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Summary

  • Tanjiro’s character growth in Demon Slayer can be somewhat subtle, focused on keeping his compassionate nature intact.
  • Tanjiro’s lack of distinct powers and conformity in the series makes him appear more generic compared to other shōnen protagonists.
  • Despite criticism, Tanjiro’s character development is appropriate for the story and allows viewers to empathize with some of its other characters.

The following contains spoilers for Demon Slayer.

A frequent complaint about Demon Slayer and its lead character, Kamado Tanjiro, is that he’s perceived as overly ideal, devoid of notable flaws, and lacking the internal turmoil that would make him a more captivating protagonist. From this perspective, Tanjiro’s scarcity of imperfections and minimal character development throughout the series may result in less audience investment in his journey, contributing to a sense of sameness when compared to other main characters.

However, is it accurate to say that this observation holds true when considering the entirety of “Demon Slayer”? Regarding the evolution of characters within the story, how does Tanjiro’s personality develop and change throughout the series, and why does he seem to face more criticism regarding character development compared to other renowned shōnen protagonists?

Not Entirely Static

Tanjiro Does Have Character Growth

One possible reason some critics might find Tanjiro’s character development in “Demon Slayer” less fulfilling is that they may struggle to identify significant changes in his behavior throughout the series. The growth of Tanjiro’s character, however, revolves around mastering the delicate balance between preserving his empathetic, human traits amidst a harsh, demon-infested world where such sensitivity could be a fatal flaw.

Via his Demon Slayer training, Tanjiro discovers that swift and decisive action is essential to save people by slaying demons, even if it contradicts his emotions. Some viewers find this peculiar because Tanjiro’s inherent compassion, typically a strong aspect of a character, can sometimes lead him into perilous situations rather than hardening him like other powerful Demon Slayers. Because Tanjiro never undergoes a dramatic shift in values, and his ideals lean more toward passivity compared to other shōnen protagonists, this results in a less vibrant portrayal of his character for certain viewers.

Good deeds have a knack for being reciprocated in life. Frequently, when you lend a hand to others, you’re essentially helping yourself in the process.” -Kamado Tanjiro addressing Muichiro Tokito.

On the contrary, it seems that Tanjiro’s character depth is often underestimated by critics. The narrative of Demon Slayer presents a persistent struggle within Tanjiro, where the atrocities he encounters fuel an intense rage that threatens to push him to the edge. This inner conflict translates into more assertive actions from Tanjiro, at times causing him to lose focus during battles.

What sets Tanjiro apart is his ability to find humanity in even the most monstrous of demons and view his demon-slaying mission as a means of bringing peace to them. The intrigue lies in observing how Tanjiro maintains his inherent optimism amid a world that appears to be steeped in pain and despair at every turn, making us question how he manages to hold on to hope.

Why is Tanjiro Singled Out?

Aren’t Other Shōnen Protagonists Similar?

It’s not fair to consistently categorize Tanjiro as a “typical main character” because many Shōnen protagonists share common traits and can often feel indistinguishable among different stories. However, I believe the primary distinction between Tanjiro and other characters lies in the relatively straightforward power system of Demon Slayer.

In numerous action-packed stories aimed at young audiences (shōnen), the main character’s transformation is often symbolized through the acquisition of a potent ability or form, reflecting their personal growth throughout the series. On the flip side, the Demon Slayer corps employ distinct breathing techniques, each with a set number of stages for learning. This results in less room for individuality and character expression compared to other stories. Mostly, Tanjiro doesn’t create his own techniques but learns pre-existing ones instead. Although he mastered the Hinokami Kagura technique, it was also previously wielded by another Demon Slayer. If Tanjiro were in a series with a more flexible power system, allowing for greater individual expression, he would appear less cookie-cutter and more similar to other beloved shōnen protagonists.

Throughout the series, there’s a subtle yet persistent theme of uniformity that seems to trap Tanjiro. The Demon Slayers, with their identical outfits and similar weapons, create an impression of sameness. Despite the show’s efforts to visually distinguish its characters, the restrictive power system often makes it challenging for the main character to shine, especially since most battles are sword fights. However, it’s the demons that exhibit unique abilities, which the narrative accommodates. In each major arc involving a demon antagonist, they are almost portrayed as the lead character, with their powers reflecting a personal flaw or hardship from their past life.

The focus on villainous characters in the Demon Slayer series is intriguing, and it could be a reason why Tanjiro’s character development seems less comprehensive compared to the time spent developing the demons. However, because the story is presented from Tanjiro’s compassionate viewpoint, we are able to delve into the emotional turmoil of these demon antagonists. If the narrative were told through another Demon Slayer’s eyes, it’s likely that our experience would be quite different. Given the story’s objectives, the growth Tanjiro experiences is fitting and facilitates easier empathy for other characters apart from the main character (MC).

Demon Slayer can be streamed on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu.

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2025-05-28 19:07