It's common for any sort of media adaptation to undergo several changes, resulting in significant deviations from the source material. In the case of anime adaptations, this fact largely holds true as studios tend to reframe several aspects of the source material to cater to anime audiences. However, the reception of such changes could land either way with audiences. Some may laud the creative liberties, while others brand the reforms as a critical mistake.
Anime adapted from light novels tend to bear the brunt of these alterations more often, since light novels offer an in-depth and vivid glimpse into the storyline and characters. Anime series, on the other hand, cannot offer the same insights due to time constraints and fast-paced settings. This often results in changes to the storyline or the main characters, as was the case in these shows.
5 Classroom of the Elite – Kiyotaka Ayanokoji
Check out vol. 1 of the light novel on Amazon!
From somewhat sociable to entirely detached and indifferent, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji’s character undergoes some major changes in the anime adaptation. While the aura of mystery is kept the same in both mediums, the anime version tends to downplay his attempts at trying to fit in with the rest of the class. The light novels initially present Ayanokoji as someone with an interest in making friends, with his dark side slowly revealed to the viewers later on. The anime adaptation took an entirely different approach, as the gloom and indifference in Ayanokoji’s disposition was made apparent right from the beginning.
This took away much of the nuance from Ayanokoji. Any unsettling move on his part would seem on-character, rather than being an element of surprise for the viewers. The stark difference in his personality could be attributed to the length constraints in the anime version and the possibility of the season becoming a standalone story.
4 Sword Art Online – Kirito
Check out vol. 1 of the light novel on Amazon!
With time constraints and faster pacing, it's natural for adaptations to filter out content from the source material. Such is the case with Kirito and his characterization in Sword Art Online. His relatability and overall personality both take a toll due to the fast-paced nature of anime series. The light novels delve into Kirito’s thoughts, depicting his inner monologue throughout the story. This transparency resulted in Kirito being much more popular in the light novels.
The anime version, however, lacks backstory or motivation. Kirito's emotions and thoughts are rarely touched upon, and the series simply centers itself around Kirito’s interaction with other characters. The need for a compelling backstory becomes all the more apparent as the series progresses with Kirito seeming to have no motives or goals of his own. The light novels accurately express the complexities and nuances in Kirito’s character, something the anime version neglects.
3 Re:Zero – Subaru Natsuki
Check out vol. 1 of the light novel on Amazon!
A recurring theme in anime adaptations is cutting out the protagonist's inner monologue and other elements crucial for a compelling backstory. Subaru Natsuki’s character in Re:Zero undergoes similar changes that result in his anime version being far less relatable. While it may seem like a minor change at first, presenting a character’s inner thoughts can make the difference between a fleshed-out character and a bland, uninteresting protagonist.
Subaru may be far from being an uninteresting character, but his characterization took a hit from much of his quirks and personal thoughts being cut out for the sake of length and other limitations. However, the anime version makes up for this by incorporating changes in atmospheric lighting to convey his emotions more accurately.
2 The Rising of the Shield Hero – Naofumi Iwatani
Check out vol. 1 of the light novel on Amazon!
The anime adaptation of The Rising of the Shield Hero keeps the core of Naofumi’s personality intact, but his actual characterization is lost somewhere in the transition. After being framed for sexual assault by Malty Melromarc, Naofumi loses everything and becomes a cynical and paranoid individual. He even buys a slave, assuming that someone tied to him with a master-slave relation could never betray him. However, this is the part where the light novels begin to differ, bringing about two different characterizations of Naofumi.
In the original version, Naofumi remains physically and mentally debilitated by his betrayal at the hands of the princess, with his mind clouded by disdain and contempt forwomen. He sees his slave, Raphtalia, as a reflection of the princess and continues to treat her as dirt just because of her gender. The anime version fails to adapt these dark undertones from the light novels and presents Naofumi as someone who has healed and recovered from his trauma. He doesn’t bear the same disdain for women and develops a much better relation with Raphtalia early on.
1 High School DxD – Issei Hyoudou
Check out vol. 1 of the light novel on Amazon!
Issei Hyoudou’s characterization takes a severe hit in the transition to anime, turning into a mere comedic relief character. The light novels present Issei as a fleshed-out character with a supplementary backstory to his actions. However, the anime takes a more sexually explicit role, taking away attention from the actual characters.
With the anime adaptation centering around the comedic and sexual aspects of the light novels, Issei’s character gets lost in the mix, turning into an uninteresting character that just happens to find himself in some very ecchi situations.