Who is the Saddest Person in Anime? Exploring the Most Heartbreaking Characters

The Depth of Sadness in Anime: More Than Just a Plot Device

Well, anime isn't just about epic battles or magical creatures, right? Honestly, some of the most powerful moments come from characters dealing with heart-wrenching sadness. You know those moments where you’re left staring at the screen, wiping away a tear, thinking, "Wow, this character’s life is just tragic." Anime characters are often written with such emotional depth that they can leave a lasting impact on viewers.

But who, you might ask, is the saddest person in anime? There are so many characters who could make that claim. After all, anime is full of stories about loss, trauma, and unfulfilled dreams. So, let's dive into this and explore some of the most emotionally devastating characters in the anime world.

1. Nagato (Pain) from Naruto Shippuden: A Tale of Lost Hope

If you’ve watched Naruto Shippuden, you know Nagato, also known as Pain, whose tragic backstory is impossible to ignore. Honestly, when I first saw his story unfold, I was in disbelief at how much pain one person could carry. Nagato was once a bright and kind-hearted child, but after the devastating loss of his parents in a war-torn village, he was forced to grow up in an environment of constant violence.

The Destruction of Innocence

Nagato’s journey is heartbreaking because it’s about the loss of innocence and the transformation of a hopeful child into a person driven by vengeance. His experiences shaped him into someone who believed the world could only be changed through pain. Naruto does an amazing job of showing how this character’s pain, driven by love and loss, led him to become the very thing he hated. You can almost feel his heart break when he speaks about the suffering he’s endured, and honestly, it’s hard not to empathize with him, even as a villain.

2. Hinata Hyuga from Naruto: A Quiet Suffering

You wouldn’t expect Hinata from Naruto to be one of the saddest characters, right? After all, she seems like a sweet, shy girl who’s often overshadowed by stronger personalities. But when you really look at her life, it’s tragic in its own way. I mean, this girl grew up constantly being rejected by her father and feeling inadequate compared to her younger sister, Hanabi, who was seen as the “better” child.

The Loneliness of Striving for Acceptance

Hinata's sadness is internal. It’s not the loud, in-your-face kind of pain, but the quiet kind that builds up over time. She’s constantly fighting to be accepted by her family, and her deep love for Naruto, who was unaware of her feelings for years, just adds to the emotional weight. I remember watching her train tirelessly to become stronger and just wishing someone would tell her that she was enough. Her growth, though, is a beautiful reminder that even in sadness, there’s strength, and sometimes the most painful experiences shape us into who we’re meant to be.

3. Kaworu Nagisa from Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Tragic Sacrifice

I honestly don’t know if I can talk about the saddest anime characters without mentioning Kaworu Nagisa from Neon Genesis Evangelion. This character's story is heartbreaking for a lot of reasons, but the key one is the sense of futility that surrounds him. Kaworu is introduced as a mysterious and somewhat ethereal figure, and his connection with Shinji is something you can’t ignore. Their bond is so pure, and then—well, you know what happens.

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Kaworu’s fate is sealed in one of the most tragic ways imaginable. He is given a short time to exist in the world before he must face his inevitable end. Honestly, I still get chills thinking about his death. It’s not just that he dies—it's the way his relationship with Shinji evolves so deeply, only to have everything shattered by an impossible choice. Kaworu’s death leaves Shinji—and honestly, the audience—feeling empty, because it encapsulates everything Evangelion tries to tell us about love, loss, and the inevitability of human pain.

4. Maka Albarn from Soul Eater: The Burden of Family Legacy

Maka Albarn from Soul Eater isn’t often listed among the "saddest" characters, but let me tell you, her story is full of subtle, layered sadness. I didn’t initially catch it, but after rewatching the show, I realized how much Maka struggles with the shadow of her father. She’s constantly striving to prove that she’s worthy of being her own person, while dealing with the trauma of her father being a "Death Scythe" and abandoning her mother.

The Pressure of Living Up to Expectations

Maka’s inner conflict is rooted in her desire to prove herself—not only to her father but to the world. Growing up with a parent who was a renowned weapon and dealing with the expectation that she would follow in his footsteps must have been overwhelming. There’s this deep sadness in her desire for approval and her struggle with her own identity. Honestly, it’s heartbreaking to see her try so hard, only to doubt herself over and over again.

5. Shinji Ikari from Neon Genesis Evangelion: A Heartbreaking Struggle for Identity

Okay, so Shinji Ikari from Neon Genesis Evangelion might be the saddest person in anime for some viewers. I mean, the guy is literally constantly struggling with his identity, his purpose, and his relationships. I think what makes Shinji so tragic is that his pain feels so incredibly real. He’s not some cartoonish, over-the-top character; he’s deeply flawed and relatable.

The Lonely Struggle of Self-Acceptance

Shinji's life is a series of failures and miscommunications. His entire existence is plagued by feelings of worthlessness and abandonment, and it leads him to repeatedly make decisions that isolate him from others. When you watch his journey, it feels like you're watching someone who can’t escape his own mind, who is constantly questioning whether he’s worthy of love or affection. It’s painful to watch, but it’s also something that resonates with many of us.

Conclusion: Why These Characters Are So Memorable

So, who is the saddest person in anime? Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one. Whether it’s Nagato’s lost innocence, Kaworu’s sacrifice, or Shinji’s struggle with self-worth, these characters stick with us because their pain is so palpable. They show us that even in the most fantastical worlds, the human experience of loss, grief, and self-doubt is universal.

And personally, I think that’s what makes them so powerful. They remind us of our own vulnerabilities and how we navigate through them. These characters are forever etched in our memories, not because of their sad stories, but because of how they reflect our own struggles with life.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.