In the world of anime, it is common for the first episodes to introduce us to a character who, due to his presence, charisma or initial impact, seems to be the undisputed protagonist. However, some series play with our expectations and give an unexpected twist, revealing that who we thought was the main character, in reality is not, this surprising narrative strategy not only generates impact, but also makes the story evolve with greater depth. Today we present you five anime series where the real protagonist was not who everyone thought at the beginning.
When anime makes us doubt with real and fake protagonists
Before going into each title, it is worth noting that this narrative technique is not just a simple trap to surprise, it can also be a powerful resource to introduce themes such as loss, growth or emotional reconstruction. By making us believe that a character will be the center of the story, only to later shift the focus, creators can represent the transition of an era or the emergence of a new voice within the narrative, these five anime series do this masterfully.
Oshi no Ko
As Oshi no Ko begins, the focus is entirely on Ai Hoshino, a radiant idol with a heartwarming story, her secret return to show business, her hidden motherhood and her charisma lead one to believe that she will be the absolute protagonist. However, the narrative takes a devastating turn in the first episode, revealing that the real story belongs to her son, Aquamarine Hoshino, who sets out on a dark path of revenge after witnessing his mother’s tragedy, this transition sets the tone for the series and makes it clear that Oshi no Ko is not simply a drama about idols.
Munou na Nana (Talentless Nana)
The Talentless Nana anime begins as a superpowered academy story, where we follow Nanao Nakajima, a boy with no special abilities in a school full of students with extraordinary powers. He is presented as the classic underestimated protagonist who will eventually find his worth, but everything changes drastically when he is surprisingly killed by Nana Hiiragi, who takes complete control of the narrative. Nana, under her facade of an innocent student, is actually an assassin sent on a secret mission. From that point on, the anime completely defines the direction of the series.
Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka? (Is the Order a Rabbit?)
}In this endearing slice of life comedy, Chino Kafuu, the shy and adorable girl who works at the Rabbit House café, seems like the ideal protagonist, her quiet presence and attractive design making her stand out, but when Cocoa Hoto arrives at the café as a new worker, the story begins to revolve around her. Cocoa, with her outgoing, awkward and effusive personality, quickly becomes the heart of the series, it is her energy that unites the group and gives rhythm to the comical and endearing situations, although Chino remains central, GochiUsa is a story told from Cocoa’s point of view.
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Few twists have been as shocking as the one in Gurren Lagann, from the very first episode, Kamina steals the show: brave, reckless and with an overwhelming personality, he seemed made to be the hero of this mecha epic, however, his tragic death marks one of the most important turning points of the anime, and the true protagonist, Simon, takes over. At first withdrawn and full of doubts, Simon begins a journey of personal maturity and leadership that leads him to become the true symbol of hope for humanity, his evolution is so powerful that it redefines everything we believed about the protagonist.
Senki Zesshou Symphogear
The series opens with Kanade Amou and Tsubasa Kazanari as the action heroines, Symphogear armor-wearers who fight alien beings. Kanade has a tragic and powerful past, and Tsubasa is her sparring partner, so the audience assumes they will be the protagonists, but when Kanade dies in the first episode, the narrative changes completely, the real protagonist turns out to be Hibiki Tachibana, an ordinary girl who gains her power after Kanade’s sacrifice. Hibiki represents a new kind of heroine: empathetic, emotional and with a genuine desire to save everyone.
Anime knows how to play with audience expectations, and these five titles prove it perfectly, through brave narrative twists and thoughtful shifts in focus, stories are enriched and secondary characters become emotional pillars of the plot. So the next time an anime convinces you that a certain character is the protagonist, don’t let your guard down, the real hero may not yet have spoken his or her first line.