Anime Characters Who Became Evil For Good Reasons

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In some anime shows, characters may not conform to the traditional division of good versus evil. Instead, these stories sometimes create characters who behave ‘evil’ due to misguided intentions or a seemingly noble purpose.

To put it another way, as a passionate admirer, I’d say these characters are frequently motivated by aspirations to shape a more ideal world, safeguard their cherished ones, or establish justice. Yet, the journey towards realizing these lofty ambitions can sometimes lead these noble ideals astray, transforming them into destructive ones instead.

Here’s a group of individuals driven by honorable motivations, who, despite valid justifications, transform into villains as they pursue their objectives.

9.
Eren Jaeger

The True Cost Of Freedom

Initially set on revenge due to his mother’s demise, loss of his home, and fallen companions, the situation eventually morphs into something much more intricate.

As Eren gains more insight into the series, he discovers that true freedom isn’t merely about slaying Titans within the walls, but rather dismantling the oppressive system that enslaves his people. In essence, Eren seeks to establish a world where his people can live without fear and be free from the vicious cycle of animosity.

As Eren embarked on his journey towards genuine liberty, it grew apparent that his behavior had transformed into something harsh and malevolent in numerous aspects. A former heroic figure who aimed to safeguard humanity, he ended up annihilating cities and eliminating 80% of the world’s population in pursuit of his ideal of freedom.

8.
Madara Uchiha

The Illusion of Peace

Much like numerous distinguished leaders, Madara yearned for a tranquil realm where his kin could thrive. He was convinced that the Uchiha clan ought to play a significant role in governing the Concealed Leaf village, yet he grew disillusioned as the village elders’ decisions seemed to exclude him more and more.

In Madara’s heart grew an intense feeling of unfairness towards the Uchiha clan, who were subjected to discrimination despite their valuable contributions within the village. Additionally, witnessing the continuous strife and pain brought about by wars among shinobi further solidified his sense of injustice.

Consequently, Madara aimed to establish a world where nobody would suffer from the agony of loss or the turmoil of war again, by crafting the Infinite Tsukuyomi. However, his yearning for peace, though laudable, was marred as it morphed into an obsession with shaping what he perceived as a peaceful world.

7.
Light Yagami

A Desire To Make The World Better

Initially, when Light stumbled upon the Death Note, his lofty ambition was to eliminate every criminal from the face of the earth, as he found the existing justice system insufficient. He thought that by eradicating criminals, he could establish a perfect world where only innocent people could enjoy tranquility.

Over time, Light wielding the Death Note comes to view himself as a divine entity with authority over life and death. Consequently, he rationalizes each death as being in the best interest of the greater good.

The crucial moment arrives as he starts attacking anyone who poses a threat to him, encompassing not just adversaries but also blameless individuals and law officials who unintentionally cross paths with his schemes.

6.
Zeref Dragneel

A World Without Death

Zeref’s sorrow starts when he is afflicted by a curse that makes him live on, powerless to prevent the deaths of everyone dear to him. The endless cycle of grief drives him to envision a realm where no one will ever perish again.

Yet, an intense preoccupation with ending mortality drove Zeref towards the crafting of sinister sorcery, resulting in the emergence of malevolent entities. His desire to alleviate suffering and mortality was corrupted by his refusal to acknowledge the inherent cycle of life and death.

Ultimately, he becomes more detached from humanity and begins to use his power for selfish reasons.

5.
Keyaru

The Weight Of Revenge

As a devoted admirer, I’d put it this way: From the very start, my journey was one of indescribable hardship. The Kingdom, a place where I should have found solace, instead subjected me to unspeakable cruelty. Worse still, those who were sworn to safeguard me exploited and tormented me, all because of this unique gift—the power to heal.

When granted the chance to revisit his life with past knowledge, Keyaru initially chose to seek revenge. Yet, his long-term aim is to leverage his powers to construct a future where individuals similar to himself are appreciated rather than cast aside.

When Keyaru returned to the past, the burden of revenge and the pain from his earlier experiences intensified within him, prompting him to exact vengeance on those who had wronged him, regardless of the consequences. He resorted to cruel tactics like torment and deceit, and exploited others to attain his objectives. In the process, his power transformed from being a means for doing good into something darker and more ominous.

4.
Negato Uzumaki (Pain)

A Villain Born From Tragedy

Growing up in the conflict-ridden secluded village called Hidden Rain, Negato nurtured a hope that he could find a means to end the turmoil experienced globally. Tragically, the loss of his closest friend Yahiko left an indelible mark on him and challenged his conviction that unity and compassion were keys to establishing peace.

Negato assumed the identity of Pain following Yahiko’s demise, embarking on a mission to foster global harmony through Akatsuki. The emotional scars from his past, the grief over losing Yahiko, and witnessing an unchanging world despite their collective efforts convinced Negato that the world required a shared sense of pain to come together as one.

In seeking peace, he developed a readiness to demolish existing structures in order to construct a new world, as envisioned by him.

3.
Lelouch Vi Britannia

The Corruption Of Power And Control

Following the murder of his mother and the treachery from his kin, Lelouch yearned for justice and harbored a strong resentment towards the Britannia Empire due to his wish to correct global injustices. Once he obtained the power of Geass, Lelouch came to believe that true peace could only be attained through drastic transformation, which led him to become progressively ruthless.

Despite his noble goals of establishing a fair society, the tactics he employs are questionable at best. His drive to shape a righteous world has led him to covertly maneuver those nearest to him, backstab confidants, and make sacrifices that undermine friendships, all in the name of the greater good.

Instead of using the Geass’s power for establishing peace, he manipulated and dominated others with it, convinced that his unique perspective on the world was the sole correct one.

2.
Daki and Gyutaro

The Desperation Of Survival

Initially, the wicked-appearing demon twins weren’t inherently malevolent. Instead, their primary instinct was survival in the merciless environment and craving affection. However, their lives were tainted by cruelty, leaving them without a sense of safety. Remarkably, Gyutaro consistently sought to protect his sister from the harsh realities of this unforgiving world.

In a desperate bid for survival, they underwent a metamorphosis into demons, having been severely attacked by humans and left for dead. Seizing the chance to carry on living, they did so promptly and without a moment’s pause.

In the Demon Slayer series, Tamayo exemplifies how a demon might possess goodness. However, the two siblings, despite acquiring demonic powers, showed no emotions except for deep affection for each other. Interestingly, they perceived the wickedness in the world and found their truest refuge in becoming demons.

1.
Scar

The Pain Of The Past

Scar’s motivations stem deeply from a need for vengeance, fueled by the mass slaughter of his people, the Ishvalans, at the hands of the state military in the past. The horrific scenes of brutality and loss he experienced during the war left an indelible mark on him, shaping his life with a profound sense of trauma.

Initially, his aim was to eradicate those who perpetrated the genocide, but later, he chose to dismantle the entire system that led to their demise, viewing it as rotten and deserving of total destruction. Scar becomes ready to eliminate anyone he believes is connected to the system, irrespective of whether they were directly involved in the deaths of his people.

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2025-04-27 21:10