Isekai Protagonists Who Face Hate and Rise to Power in New Worlds

Summary

Protagonists in isekai anime face hate and mistrust, rising above challenges to earn respect.
Characters like Hajime, Shiroe, Tanya, Naofumi, Ainz, Seiichi, Mimori, and Yusuke are hated.
These characters prove themselves through willpower, strategy, and growth in fantastical worlds.

In isekai anime, characters like me are transported into enchanting realms that frequently bestow heroic or leadership roles. Yet, not all newcomers receive a cordial greeting or favorable treatment. Instead, some encounter cold shoulders, suspicion, or open hostility and must demonstrate their worth amidst formidable challenges.

These characters are often perceived as feeble, useless, or menacing. Their storyline revolves around overcoming the prejudice they face while striving to fulfill their roles in the fantastical realm – either by transcending their negative image or fully embracing their infamous status. Whether they’re wrongly accused, misjudged, or deserving of the treatment they receive, they must battle not only for survival but also to gain respect, form alliances, and demonstrate their worth. They need to rise above their obstacles through sheer determination, tactical brilliance, or personal development.

8. Arifureta: From Commonplace To World’s Strongest

Hajime Nagumo

Initially, Hajime wasn’t well-liked in his original world, and his situation in the new fantasy realm is no better. In fact, it’s downright hostile. Yet, he’s grown accustomed to the idea that not everyone appreciates him. His classmates despise and torment him due to his Synergist class, which they perceive as weak. He experiences betrayal and is cast into a chasm. This ordeal triggers a transformation in Hajime, making him cold, shrewd, and extraordinarily powerful. Unfortunately for him, this new persona only intensifies the dislike and suspicion he faces from his classmates, ruling authorities, and adversaries alike.

In the face of hostility, I’ve noticed that Hajime persistently prioritizes his survival and aspirations, fostering robust relationships with his faithful allies Yue and Shea. Gradually, his deeds garner admiration, and he transitions from an outsider to a respected figure in this fantastical realm.

7. Log Horizon

Shiroe

Shiroe is a seasoned player of the online role-playing game Elder Tale, where he found himself and thousands more permanently stuck. As an accomplished Enchanter and tactician, people either admire or despise him due to his seemingly malicious demeanor, which earned him the moniker “The Spectacled Villain.” His intellect allows him to outsmart others even when his motives are pure.

In contrast to his popular image, Shiroe’s actions stem from a profound sense of duty and concern for others. His preference for using intellect and strategy rather than physical strength offers a refreshing change in a realm reminiscent of a game.

6. The Saga Of Tanya The Evil

Tanya Von Degurechaff

Originally a corporate worker, Tanya is transformed into a young girl in a conflict-ridden otherworld by an omnipotent being called “Being X.” Known as the “Devil of the Rhine,” she ascends through the Empire’s military hierarchy using brutal strategies, unyielding efficiency, and tactical brilliance. As she advances, both friends and foes grow to dread and detest her.

Tanya is disliked due to her readiness to give up lives for the accomplishment of a task. Despite her youth, her impassive, uncaring expression gives her an intimidating, almost inhuman appearance.

5. The Rising Of The Shield Hero

Naofumi Iwatani

Naofumi finds himself transported to a different realm, chosen as the Shield Hero – the least powerful among the Four Key Heroes. Not long after his arrival, he’s unjustly accused of an attack by Malty and is subjected to public humiliation, abandonment by his companions, and rejection from the kingdom. This betrayal toughens him up and instills a certain mistrust in humans, but it also forces him to become inventive and self-reliant.

Since Malty, the princess of Melromarc who falsely accused Naofumi, was backed by the general populace, they turned against him instead. Making matters even more challenging, the other three cardinal heroes distanced themselves from him, leaving Naofumi to face his trials alone.

4. Overlord

Ainz Ooal Gown

In an exhilarating twist of fate, I find myself ensconced within the formidable undead avatar of Ainz Ooal Gown, a peak-level mage from the MMORPG realm of Yggdrasil that’s now become a living, breathing world. As the enigmatic Overlord of the colossal Tomb of Nazarick, I wield immense power and instill fear in my followers as I embark on an unparalleled journey to conquer this new reality, one step at a time.

In the realm where he resides, few dare to challenge the mighty ruler, Ainz – a being beyond death itself. His extraordinary magical prowess and tactical acumen strike a chilling awe into any who encounter him.

3. The Fruit Of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made

Seiichi Hiiragi

Seiichi is an unpopular, heavyset high school student who gets whisked away to a magical realm with his peers. Unlike them, he doesn’t have extraordinary powers, which leads them to shun and mock him. Left behind in a dangerous forest, Seiichi’s luck changes when he discovers and consumes the Evolution Fruit, a mystical piece of fruit that grants him incredible strength and alters his looks dramatically.

Seeing Seiichi’s transformation leaves those who doubted him feeling envious and wary. Their dislike for him intensifies. However, Seiichi remains unfazed by this and demonstrates his abilities and resilience, all while maintaining his compassionate nature.

2. Failure Frame: I Became The Strongest And Annihilated Everything With Low-Level Spells

Mimori Touka

In a simpler and more conversational style: Mimori Touka is an average student who, along with his classmates, are mysteriously transported to a magical realm. Here, they’re tasked as heroes to combat a looming disaster. Unfortunately for Mimori, he’s given the least powerful role, the Eraser, whose job revolves around inflicting status ailments on enemies. Feeling useless in the eyes of his peers, Mimori is ultimately betrayed and left behind in a treacherous dungeon with little hope for survival.

Due to this act of treachery, Mimori transforms into an unyielding and ruthless figure, sparking fear and loathing among those who misjudged him. His harsh tactics and absence of compassion give the impression of a villain in the minds of many.

1. I’m Standing On A Million Lives

Yusuke Yotsuya

In this fresh realm, Yusuke is met with disdain and suspicion due to his detached, practical mindset regarding survival. Different from the average hero, Yusuke appears devoid of emotional depth and traditional heroic characteristics; instead, he emphasizes reasoning and effectiveness. He’s placed in the least powerful group, the Farmers, where his peers mock and underestimate him, believing him unsuitable for the perilous missions they face.

Yusuke tends to prefer handling things on his own rather than depending on others. His readiness to take morally ambiguous actions, such as betraying allies or going to great lengths to emerge victorious, often alienates people from him. Furthermore, Yusuke’s frosty demeanor and severe tactics make it challenging for others to recognize his value and deepen their skepticism.

2025-01-22 17:34