7 Best Deuteragonists In Shonen Anime

Strong characters are essential for successful Shonen anime. While the main character is key, the supporting character—often called the deuteragonist—can be just as important. A well-developed deuteragonist adds depth to the story and creates engaging character development. Over the years, many Shonen anime have featured interesting supporting characters, but only a select few truly stand out as the best.

Tobio Kageyama

Anime: Haikyu

Tobio Kageyama is a central character in Haikyu!!. He’s often seen as the counterpart to Hinata: while Hinata relies on athleticism and raw physical ability, Kageyama shines through his focus and innate talent.

Kageyama is a supremely confident setter, but his high expectations initially push his teammates away. Throughout the story, he learns to connect with them on a more personal level, forming strong friendships. Kageyama is a central figure, often as important as, and sometimes even more important than, Hinata, and the author does a fantastic job of developing him into a well-rounded character.

Sasuke Uchiha

Anime: Naruto

Sasuke Uchiha is a central character in the Naruto series, just as important as Naruto himself – a point the author has repeatedly emphasized. Both characters grow stronger and more skilled throughout the story, often mirroring each other like two sides of the same coin. In fact, the entire Naruto narrative revolves around their journeys and how they develop over time.

Sasuke, as a key character alongside the protagonist, experiences a complex personal journey. He starts as a ninja from Konoha, but his search for strength leads him down a dark path – first to Orochimaru, then to tragically killing his own brother, and even briefly aligning with the dangerous Akatsuki. Ultimately, through conflict and self-discovery, including a pivotal battle with Naruto, he learns the true meaning of being a ninja and returns home. Sasuke is a standout example of a compelling deuteragonist in anime.

Killua Zoldyck

Anime: Hunter x Hunter

Killua Zoldyk from Hunter x Hunter is a fascinating character. Though the series doesn’t have a large or closely connected cast like some other action anime, the characters are exceptionally well-developed. Each of the four main characters is interesting, but many fans consider Killua the strongest. He’s arguably the most crucial character in the story, and he excels as Gon’s right-hand man.

Killua consistently makes time to support Gon, whom he deeply cares for, while also working on his own personal growth, like strengthening his relationship with his sister, Alluka. His powerful abilities make him a force to be reckoned with, and he consistently impresses viewers whenever he’s involved in a story arc.

Yuno

Anime: Black Clover

From the start of Black Clover, Yuno has been established as a key character alongside the protagonist, Asta. The two are often compared to Naruto and Sasuke, as they are constantly competing with each other. Both Yuno and Asta share the same goal: to become the Wizard King, but only one of them can ultimately achieve it.

From the beginning, Yuno showed incredible natural talent, while Asta lacked even the basic skills to become a mage, let alone the Wizard King. The way they both acknowledge each other’s strengths adds depth to their personalities, and for Yuno, it makes him a particularly interesting and well-developed character – a fantastic supporting lead.

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Vegeta

Anime: Dragon Ball Z

Vegeta wasn’t originally intended to be such a central character when he first appeared in Dragon Ball. But as the story went on, his role became increasingly important, and he ultimately became the clear second-in-command to Goku.

Goku and Vegeta share one of the most famous rivalries in anime, constantly pushing each other to become stronger. Although Vegeta often falls short of matching Goku’s power, many fans actually find him a more fascinating character. He’s a strong and engaging supporting character, making him really fun to watch.

Katsuki Bakugo

Anime: My Hero Academia

Katsuki Bakugo is a key character in My Hero Academia, and his story shares similarities with Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto. Like Naruto and Sasuke, Bakugo’s rivalry and relationship with Deku are central to the plot. The author, Horikoshi, skillfully drew inspiration from Naruto to create a compelling and well-developed character in Bakugo.

Bakugo is a complicated character who develops and strives to become the top Hero, just like Deku. Throughout his journey, he accomplishes a lot, even battling the main villain and earning the respect of everyone around him. As a key supporting character in My Hero Academia, his popularity proves how well-loved and impactful he is.

Alphonse Elric

Anime: Fullmetal Alchemist

Alphonse Elric is a central character in Fullmetal Alchemist, and the younger brother of the main hero, Edward. Because the story focuses on him so much after Edward, Alphonse is effectively the second most important character.

At the start of the series, Alphonse loses his physical body during an attempt to resurrect their mother. A major focus of the story then becomes his quest to regain it, which makes his journey as a character particularly interesting. Despite his own struggles, Alphonse consistently risks everything to protect his brother, and his incredible strength and kindness make him a truly captivating character. Though he often takes a backseat to his brother Edward, Alphonse remains a fan favorite, even years after the story’s conclusion.

2026-04-14 05:37