Anime danderes are shy, timid, cold or introverted. They’re the types of people who some avoid because danderes are so “closed” off, and difficult to approach.
While other danderes are timid, nervous, and find it difficult to express themselves with confidence.
But underneath the hard, fragile shell of a dandere is usually:
- Intelligence.
- Kindness.
- Empathy.
- Gentleness.
- Purity.
Or similar character traits that make them curious, mysterious, relatable and interesting.
From where I’m sitting, there are at least 22 anime characters worth mentioning who fit that description.
If you have more, add them in the comments.
The Best Anime Danderes:
1. Naru Sekiya (Hanayamata)
Naru is the timid main character who’s too kind, sweet and pure of heart.
Similar to Izuku Midoriya, she gets overly excited when talking about something she loves.
She’s the type of person who could never do you wrong intentionally. But that’s assuming you’re able to befriend and make her feel “safe” to begin with.
Because of her “loner” type of personality, she struggles to make new friends on her own. But she’s a friend for life for anyone willing to accept her for who she is.
2. Mio Akiyama (K-On)
Mio Akiyama is a “classic” dandere character. Preferring to spend time alone and do her own thing, rather than deal with people. Especially in “big” crowded places.
She’s “too shy” after all, and gets nervous easily.
But if you manage to crack open her shell, you see a caring side to her personality.
And better yet: you realize how hard-working, independent and
3. Izuku Midoriya (My Hero Academia)
Never expected a character like Deku (Izuku) to be on this list, did you?
Dandere characters tend to be “female” when you look at most of them. But there are some “male” characters who are also danderes, even if not as popular for their character type.
Izuku is a nervous wreck, especially at the beginning of
But his kindness, work ethic, intellect and passion are what make him shine as a character.
4. Umi Sonoda (Love Live School Idol Project)
Umi Sonoda’s a feisty character who’s more hard-working than most other dandere characters. And especially in terms of Love Live characters in general.
She’s also a strong leader who’s hard on those she’s leading for the sake of self-improvement.
But she’s still a shy, introverted and withdrawn character who’s easily embarrassed. And has trouble in social situations.
Related: 13 Love Live School Idol Project Quotes That Deserve To Be Shared
5. Tsukasa Hiiragi (Lucky Star)
Tsukasa is a
But like your typical dandere character, put her in a social situation and she’s likely to fall apart. Or have little to say because she’s shy and introverted.
Tsukasa is the “light” of Lucky Star that brightens up the moods of everyone around her.
6. Kotomi Ichinose (Clannad)
Kotomi Ichinose is always doing one thing above all else: reading
In the anime she’s first seen in the library, filling her head with knowledge and wisdom.
This is the exact reason why she’s no good in social situations. Or why she’s silent and prefers to be alone.
She’s what I’d call “an introvert to the extreme” and it takes a good amount of effort to persuade Kotomi to open up to anyone.
7. Crona (Soul Eater)
In Crona’s case, it makes sense why Crona’s a “dandere” in the first place.
Crona’s never had a happy life. Always being mistreated, manipulated and talked down to as if Crona’s life has no value.
Eventually, this causes Crona to hate people. Pushing others away and living the life of a lone wolf.
So it’s no wonder Crona’s so shy, timid, silent and awful in social situations.
8. Koji Koda (My Hero Academia)
Koji Koda is another “dandere” most anime fans wouldn’t think of mentioning.
It’s not like Koji Koda can’t talk, speak and communicate with others… It’s more like he’s terrified and too shy. So he chooses to avoid social situations.
Preferring to stay silent when he’s around others. Saying only what’s necessary and nothing more than that.
On the surface, Koji is even more timid than Izuku Midoriya.
9. Homura Akemi (Puella Magi Madoka Magica )
Before Homura Akemi became the tough, powerful and cold character she is… She was once a “dandere” in every aspect of the definition.
Homura’s early days show how timid, shy and introverted she was. And at the center of it all: she was sweet and almost as pure as Madoka Kaname.
It’s only as the anime begins (and the story that follows) that she becomes much more dark, cold and empty. Making her a “different” type of dandere altogether.
10. Alice Carroll (Aria The Animation)
Alice from Aria The Animation is a girl of “few” words. Even after the cheerful main character: Akari approaches and talks to Alice, it’s clear Alice isn’t interested.
Alice is the silent type of character who prefers her own company. And because of her hesitant nature in the beginning, she gives people the wrong impression.
Causing others to misunderstand Alice’s intentions.
11. Nagisa Furukawa (Clannad)
Nagisa looks fragile for a good reason. Not just in terms of personality or how she carries herself, but something deeper than that which you learn later in the series.
Even still, Nagisa chooses to overcome her flaws, or at least “try” to be more confident in herself. Instead of succumbing to her natural way of behaving and thinking.
She’s a good example of a dandere character.
Related: 40 Powerful Anime Quotes From Clannad
12. Nana Ebina (Himouto! Umaru Chan)
Nana’s the kind of character who if you said BOO! She’d jump right out of her skin.
She’s that timid, nervous and jumpy. But even still: besides her looks, Nana is surprisingly hard-working, considerate and charming. Almost enough to make your heart explode with warmth.
And watching her get all “flustered” is one of the most entertaining parts of watching Umaru Chan.
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13. Mai Kawasumi (Kanon)
Mai is probably the most obvious dandere on this list. Because she’s so silent and quiet it’s hard to get her talking.
In fact, she’s so silent, that some people don’t even know “what” her voice sounds like.
Other than Sayuri, the main character: Yuichi Aizawa is one of the few able to strike a conversation with Mai.
14. Shiori Shiomiya (The World God Only Knows)
Shiori Shiomiya is one of the “girls” who end up in Katsuragi Keima’s harem.
Out of all the
She’s reserved and is the kind of person you have to be “patient” with before she opens up.
15. Mei Misaki (Another)
Mei Misaki is another character on this list who’s famous for her silent, cold and reserved persona.
It’s not that she’s a cold character, it’s more like she’s perceived as a cold person because she’s unemotional. And doesn’t express her feelings as openly as other characters.
Mei Misaki is an intelligent, sharp and thought-provoking character who’s bound to make you think. Because she’s a deep, introspective character with a lot on her mind.
16. Ryou Fujibayashi (Clannad)
Ryou Fujibayashi is the shy sister of Kyou Fujibayashi in Clannad.
Ryou is so shy compared to her sister, that Kyou (her sister) goes out of her way to hook up Tomoya Okazaki with Ryou. Because Ryou has a thing for Tomoya.
Ryou is the kind of girl who’s timid and hesitant. The type of traits that are bound to make you feel regret for not doing what you wanted to do, because you were too afraid to do it.
That aside, she’s loyal and overwhelmingly kind. And that stands for something.
17. Yuki Nagato (The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya)
I’m not the biggest fan of this anime, but Yuki Nagato was always an interesting character to me.
Similar to Mai Kawasumi, she’s the “extreme” version of a dandere/introvert. Because she’s so silent, quiet and reserved you’d assume she’s a robot with no emotions at all.
It takes a lot to make Yuki Nagato talk. And even then she’s still unlikely to strike up conversation or talk for a long period of time.
18. Hina Kubota (Barakamon)
I’ll start by saying: Hina Kubota is the cutest dandere on this list. She is only about 8 years old after all.
Unlike her loud and extroverted friend: Naru, Hina is the silent type who observes her surroundings. And is able to pick up on bad vibes easily.
She’s also one of the biggest “crybaby” characters I’ve ever seen. But in this case: it makes sense why.
19. Kanade Tachibana (Angel Beats)
Kanade Tachibana is a loner by nature.
Until Otonashi approaches her, no one bothers to talk to Kanade.
This comes down to how Kanade is treated (like an enemy), but even in general she’s so emotionless and empty it’s hard for anyone to feel comfortable enough to approach her.
20. Mio Nishizono (Little Busters)
Mio Nishizono is a character I feel for and relate to.
She’s bullied, verbally and physically, and most people in her school treat her as if she doesn’t exist.
And Mio validates this belief by talking to nobody around her. And staying so silent that it’s easy to forget she really does “exist”.
But underneath Mio’s fragile shell is a girl who desires to have friends and people she can talk to.
And she gets her wish thanks to characters like Riki Naoe.
21. Chiaki Hoshinomori (Gamers)
Chiaki Hoshinomori develops and creates her own video
It’s her number #1 passion in life. So much so that initially she has no friends. Because she’s so lost in her passion for gaming.
Besides that, she’s not the most socially adept person. She prefers to enjoy her own company instead of being around others too much.
This changes slightly as this ridiculous comedy/romance series starts to progress.
22. Azmaria Hendric (Chrono Crusade)
Azmaria Hendric is even more pure-hearted than characters like Natsu Dragneel or Goku from
From day one her life has been tragic. Losing her parents at a young age and being manipulated against her own will by others.
You could say this is part of the reason she’s so shy, quiet, introverted and timid.
But even so, one special quality about Azmaria in spite of her back story, is she’s so kind, thoughtful and caring. Even towards strangers.
She’s so pure of heart it’s almost inspiring, and it’s impossible to dislike her characteristics.
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Are there any other dandere anime characters worth adding to this list?
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