the list. Since birth, his life has been filled with violence. He grew up in a mercenary environment, losing affection, and only knowing war.

A new hope briefly appeared when Guts joined the Band of the Hawk. He finally found family, friends, and someone he loved. However, everything was destroyed in the Eclipse event, when Griffith sacrificed his entire army to become a member of the God Hand.

Before his very eyes, Guts witnessed his friends being slaughtered, lost one arm and one eye, and saw Casca experience a tragedy that shattered both of their lives. From that moment on, he had to live with the Mark of Sacrifice that made demons hunt him every night.

Despite being filled with vengeance and pain, Guts still chooses to protect Casca and his new companions. It’s no wonder that many fans refer to Guts as one of the most tragic yet mentally strongest protagonists in anime history.

(kpl/kiy)