A common criticism of isekai refers to the bland and vanilla protagonists that often lead the stories they are a part of - empty vessels that only exist for the viewer to project themselves onto. This is especially true if a harem is involved. While isekai is considered to be the anime genre for escapism, many fans crave more three-dimensional characters in their favorite stories, and that includes the main character.

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Thankfully, there are plenty of isekai anime out there with protagonists with fleshed-out personalities who have their own motivations and goals. They're more than just vessels for self-insertion; they are just as distinct and interesting as the worlds they get isekai'd into.

9 Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi

Features Two Leads With Distinct Personalities That Complement Each Other

• Release Date: April 4, 2002
• Genres: Comedy, Isekai, Parody
• Studio: Gainax, Madhouse
• Streaming Service: Prime Video

Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi follows two childhood friends, Sasshi and Arumi, who live in the vibrant shopping district of Abenobashi. A series of unfortunate events propels the two into various alternate worlds parodying dating sims, Westerns, video games, and a whole host of genres in anime.

As protagonists, Sasshi and Arumi have very distinct personality traits that complement each other nicely. Much of the series' humor comes from the sensible and level-headed Arumi being annoyed by Sasshi's childish antics. Despite that, they still care about each other and learn to appreciate one another as the series progresses.

8 Problem Children Are Coming From Another World, Aren't They?

Features Multiple Protagonists With Vastly Differing Personalities

The titular problem children of Problem Children Are Coming From Another World, Aren't They? consist of the brash and arrogant Izayoi, the intelligent and well-spoken Asuka, and the timid and reserved You. Being incredibly bored with their lives despite having psychic powers, the three get their wish for adventure granted when they get an invitation to a fantastical world.

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Izayoi, Asuka, and You are made to participate in several high-stakes games in the land of Little Garden to help their community regain its former glory. The three main characters have wildly different and entertaining personalities, and none of them can be described as a mere vessel for self-insertion.

7 The Devil Is A Part-Timer!

Focuses On A Powerful Being Who Must Adapt To A Normal Life

The Devil is a Part-Timer! hilariously reverses the power fantasy aspect prevalent in isekai works. The Demon Lord Satan, after fleeing to Earth after having his plans thwarted, is forced to live life as an ordinary human being. That means getting a job, finding a place to live, and dealing with the more mundane aspects of life.

Sadao Maou (a.k.a. Satan) isn't completely evil though, since he comes to care deeply about the humans around him. Instead of the typical isekai premise of an ordinary human being transported to a fantasy world and becoming overpowered, this series goes in the opposite direction, exploring how a powerful being would adjust to regular, human activities like cooking and working a fast food job.

6 Magic Knight Rayearth

Follows Three Unique Characters With Different Personalities And Interests

Magic Knight Rayearth follows three eighth-grade girls as they get transported to the magical realm of Cephiro during a field trip to Tokyo Tower. Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu are tasked with becoming Magic Knights to save Cephiro in dire straits and its princess.

As is usual for a magical girl series, Magic Knight Rayearth focuses on sacrifice and the power of friendship, made all the better by the three girls' character development and distinct personalities. Hikaru is a fierce tomboy, Umi is a sophisticated and elegant fencer, and Fuu is an intelligent and kind-hearted archer.

5 Drifters

Follows The Story Of An Honorable Anti-Hero

Drifters tells the story of a wounded samurai named Shimazu Toyohisa who gets transported to a mystical world where he meets various historical figures, calling themselves 'Drifters.' Shimazu and the Drifters get pitted against the 'Ends,' another group of historical figures who seek to conquer the world.

Inspired by the real samurai from the Sengoku period, Shimazu Toyohisa is an anti-hero who follows the Bushido code of honor to a fault. He despises those he considers dishonorable and lives for a good battle.

4 The Saga Of Tanya The Evil

Features A Ruthless Protagonist With Complex Motivations

The pre-reincarnated protagonist of The Saga of Tanya the Evil may have been an ordinary salaryman, but his lack of empathy and cynicism made him extremely hard to relate to. Post-reincarnation, as Tanya Degurechaff, it gets even harder. Tanya is completely ruthless and uses sadistic methods to achieve her goals.

After challenging the godlike entity Being X, the disgruntled salaryman reincarnates as a little girl in a world embroiled in a brutal war. Using knowledge from her past life, Tanya seeks to climb the military ranks and avoid fighting in battle. Her motivations are incredibly complex, but it's up to the viewer to decide whether her actions are justifiable.

3 Overlord

Revolves Around A Protagonist Who Lacks Empathy And Embraces Violence

Overlord's Momonga may be a gamer, but unlike other isekai protagonists, he doesn't seek to be the hero. When he hears that the VR game Yggdrasil is shutting down its servers, he decides to spend time in the game until its last hours, only to be fully transported into the title as his skeleton avatar.

Momonga, as the undead overlord Ainz Ooal Gown, lacks any real empathy, is ruthless and pragmatic, and has no qualms about committing atrocities. He becomes even more desensitized to violence as the series goes on, focusing on strengthening Nazarick with no regard for morality.

2 The Boy And The Beast

Centers Around An Orphan Boy Overcoming His Insecurities

The Boy and the Beast follows an orphan boy named Ren who stumbles into the Beast Kingdom, Jutengai. He becomes an apprentice to a warrior beast named Kumatetsu, and the two become as close as father and son.

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Ren has a unique and interesting backstory, being a troubled child who ran away from home following his mother's death. Going by the name Kyuta in Jutengai, he undergoes rigorous training under Kumatetsu's guidance, gaining confidence and learning to face his insecurities along the way.

1 Spirited Away

Follows A Spoilt Child Who Becomes More Mature Over Time

Spirited Away tells the story of a spoiled 10-year-old girl named Chihiro Ogino, who stumbles upon an abandoned amusement park with her parents. After she sees that her parents have transformed into pigs after eating the park's food, Chihiro is tasked with working at a magical bathhouse in the spirit world for a grumpy witch.

Like many of Hayao Miyazaki's protagonists, Chihiro undergoes significant character development throughout the film, starting off as a whiny and spoiled child and growing into a kind, determined, and compassionate individual, shedding her childish traits in order to navigate through the terrifying spirit world.

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