Anime is filled with overpowered heroes who unlock god-like abilities within a few episodes or even begin their journey with multiple powerful abilities. However, there are a few anime main characters who became fan-favourite precisely because they struggled, which honestly makes their journey much more relatable.
Here we are listing down 10 such anime protagonists who do not start as dominant fighters, chosen saviors, or unstoppable prodigies. Instead, they go through pain, discipline, emotional trauma, and determination, which makes their victories feel far more satisfying and earned instead of relying on destiny or overwhelming power from the beginning.
10. Asta from Black Clover
Asta grew up without the gift of magic in a society where magic defines one’s social status and strength. He was often mocked since he dared to pursue an impossible dream of being the next Wizard King despite lacking the ability that everyone else possessed naturally.
Asta, a young boy born without magic in a world where magic is everything. | Credit: Studio Pierrot
What makes Asta interesting to watch is that his growth comes from working hard rather than inherent gifts. Even after Asta obtained the Anti-Magic power, he continuously puts himself through harsh training and depends much more on teamwork.
9. Atsushi Nakajima from Bungo Stray Dogs
Bungo Stray Dogs protagonist Atsushi Nakajima starts off the series as a traumatized orphan lacking confidence in his abilities. Despite being blessed with the White Tiger power, his fears stop him from using it properly in most of the cases.
Despite a traumatic upbringing, Atsushi Nakajima is gentle, kind, and initially has low self-worth. | Credit: Studio Bones
His victories feel earned because his biggest battle is often against his own self-worth. As he grows up, he gradually gains trust in himself and the desire to help other people.
8. Kazuma Satou from KonoSuba
Kazuma Satou is the exact opposite of a typical overpowered isekai hero. Rather than relying on his powers, Kazuma relies more on manipulation, strategy, and pure luck while being surrounded by incompetent companions.
Kazuma is known for being opportunistic in KonoSuba. | Credit: Studio Deen
That weakness is exactly what makes him entertaining, as throughout KonoSuba, his victories are achieved not through power but through smart thinking.
7. Naofumi Iwatani from The Rising of the Shield Hero
Naofumi’s story starts with betrayal after he is falsely accused shortly after arriving in another world. In contrast to the other heroes, Naofumi is restricted to wielding a shield, which forces him to concentrate on defense and survival rather than powerful attacks.
Naofumi, a college student summoned to a fantasy world to defend it as the “Shield Hero”. | Credit: Kinema Citrus
Due to these constraints, Naofumi wins through innovation and resilience. It is Naofumi’s progression from a bitter outcast to a reliable defender that makes him a compelling protagonist.
6. Joe Yabuki from Ashita no Joe
Joe Yabuki became one of anime’s defining underdog protagonists long before sports anime popularized this formula. Joe is a young man who comes from a poor background and had to fight in the streets. He brings his fighting skills into the ring but lacks discipline.
Joe is a troubled youth who finds purpose through boxing. | Credit: Mushi Production
Every victory in Ashita no Joe feels painful since the story never ignores the injuries and trauma that come with boxing. Joe succeeds through stubborn determination instead of effortless talent.
5. Shinji Ikari from Neon Genesis Evangelion
The protagonist of the anime series “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” Shinji Ikari, pilots one of the most powerful mechas in anime. However, despite piloting EVA Unit-01, Shinji remains psychologically fragile.
Shinji is known for being complex and psychologically traumatized. | Credit: Studio Gainax
In contrast to other mecha protagonists, Shinji does not feel empowered after each victory. His journey is defined more by psychological suffering than heroic triumphs.
4. Osamu Mikumo from World Trigger
What makes Osamu Mikumo unique is that he is not portrayed as a secret prodigy within World Trigger. Unlike his peers, who are skilled, talented, and strong, Osamu lacks any of these qualities.
Osamu is highly determined and focuses on strategy to overcome stronger opponents. | Credit: Toei Animation
Rather, he is able to survive due to his intelligence, preparedness, and ability to lead others. His victories feel believable because they come from strategy and teamwork rather than plot armor.
3. Takemichi Hanagaki from Tokyo Revengers
Takemichi Hanagaki keeps losing battles and barely survives within the violent delinquent world in the anime series “Tokyo Revengers.” In terms of physical abilities, Takemichi seems inferior to almost everyone.
Takemichi Hanagaki from the anime series Tokyo Revengers. | Credit: Liden Films
However, the charm in Takemichi comes from his stubbornness in not giving up, even after experiencing continuous defeat and fear. He continues to take risks and put his life at stake just to protect those close to him.
2. Ippo Makunouchi from Hajime no Ippo
At first, Ippo Makunouchi is a young man with a shy personality who gets bullied regularly before becoming a boxer. Although he naturally hits hard, he is not confident, skilled, or experienced at the beginning of the show.
Ippo, a timid high school student from Hajime no Ippo. | Credit: Madhouse
Hajime no Ippo makes all the victories feel like hard work. In the series, much time is devoted to the preparation for each battle, making Ippo’s success feel motivating and believable.
1. Subaru Natsuki from Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World
Subaru Natsuki may well be one of anime’s best examples of an underdog protagonist who is forced to earn every victory through suffering. He finds himself in a fantasy world without any fighting skills, training, or physical prowess to survive within it.
Credit: White Fox
Credit: White Fox
Credit: White Fox
Despite his supernatural power of Return by Death, the power itself becomes terrifying because it makes him endure pain, trauma, and mental collapse time and time again. His successes feel significant since they are earned through emotional endurance rather than raw power.
Here is a quick overview of all the anime characters we have listed above.
RankCharacterAnimeAnime Rating (IMDb)Where to Watch1Subaru NatsukiRe:ZERO8.1 / 10Crunchyroll2Ippo MakunouchiHajime no Ippo8.8 / 10Crunchyroll3Takemichi HanagakiTokyo Revengers7.7 / 10Hulu4Osamu MikumoWorld Trigger7.4 / 10Crunchyroll5Shinji IkariNeon Genesis Evangelion8.5 / 10Netflix6Joe YabukiAshita no Joe8.8 / 10Prime Video7Naofumi IwataniThe Rising of the Shield Hero7.7 / 10Crunchyroll8Kazuma SatouKonoSuba7.8 / 10Crunchyroll9Atsushi NakajimaBungo Stray Dogs7.8 / 10Crunchyroll10AstaBlack Clover8.2 / 10Crunchyroll
Here are some of the questions fans may have –
Which anime MC suffered the most emotionally?
Subaru Natsuki and Shinji Ikari are often cited as two of anime’s most psychologically scarred MCs.
Why is Osamu Mikumo different from other shonen MCs?
Osamu Mikumo is still quite weak in comparison to other shonen protagonists and tends to rely more on his brain than anything else.
Is Kazuma Satou really strong?
Kazuma Satou is intentionally written to be average compared to other isekai MCs.
So now the big question – which anime protagonist do you think truly earned every victory the hard way? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
