Anime: Best Kuudere Female Characters

I have to say, these characters are truly captivating! Each one of them carries a unique story that unfolds with subtle nuances in their demeanor and actions.

As a devoted anime fan, I’ve noticed that Kuudere characters can sometimes be misconstrued as aloof or uncaring. In truth, they’re often depicted as emotionally reserved and less inclined towards socializing. But don’t let their cool demeanor fool you; when the right person enters their orbit, these characters will gradually reveal a softer side, showing that beneath their stoic exterior lies a heart full of warmth.

The term originates from the two primary personality traits of a Kuudere – “Kuu” or “Kuuru,” which signifies coolness, often displayed as aloof and unemotional, and “Dere,” short for “Deredere,” meaning affectionate or lovey-dovey. This latter trait typically emerges when they express emotions spontaneously or reveal their feelings. Among the many Kuudere female characters in anime, who is considered the best-written?

10. Nico Robin — One Piece

Cool And Collected, But Slowly Becomes More Willing To Show Her Emotions

In the world of One Piece, Nico serves as the archaeologist among the Straw Hat Pirates. Following the devastation of her home, Ohara, young Nico was the lone survivor. Due to her abilities, she earned the moniker “Devil Child.” At just eight years old, she covertly observed researchers on her island and learned to decipher an ancient language. However, this language is considered a transgression by the World Government, which may be why her homeland was destroyed.

Living as the sole individual with the ability to decipher the prohibited script, Nico Robin is constantly evading capture by the authorities. This perpetual state of flight has left her emotionally detached and somewhat cold, as she lacks a support system. However, upon encountering Monkey D. Luffy and his fellow crew members, Nico’s icy demeanor begins to thaw, and she finds herself smiling more frequently. Over time, she also learns to care for and depend on her comrades.

9. Anna Kobayakawa — Rainbow Days

Starts Out As Very Subdued And Isolated, Before Gradually Opening Up

In the anime “Rainbow Days (Nijiiro Days)”, Anna is portrayed as one of the main secondary female characters and Natsuki Hashiba’s romantic interest. She’s a calm, considerate girl who prefers to handle tasks independently to avoid inconveniencing others. Consequently, she doesn’t engage much with her classmates and often maintains a neutral facial expression, leading many of her school peers to perceive her as aloof, serious, or even melancholic.

Initially, Anna Kobayakawa had just one friend in Mari Tsutsui. But following the encounter with Natsuki and hanging out with his companions, Anna gradually opened up and started revealing her emotions more freely. In due course, both Anna and Natsuki grew to have romantic feelings for each other, leading them to start dating.

8. Touka Kirishima — Tokyo Ghoul

Keeps People At A Distance Due To Trauma

In the world of Tokyo Ghoul, Touka Kirishima once worked as a waitress at Anteiku, a local coffee shop. Despite her friendly demeanor and shy appearance towards patrons, this is merely a facade concealing her true nature. In her younger days, Touka was a bright and lively girl. However, following the tragic loss of her parents and the mysterious disappearance of her younger brother, she hardened, transforming into a cold and merciless individual.

As a dedicated moviegoer, I’d rephrase it as: Over time, my transformation into a ghoul softened Touka’s icy exterior. Gradually, she grew more at ease around me, eventually opening up to engage with others. In the climax of our tale, Touka chose to cast off her fears and found herself falling deeply in love with none other than me.

7. Eve — Black Cat

Lacks Experience With Human Emotion, Although She Is More Than Willing To Learn

In the animated series “Black Cat,” we meet Tearju Lunatique, a scientist who develops a clone named Eve. Using advanced nanomachine technology, Eve’s body can transform various parts into weapons. Much like other Kuudere characters, Eve appears cold and mechanical, primarily due to her limited understanding of human emotions and behavior.

Following her collaboration with Sven Vollfied and Train Heartnet, in their roles as bounty hunters, Eve transformed into a friendlier individual. Her curiosity was piqued, leading her to explore new things and immerse herself in books, aiming to broaden her knowledge about the world.

6. Chizuru Hishiro — ReLife

Resistant To Human Contact, To The Point Of Almost Giving Up Entirely

In the world of “ReLife,” I, Chizuru, am part of an experiment. Due to my mother’s occupation, I find myself frequently switching schools, a circumstance that has made me lose numerous friends along the way. Consequently, I’ve grown weary of forming new connections, choosing instead to rely solely on myself.

Unfortunately, things just seem to spiral downward for Chizuru due to minimal human interaction, which causes her to become socially inept and suppress her emotions, making her come off as cold to those around her. However, after encountering Arata Kaizaki within the ReLife project, Chizuru starts engaging with her peers and forging connections with them. In fact, she is often observed smiling now and then, largely due to his positive influence on her.

5. Shizuku Mizutani — My Little Monster

Does Not Believe In Helping Others, At Least Not At First

Known as ‘Dry Ice’ by her peers because of her aloof and frosty demeanor, Shizuku Mizutani was usually overlooked by others. She strongly holds the conviction that personal growth can only come from tackling one’s own challenges. Consequently, Shizuku tended to disregard her classmates during their times of trouble, advising them to deal with it on their own, thus widening the chasm between herself and her fellow students. She aspires to emulate her mother’s diligence, who puts in extra hours at work to compensate for her father’s unemployment. This is why she is always engrossed in her studies and resists any distractions.

Instead, things are different when she’s with Haru Yoshida. Over time, Haru emerges and encourages her to enjoy life beyond studying, which brings out a playful side in her, often referred to as her Dere side. Eventually, more friends become involved, showcasing Shizuku’s warm and caring nature.

4. Kikyo — InuYasha

Expressionless But Still A Very Warm Person

Kikyo consistently demonstrates compassion, frequently prioritizing others over herself. She values fairness and isn’t hesitant to tend to wounded adversaries, despite past hurts. While some may be deterred by her emotionless countenance and chilly demeanor, the Priestess is genuinely kind, a trait that especially endears her to children who enjoy playing with her.

Primarily, she is deeply concerned about her younger sister and subsequently, Inuyasha. Initially, Inuyasha engaged in combat with Kikyo to acquire the Sacred Jewel. But over time, they both harbored romantic feelings for each other. Frequently, the Priestess exhibits her genuine emotions towards Inuyasha, unveiling her Dere persona.

3. Violet Evergarden

Raised To Be A Soldier, Violet Slowly Becomes Someone New

In the animated series ‘Violet Evergarden’, Violet served as a soldier and played a crucial part in the decisive battle of the war’s end. Throughout her life, she has been regarded as a valuable weapon or tool for war by the Leidenschaftlich army due to her exceptional abilities. Violet was brought up to suppress her emotions and blindly obey orders without question from those in authority.

In the closing moments of the war’s decisive fight, Violet tragically loses both her arms and experiences the heart-wrenching loss of Gilbert Bougainvillea. Prior to his demise, he openly declared his affection for her and admitted that he loved her deeply. As a tool lacking human empathy, Violet is unfamiliar with emotions like love. To gain insight into her own feelings, she learns from Claudia Hodgins and transforms herself into an Auto Memory Doll – a role that enables individuals to articulate their feelings in written correspondence.

2. Tachibana Kanade — Angel Beats

Can Seem Like A Blank Slate At Times, Although That Is Far From The Truth

In the anime series, Angel Beats, Tachibana serves as the president of the Student Council in the afterlife school. Her role involves assisting students in resolving their issues and finding a way to advance. Despite Tachibana’s human-like appearance, her cold and emotionless demeanor suggests otherwise. Due to the Angel’s expressionless face, it’s challenging for others to determine her emotions. What makes this intriguing is that many characters in Angel Beats believe she lacks consciousness, only to be proven wrong by her intelligence later on.

Over time, following their encounter with Yuzuru Otonashi, Tachibana gradually reveals more of himself and displays a wider range of emotions. As their bond deepens, they grow increasingly intimate, eventually cultivating romantic sentiments and uncovering the bond they shared in their previous life.

1. Mikasa Ackerman — Attack on Titan

Rarely Shows Her Emotions Physically

Among the characters I’ve come across, Mikasa Ackerman stands out as one of the most reserved and aloof individuals. When it comes to safeguarding her loved ones, particularly Eren, she can become relentless and merciless. Her demeanor exudes an icy calmness that often leaves people feeling intimidated, causing them to keep their distance. Moreover, Mikasa’s exceptional soldiering skills and capabilities set her apart from the rest, further widening the gap between us.

From a movie reviewer’s perspective, there’s a tender, subtle facet to this character that only her dear ones have glimpsed. This side of her is primarily shielded for one individual, but he often overlooks it. However, when someone she cherishes is wounded, Mikasa transforms into a whirlwind of rage, sometimes even jeopardizing her own safety – such as the instance where she risked her life upon believing Eren was deceased.

2024-12-22 19:26