Are there any anime characters like Uchiha Itachi?

Uchiha Itachi?

By MORZATPublished about a year ago • 6 min read

Is There an Anime Character Like Uchiha Itachi?

Uchiha Itachi from the anime series of Naruto has to be, all in all, one of the most iconic and complex characters in anime history. Extremely saddened and a tear-jerking backstory, huge sacrifice, and highly misjudged role-he had it all. Itachi's journey encompasses the issues of duty, love, betrayal, and redemption. He is one of those characters who could walk the fine line between hero and villain, and he easily became a fan favorite because of the sacrifices that he made. But one question still persists: is there any other anime character who ever rivaled Uchiha Itachi? Is there any other anime character who would be able to reflect such a mix of deep moral ambiguity and emotional sensitivity?

The Tragic Hero Archetype

One of the most defining features of Uchiha Itachi is a tragic hero archetype. He was put in a situation where he had to make unimaginable sacrifices, killing his whole clan to avoid civil war and to protect the Hidden Leaf Village. However, he shouldered his actions in silence and let his little brother, Sasuke, and the rest of the world think of him as the bad guy. Itachi's acceptance of his fate-to be despised for the greater good-is one of the most important facets of his character.

Other anime characters make for good tragic heroes as well. Another very popular example is Vash the Stampede from Trigun. Vash is no different from Itachi in that neither man is understood by those of the world. A villainous label was placed upon him, saying mass destruction was entirely his fault, yet he is a pacifist, trying at all costs to protect life. Similar in this way, Vash hides his true nature, always wrestling the emotional weight of being thought of as a menace when his actions come forth out of a need to protect others.

The Selfless Savior

Itachi's life is one of deep self-sacrifice once again. He gave up his personal happiness, his family, even his reputation for the peace of his village, and to protect his brother, meaning that kind of selfless devotion placed him above personal ambitions.

Another character with the same qualities in anime would be Lelouch vi Britannia from Code Geass. He is an outstanding strategist who leads a rebellion against the Holy Britannian Empire. While his actions make him be referred to as a terrorist, Lelouch actually tries to create a good world for his sister, Nunnally, and to stop the oppression cycle which would get worse eventually. Like Itachi, Lelouch has to bear the cross of being judged as a villain by the world. Finally, Lelouch actually resorts to having himself killed for the unification of the world in peace-a sacrifice similar to that which Itachi was or is willing to make.

The Brotherly Bond

One salient thread running through the story of Uchiha Itachi is that with his younger brother, Sasuke. Itachi spared Sasuke's life at the massacre of the Uchiha family because he loved Sasuke. Every one of his actions, even those which had the appearance of cruelty, took root in a need for him to protect Sasuke and give him the strength to live on. The strong brotherly bond gives that part of Itachi's story emotional resonance.

The second case may be the relationship between Alphonse Elric and his older brother Edward in the anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Having lost his physical body as a result of an alchemical accident, Alphonse's soul had to be bound to a suit of armor. Through the events of the series, Edward does all he can to try and return a physical body to Alphonse, while Alphonse remains loyal and protective of his brother. The tragedy is much less than Itachi and Sasuke's, but theirs is an equally deep story that resonates well with the audience as a sibling relationship.

The Quiet, Stoic Genius

What really sets him apart, however, is Itachi's personality. He is cool and collected, usually acting very stoically-only ever showing emotion when it really counts. His genius at being a shinobi, in addition to his quiet demeanor, makes him a figure of mystery and much respect in the Naruto world.

Similar in personality, one finds the character of Kenshin Himura from the series Rurouni Kenshin. Like Itachi, Kenshin is a really skilled warrior with a super tragic past. After years of killing literally hundreds of people as the legendary assassin Battosai, he promises God never to kill again and instead travels around seeking atonement for his past. Kenshin's cool and gentle nature, contrasted with his inner turmoil and incredible skill, turns him into a character that resonates on a level similar to Itachi. Both characters seek a kind of penance for their wrongdoings and salivation in a world that perceives them as instruments of destruction.

Can Anyone Truly Compare?

Among the innumerable anime characters that resemble Uchiha Itachi, Lelouch's self-sacrifice, Vash's misunderstood heroism, or Kenshin's stoicism, Itachi stands alone. His story is one of layered complexity where every action taken is a reflection of his inner struggle for his desire to protect what he loves, even at the cost of his life.

People like Lelouch, Vash, and Kenshin probably can, but Itachi's deal with tragic heroism, brotherly love, and self-sacrifice, all wrapped up in a cool stoic exterior, really puts him in a league of his own. His story resonates with audiences because it really underlines the painful truth that sometimes doing the right thing does not necessarily make you happy; rather, it is part of the price to be paid by a true hero.