When you watch a lot of anime or read a lot of manga, you are going to come across a lot of similar characters.
Eventually, you will notice that certain characters share similar traits or act in similar ways. Perhaps they react differently around different people or are stereotyped in some way. These characters are called ‘deres’ – a term affixed with another word to refer to a type of archetype or stereotype.
The term ‘dere’ is derived from the Japanese term ‘dere dere’ which translates to meaning affection or loving. So, ‘dere’ types often have something to do with how they express and show their love.
Each is unique and different, and some characters can overlap in types or transfer from one ‘dere’ type to another over time.
You have probably already heard of some as some ‘deres’ are more popular than others, but just how many are there?
Turns out – there’s quite a few and some are so rarely seen that not a lot of people have heard about them. If you are curious about deres or want to include some in your own works, then check out these 16 types of ‘dere’ that you will definitely come across in anime or manga.
1. Tsundere
One of the most popular and well known types of ‘dere’ is tsundere.
Tsunderes are characters who develop over time from someone cold and hostile to a person who is friendlier and warmer. Most of the time, they act rude to their romantic interest but eventually grow to love them and show their softer side.
The word tsundere comes from the Japanese terms ‘tsun tsun’ and ‘dere dere’. The affix ‘tsun tsun’ translates roughly to ‘turn away in disgust’ – linking to the way the tsundere might turn away in disgust when they first interact with their future love interest.
Some examples of tsundere are Asuka Langley from Neon Genesis Evangelion, Aisaka Taiga from Toradora, and Kyou Sohma from Fruits Basket.
2. Yandere
Yanderes are another of the most popular ‘dere’ types.
Their name comes from the Japanese word ‘yanderu’ which translates to ‘sick’ or sometimes ‘insane’. So, yanderes are often characters who are lovesick or are driven to insanity due to their love or obsession with another character.
Yanderes typically exhibit violence or craziness but at other times they can appear harmless or even cute. However, if someone gets in their way or comes between them and their love interest, they won’t hesitate to turn to extreme measures to get what they want.
They’re unstable and violent, which also makes them some of the most fun anime characters.
Examples of yanderes include Misa Amane in Death Note, Yuno Gasai in Future Diary, Yukako Yamagishi from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable, and Mikasa Ackerman from Attack on Titan.
3. Kuudere
Kuuderes are characters who remain calm and composed. They typically come across as emotionless, serious and unaffected by what goes on around them. Thus, they are often characters who are in charge or are the one often turned to in a crisis due to their cool demeanor.
That is where kuuderes get their name – the word ‘kuu’ comes from the Japanese pronunciation of ‘cool.’ So, kuuderes are called this because they always keep their ‘cool’.
Examples of some stoic kuuderes include Violet Evergarden from the anime Violet Evergarden, Riza Hawkeye from FullMetal Alchemist, and Shoto Torodoki from My Hero Academia.
4. Dandere
Danderes are similar to kuuderes but they are far more meek and shy rather than just emotionless. Although both types remain rather quiet and withdrawn, danderes become bolder and more open when they feel comfortable.
They are more awkward and shy than a kuudere, who are inwardly confident and collected when compared to the inwardly emotional danderes.
This is reflected in the dandere’s name. The ‘dan’ in dandere comes from ‘danmari’ which is Japanese for ‘silence’. This reflects the shy, silent nature of the dandere character.
Some example danderes include Yuuri Katsuki from Yuri On Ice, Legoshi from Beast Stars, and Kaneki Ken from Tokyo Ghoul.
5. Deredere
From one extreme, to another. Derederes are a type of character that sits on the opposite scale to danderes and kuuderes because they are so emotional and do nothing to hide it.
Derederes are known for being obsessed with their love interest and proud of it, sometimes even going as far as stalking their love interest or making shrines (but never into areas as extreme as murder or blackmail – that’s yandere territory).
They are often very happy and cheerful with optimistic attitudes and a lot of energy. They are the epitome of ‘lovestruck’ which is why their name ‘deredere’ is just the phrase ‘dere’ repeated – because they are defined by their love and expression of it.
Examples of deredere characters include Tamaki Suou from Ouran Koukou Host Club, Roboko from Golden Time, and Hotaru Ichijo from Non Non Biyori.
6. Bakadere
Another kind of happy ‘deres’ are bakaderes.
Bakaderes are comic relief characters to the extreme. They are known for being very foolish and stupid, hence the work ‘baka’ in their name. ‘Baka’ can translate to fool in Japanese, making it the perfect affix for this type of ‘dere’.
Bakaderes lack commence and can be clumsy as well as intellectually stupid. For some examples, check out Ryunosuke Tanaka from Haikyuu!!, Hikari Sakuraba from Castle Town Dandelion, or Son Goku from Dragon Ball.
7. Sadodere
Closely related to the yandere, sadoderes are a type of ‘dere’ that have a sadistic nature.
They like to play with other people’s emotions and see them suffer, especially when it comes to their romantic love interest. They take pleasure from seeing others humiliated or in pain. They also completely lack empathy for others.
Sadodere is a combination of the usual ‘dere’ suffix and the affix ‘sado’ from the English word ‘sadomasochism’. It perfectly sums up the sadodere’s tendencies to put their loved one in tough or painful situations.
A popular example of a sadodere is Kurumi Tokisaki from Date A Live.
8. Shundere
Shunderes are the opposite of other happy characters like derederes. They are defined by their depressive tendencies and are some of the saddest and most melancholy characters in anime. They often suffer from depression.
Their typical sadness is denoted through the ‘shun’ affix which comes from the Japanese onomatopoeia ‘shun’ which is used by characters when sad or depressed.
Example shunderes include Tomoko Kuroki from WataMote, Rei Kiriyama from March Comes In Like A Lion, and Mei Misaki from Another.
9. Goudere
Gouderes are like a cross between derederes and yanderes. They are usually happy and hyper, but will stop at nothing to be with the one they love.
They are far more forceful in their affections and will do anything for their romantic interests. They typically have very idealized opinions of their loved ones and will not hold in their insane amount of devotion that they have for them.
They are usually comical characters who make their love interest uncomfortable or lead them into trouble.
The affix ‘gou’ comes from the term ‘gouki’ which means fortitude, representing how gouderes are relentless. It can also come from ‘gou oni’ which means ‘strong demon’, reflecting how the goudere becomes a demon in love.
Examples of gouderes include Mansherry from One Piece, Kyouko Toshino from Yuri Yuri, and Mikiko from Dezu Puri.
10. Dorodere
Ever heard that looks can be deceiving? This phrase pretty much sums up the dorodere type perfectly. On the outside, they look sweet and innocent – but this hides someone who is completely disturbed.
Doroderes are some of the most complex character ‘dere’ types. They act like inverse yanderes – they first start off as very loving and sweet, before showing their true twisted ways.
They often hold a deep hatred within themselves, and often towards their so-called love interest. They will pretend to act ‘dere’ around them when deep inside, they actually loathe them. This makes them more dangerous than a yandere, especially towards the object of their so-called affections.
The term ‘dorodere’ is a combination of ‘dorodoro’ and ‘deredere’. The ‘dorodoro’ part translates to ‘confused’ which can often be the case with some doroderes as they battle both positive and negative feelings towards their love interest.
Examples of some doroderes include Himiko Toga from My Hero Academia and Mikado Ryuugamine from Durarara!!
11. Himedere
Himderes, or sometimes called oujideres if the character is male, are characters who love to be treated like royalty. They often have some kind of prince/princess complex where they want to be spoiled and pampered by their love interests.
Although they may not actually be royalty, they still expect to be treated like such. The affixes ‘hime’ and ‘ouji’ translate to princess and prince respectively, hence why this is the perfect name for this type of ‘dere’.
Popular examples of himederes/oujideres include Noelle Silva from Black Clover, Erina Nakiri from Shokugeki no Soma, and Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass.
12. Kamidere
Kamideres are a step up from himederes/oujideres.
While himederes/oujideres view themselves as akin to royalty, kamideres are on another level of arrogance and pride. They view themselves as god-like and put themselves far above everyone around them. This is why they are called kamidere – ‘kami’ translates to ‘god’.
Most of the time, kamideres are very powerful, and this power is what makes them view themselves as god-like. Strong examples of a kamidere include Light Yagami from Death Note and Mari Kurihara from Prison School.
12. Darudere
Daruderes are known for being a lazy and nonchalant type of character. They are often tired all the time and appear to be too exhausted or lazy to show much emotion. This is why this ‘dere’ is affixed with ‘darui’ which means sluggish.
They are often very dull characters who usually do not pay much attention and refuse to help or even listen to others.
Such daruderes include Yin from Darker Than Black, Houtarou Oreki from Hyouka, and Gabriel from Gabriel DropOut.
13. Bokodere
A type of sub category to the classic tsundere, bokoderes are characters that lash out to hide their feelings. They are often shy, especially when around those they are in love with, but when they get embarrassed – they tend to start swinging their fists even if they don’t know how to use them.
This is why they are called bokoderes – ‘boko’ comes from ‘bokoru’ which translates into ‘to beat someone up’.
Well known bokoderes include Bhitoge Kirisaki from Nisekoi, Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z, and Mahiru Inami from Working!!
14. Yottadere
Yottadere are a fun type of ‘dere’. They are used as comic characters who are often drunk or have alcohol-related antics, or maybe they are just frequently seen with a glass of wine in their hands.
They’re not as common as some other types of ‘dere’ but they are still very much beloved by anime fans.
A few examples of yottadere characters include Cana Alberona from Fairy Tail, Vasco Shot from One Piece, and Melissa Mao from FullMetal Panic!
15. Mayadere
Mayaderes are usually very important characters to an anime’s story. The term refers to the type of character that often starts as the villain before switching sides after falling in love.
They start out as dangerous but over time, they soften and eventually side with their love interest no matter what side of good or evil they are on.
The ‘maya’ from mayadere can come from a number of sources including ‘mayakashi’ which translates to deception or ‘ma yaka su’ which means ‘to cheat’.
Examples of mayaderes include Yuji Sakai from Shakugan no Shana, Temari from Naruto, Annie Leonhart from Attack on Titan and Nora from Noragami.
16. Nyandere
And finally we have nyandere. Nyandere, as you can probably guess from its name, are a type of character who have traits that are similar to cats or are obsessed with cats.
Yes – there are so many ‘dere’ characters with cat-like features that they have their own category! Just a few examples include Ichigo Momomiya from Toyko Mew Mew, Blair from Soul Eater, Cheetu from HUNTERxHUNTER, and Haineko from Bleach.
Conclusion
And those are just 16 different types of ‘dere’ characters you can see over lots of different anime! There are also sub categories and overlaps with a lot of ‘dere’ types so when it comes to picking a favorite, you really are spoiled for choice.
Next time you watch an anime, try and see how many ‘dere’ types you can spot!
Through Shuto Con, I want to share the world of anime with as many people as possible. I will be providing information on everything to do with anime, from the best shows to watch, to how you can cosplay as some of your favorite characters. This site is the ultimate guide to anime.
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