10 Anime Supporting Characters Who Completely Outshined the Protagonist

In the intricate craft of storytelling, main characters are designed to be the engine that drives the plot forward. However, every so often, the spotlight shifts. Whether it is due to a mysterious backstory, overwhelming power, or an irresistibly charismatic personality, some side characters refuse to stay in the shadows.

In the world of animation, it is not uncommon for a secondary figure to transcend their role and become more iconic than the lead. These “scene-stealers” capture the imagination of the global fandom, proving that you don’t need the most screen time to be the heart of the show. Below are 10 legendary figures who proved they could completely dominate the screen, often captivating fans far more than the main protagonist ever did.

The Icons Who Redefined Supporting Roles

1. Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)

Levi Ackerman is arguably the most recognizable face of the past decade in anime, despite technically being a supporting character. Raised in the brutal conditions of the underground slums, Levi’s journey to becoming “Humanity’s Strongest Soldier” is a masterclass in character development.

• Impact: His unmatched mastery of ODM gear and elite Titan-slaying skills made him a global phenomenon.

• Key Features: A cold, stoic exterior that hides a deep, unwavering sense of duty to his fallen comrades.

2. Osamu Dazai (Bungo Stray Dogs)

Osamu Dazai is the ultimate enigma. As a genius manipulator and master strategist, Dazai always seems to be playing a game of chess while everyone else is playing checkers.

• Impact: His foresight frequently drives the plot, making him an invaluable asset to every faction in the series.

• Key Features: A mysterious past linked to the Port Mafia and a whimsical, yet dark sense of humor.

3. Roy Mustang (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

While Edward Elric is the face of the franchise, Colonel Roy Mustang is its burning soul. As the Flame Alchemist, his presence commands respect and fear in equal measure.

• Impact: His moral resolve and tactical brilliance often steal the show during the series’ most critical political arcs.

• Key Features: Devastating flame alchemy and a hidden heart of gold beneath a mask of military ambition.

4. Saber (Fate Series)

Artoria Pendragon, better known as Saber, is the emotional core of the Fate universe. Her tragic history as the King of Knights provides a level of depth that often overshadows her Masters.

• Impact: Her pursuit of the Holy Grail to undo her past mistakes makes her one of the most sympathetic “Servants” in history.

• Key Features: A strict code of chivalry and an iconic design that has become synonymous with the franchise.

5. Satoru Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Satoru Gojo is a character whose power is so immense that the story literally has to find ways to remove him from the scene just to give others a chance.

• Impact: Known as “The Honored One,” Gojo’s sheer confidence and reality-bending abilities elevated the series to a global trend.

• Key Features: A playful personality that masks the terrifying burden of being the world’s strongest sorcerer.

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6. Sebastian Michaelis (Black Butler)

In the late 2000s, few characters were as beloved as the demon butler, Sebastian. While Ciel Phantomhive is the strategist, Sebastian is the flawless executioner.

• Impact: His elegance and terrifying competence made him the primary reason many fans tuned in every week.

• Key Features: Absolute loyalty to his contract and a signature catchphrase that defined an era of anime.

7. Reigen Arataka (Mob Psycho 100)

Reigen is the “Greatest Psychic of the 21st Century”—at least, according to his own business card. Despite having zero supernatural powers, he is the most vital person in the protagonist’s life.

• Impact: Reigen’s “special moves” (which are usually just common sense or massage techniques) provide the series with its best comedic and emotional beats.

• Key Features: A charming charisma that proves words can be more powerful than telekinesis.

8. Revy (Black Lagoon)

Rebecca Lee, better known as “Two-Hands,” is the explosive force of the Lagoon Company. In many ways, she is the face of the series before the actual main character, Rock.

• Impact: Her lethal combat skills and nihilistic worldview represent the dark heart of the criminal underworld.

• Key Features: Her signature Beretta pistols and the terrifying “Whitman Fever” state she enters during battle.

9. Uchiha Itachi (Naruto)

Itachi is the gold standard for supporting characters with a massive influence on the narrative. Even with limited screen time, his shadow looms over every major event in the series.

• Impact: His sacrifice and the truth behind his “villainy” remain the most discussed plot twists in shonen history.

• Key Features: Masterful Genjutsu and a tragic backstory that redefined the concept of a “silent hero.”

10. Killua Zoldyck (Hunter x Hunter)

Killua is the perfect foil to Gon Freecss. Born into a family of legendary assassins, his struggle to find his own identity is arguably more compelling than the search for Ging.

• Impact: Fans are drawn to his growth from a cold-blooded killer to a fiercely protective and loyal friend.

• Key Features: An internal conflict against his brother Illumi and his electrifying “Godspeed” ability.

The legacy of these 10 icons proves that a well-written side character can do more than just support the lead—they can become the very reason we watch. Whether through a logical mindset or a divine dragon sword, these legends have earned their place in the hall of fame. They remind us that sometimes, the most interesting story isn’t the one being told by the protagonist, but the one happening right beside them.