To anyone who follows the story, it is no surprise that many anime fans mention Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, the main character of Classroom of the Elite, as their favorite anime character ever. Ayanokoji is very reserved, offering little to no access to his inner thoughts, and this creates an air of mystery about him, piquing the interest of viewers.
Although more about Ayanokoji is revealed as the story progresses, his layered personality leaves even more to uncover. Fans of the light novel series often note differences in the portrayal of the enigmatic character in the anime series. They are privy to the complex thoughts that run through Ayanokoji’s mind and have a deeper understanding of the story and the character that leads it. Here are ten things the Classroom of the Elite light novels reveal about Ayanokoji.
9 Ayanokoji Isn’t so Aloof
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The first difference light novel readers immediately observe between the versions of Ayanokoji is in his facial expressions. In the anime, Ayanokoji is portrayed with a high level of aloofness, often seeming unaffected by the waves of emotion expressed by others around him.
Although at his core, Ayanokoji remains mostly the same, the light novels depict him as having a less rigid face. He feels his emotions but is unable to express them because of how he was raised. While the anime focuses on his stoic nature, the light novels show both his stoic nature and a brighter version of him.
8 Ayanokoji Is a Machiavellian
Viewers often refer to Ayanokoji as a schizoid, psychopath, or sociopath due to his cold, dispassionate nature. However, on deep character analysis from the light novels, one can see that the more appropriate term is Machiavellian.
Ayanokoji sees people as tools and is only focused on winning in any situation. He manipulates people and situations to achieve his goals and feels no guilt about it. His actions and mindset align with the Machiavellian philosophy which is characterized by cunning behavior, and an “end justifies the means" outlook.
7 Ayanokoji Is an Unreliable Narrator
Light novel readers know that Ayanokoji’s internal thoughts do not align with his words and actions. In the first volumes, he portrays himself as genuinely interested in making friends and not standing out, but eventually, the story reveals that he is actually a skilled manipulator who only wants to win. Ayanokoji lies, even to readers, so he can hide his true goals and present himself in a certain light.
This shows readers that they are not beyond the reach of Ayanokoji’s manipulation and should question which information is true and which is false.
6 All Ayanokoji Wants Is Freedom
At the start of the story, Ayanokoji claims that he wants a quiet school life. But as the story unfolds, it becomes obvious that what drives him goes deeper than that. When he says he wants a quiet school life, he means he wants a life that is disconnected from the White Room, and, by extension, his father.
The White Room is what made Ayanokoji into who he is, and he associates his trauma with it. It makes sense that he would seek freedom from all of it, from the place and the ideologies he was taught, and also, freedom from his father.
5 Ayanokoji Cares About Some People
Although Ayanokoji can be cruel and only concerned with his affairs, using people as he wishes and remaining unaffected by their feelings and opinions, at some points in the story, he shows genuine care for some friends, protects them, and refuses to manipulate them for his own gain.
An example of this is when he defended Kei Karuizawa by attacking Kakeru Ryūen for bullying her. In another example, Ayanokoji comforted Honami Ichinose after her history came to light and he also prevented Arisu Sakayanagi from falling during their secret meeting.
4 Ayanokoji Is Suzune Horikita’s Ally
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Ayanokoji and Suzune Horikita have a complex relationship in the light novels. Ayanokoji is the only person she interacts with in their class, and someone she considers her first and only friend. Their relationship is often speculated to be romantic, but they both disregard such claims.
Ayanokoji pulls strings in the background to ensure Suzune's success even though he doesn’t tell her much of his plans. He recognizes her as someone he needs to protect, even though he doesn’t fully trust her and only sees her as a means to his desired end.
3 Ayanokoji Befriends Kohei Katsuragi
Light novel readers often complain about several changes in how scenes from the light novels were adapted, or in some cases completely taken out. An example of this happened with Kohei Katsuragi. In season 2 of the anime, Ayanokoji and Katsuragi are shown to have a warmer relationship which comes across as unusual to viewers of the anime.
However, light novel readers are aware of the interaction between Ayanokoji and Katsuragi in volume 4.5 of the light novel series where Ayanokoji does Katsuragi a favor by helping him send a birthday gift to his sister.
2 Ayanokoji Has More Interactions With Other Girls
Another aspect that surprises light novel readers is how Suzune Horikita is centralized in the anime series. In several scenes in the anime, Suzune replaces other characters who were in the original light novel scenes.
Light novel readers know that Ayanokoji has some of those significant interactions with other girls. For example: in the anime, Ayanokoji and Suzune prevent Operation: Delta. But in the light novels volume 4.5, it is actually Ayanokoji and Kei Karuizawa that did this together. Another example is Ayanokoji and Horikita threatening class 1-C students with a fake surveillance camera. In the light novels volume 2, Ayanokoji actually does this with Honami Ichinose.
1 Ayanokoji Has A Romantic Relationship With Kei Karuizawa
Light novel readers know that Ayanokoji and Kei Karuizawa have a more complex relationship than what is shown by the anime series. Despite having a rocky relationship at the beginning, Kei forms a bond with Ayanokoji as he protects her from getting bullied. As the story progresses, they grow closer and develop feelings for one another. They eventually confess these feelings and become a couple. The anime series is yet to fully explore this portion of the light novels and show fans what this unlikely relationship looks like. Ayanokoji Doesn’t Really Hate the White Room
Volume 0 of the light novel series explores Ayanokoji’s complicated relationship with the White Room. Although Ayanokoji acknowledges that the White Room violates human rights, it is not something he regrets. He is grateful for all that the White Room taught him, and simply believes he has more to learn outside of it. Light novel readers understand that Ayanokoji is curious and inquisitive, and only joined the Advanced Nurturing High School to learn about emotions and freedom, not out of complete hatred for the White Room and his upbringing.