Who are the Most Well-Read Protagonists in Fiction?

When it comes to well-written protagonists, there are countless characters from various genres that stand out. This list aims to rank some of the most well-written protagonists, drawing from Shonen manga, anime, and other celebrated works. The ranking is based on personal opinions, with a focus on character development, relatability, and storytelling depth.

Introduction

Each of the following characters—Goku, Yusuke, Luffy, Naruto, Ichigo, Natsu, Gon, Tanjiro, Saitama, Jotaro, Itadori, Eren, Asta, Meliodas, Edward, and Inuyasha—has captivated readers and viewers with their unique stories and traits. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why I’ve ranked them in a specific order.

The Ranking

Based on my list, the following characters are ranked:

Eren Yeager Edward Elric (Alphonse's equivalent) D. Luffy Ichigo Kurosaki Uzumaki Naruto Tanjiro Kamado Gon Freecss Jotaro Kujo Saitama Yuujin Itadori Goku Natsu Dragneel Meliodas Gyokko Jotaro Asta Tooru Inuyasha

Explained Rankings

Here are some insights into why these characters are ranked as such:

Eren Yeager

Eren is known for his emotional depth and complex motivations. His story is filled with sacrifice and determination, making him one of the most relatable characters in fiction. Eren's journey from a typical youth to a powerful leader is transformative and enlightening.

Edward Elric (Alphonse's Equivalent)

Edward, known for his amnesiac brother Alphonse, is a character whose story emphasizes themes of brotherhood, perseverance, and the human condition. His journey is filled with challenges, psychological depth, and a willingness to sacrifice personal happiness for his goal.

D. Luffy

Monkey D. Luffy is the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates and the most relatable protagonist on this list. His dream of finding treasure and becoming the greatest pirate in the world resonates with many readers. His sense of humor and unwavering optimism make him a beloved character.

Ichigo Kurosaki

Ichigo is a down-to-earth protagonist who struggles with both his duties and personal life. His journey is marked by growth and introspection, making him a sympathetic and relatable character. His development as a Shinigami (Soul Reaper) highlights the constant struggle between personal and professional obligations.

Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto's journey from a street urchin to a Hokage (leader of the Village Hidden in the Leaves) is a testament to his perseverance and determination. His character development is profound, and his battles against his rival and friends showcase the importance of friendship and loyalty.

Tanjiro Kamado

Tanjiro is a protagonist who embodies resilience and compassion. His transformation from a soft-spoken boy to a fierce swordsmith who seeks to avenge his family's death is a powerful narrative. While his story can be emotionally taxing, his character development is notable and impactful.

Gon Freecss

Gon is known for his unwavering determination and his ability to never give up. His journey through the Grand Line and his interactions with his classmates emphasize the themes of friendship and support. Gon's relationship with Stiillage and the gradual revelation of his inner strength are standout elements of his story.

Jotaro Kujo

Jotaro is a character whose story is marked by his incredible psychology and resilience. His ability to overcome his past and stand up to powerful opponents showcases his growth and strength. Jotaro's character development is significant and impressive.

Saitama

Saitama, the character from the web series Naruto: Last of Us, is known for his exceptionally well-written comedic portrayal. Despite his straightforward and slightly passive character, Saitama captivates readers with his relatable storyline and humorous interactions. His character is not deeply complex, but his well-crafted humor and memorable moments make him stand out.

Yuujin Itadori

Yuujin is a character whose story is marked by his transformation from a faint-hearted boy to a powerful demon-slaying heiress. His journey is filled with emotional depth and growth, making his character development notable and impactful.

Goku

Goku is a popular character, but I would argue that his character development is somewhat lacking. Despite his growth and impact, his portrayal can be seen as somewhat stereotypical and overly simplistic, which hinders his relatability and depth as a protagonist.

Natsu Dragneel

Natsu, the fiery Dragon Slayer from Fairy Tail, is known for his raw power and deep bonds with his friends. His story is marked by moments of human weakness and his character's growth is significant despite being different from his initial brashness.

Meliodas

Meliodas embodies the epitome of a noble hero. His story is marked by his complex backstory and moral dilemmas, making him a compelling and relatable character. Meliodas' journey from a vassal of King Arthur to a valiant leader is rich with character development.

Tooru Inuyasha

Although Tooru from Inuyasha is not as prominent as some of the other characters, his emotional depth and significant growth throughout the series make him a memorable protagonist.

Conclusion

While these characters are well-written and iconic, it's important to understand that the ranking reflects personal opinions. Each of these protagonists has unique strengths and compelling stories, and many fans may place these characters in different positions based on their individual preferences.

Key Takeaways

Character Development: Look for a protagonist with a well-developed backstory and growth throughout the story. Relatability: Consider the relatability of the character's goals and struggles. Depth: Evaluate the depth of the character's personality and emotions, as well as their relationships with other characters.