These 17 Anime Characters Are So Lonely It's Kind Of Depressing

Loneliness and being alone are 2 different things. People don’t realize it.

Being alone is a “physical” state. You’re just by yourself.
Being lonely is an emotional state. You’re sad, depressed and don’t feel like you “fit” in.

Some anime characters are so lonely it’s depressing. Because of their sad, cruel upbringings and past lives.

While others lack communication skills and have too much anxiety to make changes.

Let’s talk about the variety of characters that fit these descriptions, and represent “loneliness” in anime.

The Loneliest Anime Characters You’ll Ever Meet:

Table of Contents

1. Homura Akemi (Madoka Magica)

Homura Akemi is a rare breed, because she’s not just a lonely anime character. She’s a “lone wolf” simultaneously.

She chooses to manage life on her own, without the help of other magical girls. Probably because she’s the most experienced magical girl of the group.

But when you dive deep into Homura’s psyche, it’s because she’s hurting. She’s in pain.

The tragic losses and the depressing levels of suffering she’s endured for SO long… And the desperation of saving the one person she cares for – that’s what makes her so lonely.

And it shows in her demeanor.

2. Mio Nishizono (Little Busters)

Mio Nishizono is the unfortunate example of a bully victim.

She loves her own “company”, and enjoys spending time with herself. Reading books, sitting outside in the summer heat, and feeding her mind with knowledge.

But as is the case with these types of people in real life – some of them become victims of bullying. Because they’re different.

And that’s what drives the person to feel lonely, isolated, and ignored as if they don’t exist.

That’s Mio Nishizono’s character in a nutshell, during the beginning of Little Busters.

3. Allen Walker (D. Gray Man)

Allen Walker isn’t the loneliest character on this list, but he’s up there for sure. It all starts with the tragic accident of his “father” becoming a demon.

After the accident he becomes cursed. Forced to live with the blessing AND burden of having an arm used to destroy demons.

A lot the time throughout D. Gray Man – some characters are annoyed by his stubbornness, because he chooses to be lonely instead of leaning on his friends.

But characters like Lenalee help Allen chang and evolve a little, as he finds new ways to deal with his past. And the pain he carries with him.

4. Viral (Gurren Lagann)

Viral isn’t necessarily a lonely character in Gurren Lagann. In fact – in the beginning he’s your average “enemy” of the main characters.

But somewhere down the line, Viral is somewhat “cursed” by his leaders and forced to live life as an observer. Forever.

Making him immortal in the process.

This makes Viral a lonely character because no matter what he goes through or who he deals with, he lives life alone.

And it’s clear from the anime’s plot that Viral has no real friends or family to speak of. He’s always alone, even if he has people around him.

5. Orphelia Landlufen (Asterisk War)

Orphelia is another cursed character who starts out as a “normal” child in Asterisk War. Only to run into someone who takes advantage of her, which she comes to regret, naturally.

There isn’t too much known about Orphelia as the anime stands, but it’s clear she’s lost all hope and doesn’t have any real emotions. Except sadness and probably depression. Driven by the loneliness she’s been forced to live with.

6. Kotomi Ichinose (Clannad)

Kotomi Ichinose has a similar style to Homura. Meaning she’s a lone-wolf AND a lonely type of character.

The difference being Kotomi Ichinose intentionally spends time alone. Usually reading books or filling her head with knowledge. With the intent to learn as much as possible so she can make something of herself.

“If I don’t learn lots of things, I won’t become a great person.” – Kotomi Ichinose

But it’s clear that despite Kotomi spending time alone and enjoying her own company, she’s a little lonely until she’s invited into Tomoya’s group of friends.

Related: 40 Anime Quotes From Clannad

7. Izuku Midoriya (My Hero Academia)

Up until Midoriya joins the UA and enlists to become a hero, he’s a lonely kid with no friends. And the only friend he had decided to turn his back on him (Bakugo).

The thing Izuku wants most is to become a hero like All-Might, and make a difference. Even if it’s in a small way.

But being a loner and having nobody around him to support his dreams, he loses all hope and confidence.

This changes dramatically throughout season 1, but more so in season 2 and especially season 3.

8. Yuuki Konno (Sword Art Online)

Yuuki Konno ends up with a life-threatening disease after a blood-transfusion.

This happens back in her early childhood. Because of that – she’s ALWAYS bound to a hospital bed. Essentially waiting for the grim reaper to open deaths door and take her away.

As you can imagine – living in a hospital all your life is bound to make you “Lonely”. Especially when your disease is so bad, that you have your own room. Isolated from everyone else.

It’s only because of SAO, the virtual world, that Yuuki Konno is able to get closure, open up and feel like she has “control” over her life.

Not to mention she’s able to make friends, curing her loneliness in the process to an extent.

9. Naofumi Iwatani (The Rising Of The Shield Hero)

Naofumi’s first episode is similar to Subaru Natsuki’s. He’s put through the worst kind of hell. But instead of it being physical, Naofumi is mentally abused, manipulated and tossed aside like garbage.

For no reason other than the fact he’s a “Shield Hero” – a title he never chose to inherit.

After being accused of rape and having the kingdom turn against him, loneliness settles in and makes itself at home. In Naofumi’s heart.

It consumes him. And he loses the ability to trust people because of the B.S he’s put through.

Raphtalia is the first and main reason Naofumi’s been able to open his heart again. And overcome his loneliness all together.

10. Azmaria Hendric (Chrono Crusade)

Azmaria Hendric is so gentle and sweet. She couldn’t even hurt someone who’s done harm to those she cares about. That’s a stand-out trait for Azmaria.

But that aside – she’s always been treated like a slave and a worthless child. Forced to do things against her will and morals.

Loneliness is the kind of thing she’s lived with for as long as she’s had supernatural powers. Because there’s always someone trying to take advantage for their own toxic agenda.

Like Midoriya – this changes later on a little after meeting the main character: Rosette Christopher, and a few other characters in Chrono Crusade.

11. Raphtalia (The Rising Of The Shield Hero)

Raphtalia is a demi-human who’s sold off as a “slave” for any mages in the capital. Or just about anyone who’s interested.

Between what happens before she’s sold off as a slave, and a little afterwards – she’s lonely, anxious and a little terrified of interacting with people.

Naofumi Iwatani changes that, just as she changes him. So it’s fitting that they both start off lonely, only to end up changing each other along the journey of The Rising Shield Hero.

12. Ulquiorra Cifer (Bleach)

Ulquiorra’s aspect of death is “emptiness”.

When you think about his aspect of death it’s not too surprising why he’s a lonely type of anime character.

He’s the one Espada who lacks emotion, has no concept of friendship, and has no interest in associating with anyone other than himself.

In a way he’s like Stark, the #1 Espada. Except a little different.

13. Ai Enma (Hell Girl)

How would you feel if you were chased out of your own village for the sake of some religious B.S that’s nothing more than superstition?

And your parents were murdered for daring to “protect” you from the madness of the villagers?

That’s Ai Enma’s back story in a nutshell.

She’s unfairly punished by the “Master Of Hell”, forced to live a life without freedom or a taste of happiness and humanity. Because she burns down the village, unsurprisingly, to get revenge on the culprits.

In exchange her parents “souls” are spared from being sent to Hell. And Ai becomes empty and lifeless. Shedding almost no emotions, no matter the circumstances.

14. Asahi Kobe (Happy Sugar Life)

Asahi Kobe to me is the most unfortunate character of the series. Even though he’s not the MC.

Abuse in the home was normal during his childhood. His devilish father would beat up and mock the mother.

At some point after leaving him (still a teenager) he becomes homeless. And is searching for his sister.

He’s broken, lonely, suffering, despite being so kind and good hearted. And his loneliness never seems to go away.

15. Makina Hoshimura (Shikabane Hime)

The one thing you can appreciate about Makina Hoshimura, is she’s not out to fight for “justice” or any of those buzzwords you see protagonists screaming out loud.

She’s on a mission, as a demon, to slaughter 100’s of demons in an attempt to regain her humanity. Or so she’s told.

But even still: because of the path she’s forced to walk, Makina’s lonely but she never complains about it.