Summary
Relatable characters are the core of several anime as they make viewers more emotionally invested in the stories. It is, therefore, understandable that an enduring theme in anime is that of the protagonist, who begins as a weak, average Joe before gaining powers or honing their skills to the point of becoming a fearsome hero.
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Fromshonen action animeto sports dramas and others, protagonists often start as underdogs struggling in various aspects of their lives. But through hard work, commitment, and perseverance, they survive many obstacles and come out better than they began. Characters like these are testaments to the power of good principles like hard work, belief in oneself, and determination above all else. Here are ten weak anime protagonists that eventually become powerful.
Updated May 20, 2025, by Emedo Destiny: In the anime world, there is an undeniable allure to witnessing underdog protagonists rise from humble beginnings to become formidable powerhouses. The journey from weakness to strength is a timeless and captivating narrative that resonates with fans worldwide. Striving to overcome adversity and giving their all to hone their skills, these characters captivate audiences with their determination and growth. They are also a reminder to everyone that strength is not solely determined by innate abilities but is instead forged through perseverance, training, and unwavering resolve. Here are some characters that have forged their paths to might and embody the meaning of diamond in the rough.
15Ganta Igarashi – Deadman Wonderland
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Ganta Igarashi finds himself thrust into nightmarish reality when what was meant to be an innocent class trip turns into a tragic bloodbath, as his entire class is mercilessly slaughtered by a mysterious figure in red. Wrongfully accused of the heinous crime, Ganta is sentenced to death and thrown into the prison amusement park he was meant to explore.
Inside Deadman Wonderland, Ganta must participatein the prison’s ruthless gameswhere inmates must wager their lives in gruesome battles. Fueled by a desire to survive and seek justice, he confronts his fears and evolves, determined to uncover the truth behind the massacre of his classmates.
14Naofumi Iwatani – The Rising Of The Shield Hero
Naofumi was summoned to another world alongside three other people as Legendary Heroes who wield Holy Weapons to protect Melromarc from the monsters that attack them in waves. While his mates received a sword, a spear, and a bow, he received a shield. This caused him to be maltreated by people in the kingdom.
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After being betrayed and framed by Melty, Naofumi loses his cheerful demeanor, money, and dignity. He became cynical and calculative as a result. He defied all odds, rising in might when he was dealt a bad hand and forced to use a shield as his only weapon.
13Hajime Nagumo – Arifureta: From Commonplace To World’s Strongest
Hajime, just like Naofumi, is a victim of being dealt a bad hand. Transported to another world with his classmates, Nagumo hoped to gain powerful abilities like them; however, fate had something different in store for him. While his peers blossom into mighty heroes, Hajime is left with mediocre skills, becoming the unfortunate target ofconstant bullying and ridicule.
His life changes when he is betrayed by one of his classmates and plummets into the dark depth of a dungeon. He stumbles upon a powerful artifact that bestows newfound abilities upon him while changing his aura and appearance. He is joined by a vampire named Yue as he goes on an adventure from commonplace to the world’s strongest.
12Thorfinn – Vinland Saga
Thorfinn is initially a friendly and innocent boy, but that soon changes after his father’s death at the hands of Askeladd. He then joined Askeladd’s crew, hoping to kill him when he least expected it. Thorfinn grew up to become cold-blooded, choosing not to associate with other people but to keep to himself instead.
Driven only by the thought of avenging his father, he trained every day and honed his skills in battle, constantly challenging Askeladd to duels. In doing so, he became strong enough to go head-to-head with some of the strongestcharacters inVinland Sagaand reach his goals.
11Simon – Gurren Lagann
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Simon is a timid and unassuming young boy who lives in an underground village in the action-packed world of Gurren Lagann. One fateful day, he stumbles upon the mysterious object that holds the Key to an ancient and powerful war artifact called Lagann.
With the help of his adventurous friend, Kamina, Simon learns to pilot Lagann, using its power to confront the Beastmen, humanoid creatures that wreak havoc on the world. Through their trials, Simon’s character blossoms from a shy, insecure boy into a courageous, determined young man.
10Atsushi Nakajima – Bungou Stray Dogs
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Atsushi Nakajima starts off as an orphan, living on the streets. Upon encountering the members of the Armed Detective Agency, he discovershis unique ability, “Beast Beyond the Moonlight”, which transforms him into a white tiger. Although he struggles to control his powers during conflicts, his friends and allies help him harness and control them.
As a result, Atsushi is transformed into a powerful hero, gaining heightened self-assurance and a sense of purpose, while also improving his knowledge of the supernatural world. Atsushi’s perseverance and hard work lead to his eventual strength.
9Shinichi Izumi – Parasyte
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Parasyteprotagonist Shinichi Izumi begins as a timid and fearful student frequently bullied by his peers. He undergoes a remarkable transformation when an extraterrestrial parasite unsuccessfully invades his body. Because the parasite takes over only his right hand, he remains a human but acquires superhuman abilities like increased strength, speed, agility, and the ability totransform his right handinto a potent weapon.
Growing a bond with his parasite, Izumi becomes a skilled combatant and tactician, demonstrating how adversity can reveal one’s inner fortitude and strength, and how ordinary individuals can evolve into heroic figures when faced with danger.
8Ippo Makunouchi – Hajime No Ippo
In theHajime No Ippoanime and manga series, the lead character, Ippo Makunouchi, goes from a weak-willed high school student to one of the most accomplished and powerful fighters in the series.
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After Mamoru Takamura introduces him to the world of boxing, Ippo proves himself in many ways, and evolves from a newbie throughmany hours of trainingand his never say never mentality. With the help of Takamura and other allies, he creates his own distinctive boxing style and defeats many tough opponents, showcasing his earned strength and talent.
7Madoka Kaname – Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Madoka Kaname initially had apprehensions about becoming a magical girl, but after witnessing the distress and agony caused by the magical girl system, she was resolute in her decision to change things and use her powers for good.
As the series progresses, she acquires special magical skills and becomes increasingly powerful. Her transformation from a timid and vulnerable middle school student to a strong and determined magical girl is a significant theme in the story, as she evolves from an ordinary individual to a heroic figure.
6Yona – Yona Of The Dawn
The eponymous protagonist, Yona, is initially portrayed as a protected and innocent princess, guarded by Hak, her childhood friend and bodyguard. However, following the tragic death of her father and her subsequent forced departure from the palace, Yona undergoes a transformative journey that sees her rise to become one of the series' most powerful and capable characters.
Along the way, she gains a thorough awareness of the political and social problems facing her kingdom, as well as the necessary skills to battle, hunt, and survive in the wild. Throughout her journey, Yona undergoes substantial physical and emotional transformations, growing increasingly self-assured, assertive, and courageous. She grows froma reliant princessto a strong and skillful warrior, fully capable of facing any challenge that comes her way.
