Inanime, the termDeredereis often used to describe cheerful, energetic, happy-go-lucky characters. Even if something bad happens, they will quickly revert to their happy self to avoid worrying anyone. But beware — if someone gets on their nerves, they may show a side that doesn’t match this personality.
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Unlike Tsundere, which is a the combination of two words, Deredere is a single word that roughly translates to “lovey-dovey.” Although most fans consider female characters to embody this trope most closely, it’s actually not uncommon to find a male Deredere in anime. If readers are interested in learning about themost Deredere male characters in anime, this article is for them.
8Shoyo Hinata — Haikyuu!!
Shoyo isKarsuno’s middle blocker inHaikyuu!!. His favorite hobby is, obviously, playing volleyball with his friends. Although he is considered short for this sport, it doesn’t change his dream to become a professional player. Shoyo’s energetic personality allows him to jump to a very high altitude, which he uses to his advantage in games to surprise everyone and score a point.
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Shoyo Hinata seems to be childish, loud, and gets excited a lot, which is why he is always seen clashing with Tobio Kageyama, the setter. Not only does he have a Deredere’s cheerful qualities, but Shoyo is also observant. He can understand others' struggles, and tries his best to help his friends overcome their fears.
7Momiji Sohma — Fruits Basket
Momiji isthe rabbit sign in the Chinese Zodiac inFruits Basket. This sign fits him very well: he has a bubbly and sweet personality, and his hobby is collecting cute things. The cuteness doesn’t end there. Momiji likes physical interactions with his friends to the point that he doesn’t mind hugging Tohru Honda in public, even though this might make him transform.
Unfortunately, behind the smile that never leaves his face, there is a dark past. Therefore, Momiji Sohma sometimes seems wiser for his age, especially when he gives advice and helps his friends. Nevertheless, he doesn’t allow his past to change his cheerful personality or influence the rabbit’s important decisions.
6Gon Freecss — Hunter x Hunter
Gon isthe protagonist inHunter x Hunter. His father, Ging Freecss, left him in the care of his grandmother at a very young age. When Gon turns nine, he discovers that Ging is a hunter, which lights a fire inside him to become one himself. Because he grows up in the woods, he develops many senses that help him succeed in the hunter exam.
Gon Freecss meets many people while undertaking the exam. His natural talents and abilities made a lot of the contestants jealous and declares him as an enemy. However, Gon manages to make many friends thanks to his cheerful and friendly Deredere persona, including Killua Zoldyck and Kurapika.
5Soma Yukihira — Shokugeki no Soma (Food Wars)
Soma a student at Totsuki Culinary Academy. He’s very optimistic and energetic, and somehow transfers his personality into his cooking. If anyone tastes one of his dishes, they will have a smile on their face and won’t stop eating. Soma uses his talent and vast knowledge of cooking to help his friends in any Shokugeki.
Because of his charismatic personality, some of Soma’s enemies have even become his friends after he talked to or defeated them, like Takumi Aldini and Nakiri Alice. He’s always ready to help a friend and doesn’t mind risking something important if it means their happiness. Soma Yukihira was even willing to sacrifice his place at Totsuki to retrieve Takumi’s Mezzaluna.
4Midoriya Izuku — My Hero Academia
Midoriya is a student at U.A High School and the ninth holder of the “One For All” Quirk inMy Hero Academia. He used to be Quirkless, until his bravery and heroism caught the attention of All Might’s, the number one hero. This new Quirk opens a path for him to make new friends.
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Midoriya has extensive knowledge of strategies. He writes his observations in his Hero Analysis for the Future notebooks and uses them to come up with plans to save everyone. Although he seems like a rational and analytic character, Midoriya is easily one of the most emotional ones in the show. His kindness and empathy are a double-edged sword. They allow him to help his friends (and sometimes even the villains), overcome obstacles, but occasionally, he charges into a battle headfirst to save everyone.
3Sawada Tsunayoshi — Reborn!
Sawada is training to become the tenth Vongola boss under the watchful eyes of Reborn, the number one hitman,inKatekyo Hitman Reborn (Reborn!). At first, he is bullied for being shy and weak, but his character changes drastically after Reborn’s arrival. Sawada becomes brave and learns to rely on his friends when facing dangerous situations.
Though he has suffered from loneliness for as long as he can remember, Sawada’s kindness knows no limits. His friend, Gokudera Hayato, once attempted to kill him. Yet after defeating Gokudera, Sawada accepts him into the family with open arms. He doesn’t mind forming friendships with his former enemies, like Xanxus and Enma Kozato.
2Naruto Uzumaki — Naruto Shippuden
It’s not really a surprise thatthe famous Naruto Uzumakiis a Deredere. He’s a Shinobi from the Hidden Leaf Village whose dream is to become the Hokage. Unfortunately, the Nine-Tailed Fox is sealed inside him on the day of his birth. Soon afterward, his life turns upside down as no one in the village treats him nicely. No one wants to be his friend, as he is considered cursed.
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All these hardships weren’t enough to deter him from achieving his goal. Naruto’s determination and friendly personality break the barrier between him and his friends. No matter how dangerous the situation is, he will save everyone. Although he is fierce in battles, Naruto’s cheerfulness is contagious. His friends come to him for advice, as he will help spread a smile on their faces. Many of his former enemies even changed for the better after talking with him.
1Tanjiro Kamado — Demon Slayer
Tanjiro is a demon slayer fighting to find a cure for his Demon sister, Nezuko Kamado, inKimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer). He is known for having gentle, understanding eyes and a solemn smile. His job is to kill Demons, but even so, he often empathizes with them.
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AlthoughKamado Tanjiro exhibits an understanding personality, his patience has limits. He is easily angered by Demons who belittle the humans’ lives and won’t hesitate to annihilate them. Tanjiro is fiercely protective of his friends, especially his sister, and will stop at nothing to keep a smile on their faces.
