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A seinen protagonist is a protagonist usually seen in a seinen manga and anime.
Why This Trope is Badass
- Their stories are usually realistic, as they experience more than battle hardships. In fact, these said stories are focused on their relationships with others and internal struggles.
- They are considered deconstructed versions of a shonen protagonist, which makes their stories more refreshing and compelling.
- Like their shonen counterparts, they grow not only in terms of abilities, but in terms of strength of character as well.
- They possess a strong sense of willpower.
- Most of them are relatable, as they are explored as complex characters who are dealing with personal and social struggles.
- Their sense of morality is complex as well, as they know that the world is not completely black-and-white.
Bad Qualities
- Many seinen protagonists are known for being cynical and apathetic, albeit in a sympathetic manner.
- As a result of their personal hardships, many seinen protagonists experience so much emotional and/or mental distress that it causes them to isolate themselves from others and to develop trust issues.
Qualifications
In order for a character to be qualified as a seinen protagonist, they must have at least 4 necessary traits.
Necessary Traits:
- Heroic/anti-heroic
- Cynical/apathetic
- Is a complex character
- Sophisticated and mature
- Hard-working
- Hot-blooded
- Is morally ambiguous
- Stubborn to a fault
- Reflects and/or questions on his/her actions
- Is a determinator (a type of character who refuses to give up, regardless of the obstacles.)
Additional Traits:
- Has anger issues
- Has killer instinct
- Has rivals and/or mentors
- Has a tragic backstory
- Stoic
- Is lustful for sex
- Rebellious/Autonomous
Examples
Anime & Manga
Cartoons & Comics
Literature
Live-Action Film & Television
Video Games
Web Animation/Comics
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