The Enduring Appeal of the Underdog

The term "useless" is, of course, subjective. In the context of anime, a useless male character typically exhibits one or more of the following traits:

• Lack of Agency: They rarely make decisions that significantly impact the plot. Their actions, if any, are often reactive or inconsequential.
• Incompetence: They struggle with basic tasks, possess no discernible skills, or consistently fail when given opportunities. This can range from physical weakness to a complete inability to grasp social cues.
• Dependence: They rely heavily on others, particularly the main protagonists, for survival, guidance, or even basic needs.
• Narrative Stagnation: Their character arc, if one exists at all, is minimal. They often remain static throughout the series, offering little in terms of growth or change.
• Plot Device: Their primary function is to serve a specific narrative purpose for other characters, such as being a damsel in distress (male version), a foil, or a source of exposition.

It's crucial to distinguish between characters who are intentionally written as weak or incompetent for comedic or thematic effect, and those who simply feel like missed opportunities. The former can be endearing; the latter can be a genuine detractor from the viewing experience.

Not all useless male characters in anime are created equal. Their "uselessness" can manifest in various ways, each serving a different narrative function:

1. The Lovable Loser

These characters are often the comedic heart of a series. Their incompetence is played for laughs, and despite their flaws, they possess a certain charm that endears them to the audience. Think of characters who are perpetually unlucky, hilariously inept, or comically overconfident despite their lack of skill. Their lack of success often highlights the competence of the main characters and provides much-needed levity.

• Example: Consider characters like Mako Mankanshoku from Kill la Kill. While not male, her boundless, often nonsensical energy and unwavering loyalty, despite her complete lack of understanding of the main plot, serve a similar function. She’s a chaotic force of positivity that, while not directly contributing to the fight against the elite four, is essential to Ryuko's emotional journey. For male characters, imagine someone like Konata Izumi from Lucky Star, if male. Her primary focus on games and anime, to the detriment of her academic and social life, makes her relatable to a certain audience, even if she's not actively "doing" much in the grand scheme of the narrative.

These characters often serve as a relatable anchor for the audience, reminding us that not everyone needs to be a world-saving hero. Their struggles and minor victories can be more impactful than grand, sweeping triumphs.

2. The Incidental Support

These characters exist primarily to support the main cast. They might be friends, classmates, or colleagues who offer occasional advice, assistance, or simply a listening ear. Their own personal growth or impact on the plot is minimal, but their presence is vital for the development of the protagonists.

• Example: Think of many of the background characters in slice-of-life anime or the less prominent members of a hero's party in fantasy series. They might be the guy who always forgets his lines, the one who trips over his own feet, or the one who offers a generic piece of encouragement. While they don't drive the plot, they contribute to the world-building and the emotional landscape of the main characters. Their "uselessness" is a deliberate choice to keep the focus squarely on the protagonists.

The danger here is when these characters are too underdeveloped, becoming mere props rather than believable individuals. A well-written incidental support character still has their own small motivations and reactions, even if they don't alter the main course of events.

3. The Plot-Driven Incompetent

This category is where "uselessness" can become a genuine flaw in writing. These are characters who are meant to be competent or important, but consistently fail to live up to their potential or the narrative's expectations. They might be rivals who are always one step behind, love interests who require constant rescuing, or characters with supposed powers who never quite manage to use them effectively.

• Example: Consider Kano Shuuhei from Blue Exorcist. While he has his moments and a complex backstory, his initial perceived weakness and reliance on others, especially in contrast to the powerful exorcists around him, can lead some viewers to label him as less impactful. However, his journey is more about overcoming his own insecurities and finding his unique strengths, which is a valid narrative arc. The issue arises when a character is intended to be a powerful ally or a significant obstacle, but consistently falls flat, making the audience question their role.

When a character's incompetence feels unearned or purely for the sake of creating artificial conflict, it can undermine the credibility of the entire series. Why is this character even here if they can't contribute? This is a question many viewers have asked about certain anime archetypes.

4. The "Useless" as a Metaphor

Sometimes, a character's perceived uselessness is a deliberate thematic choice. They might represent societal anxieties, the struggles of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, or the idea that not all value comes from overt power or achievement.

• Example: Think of characters who are physically weak but possess immense emotional resilience or moral fortitude. Their "uselessness" in combat or traditional heroic tasks is contrasted with their invaluable contributions in other areas, such as maintaining morale, offering ethical guidance, or simply representing the humanity that the heroes are fighting for. Their value lies not in what they do, but in who they are.

These characters challenge our conventional notions of heroism and strength. They remind us that contribution can take many forms, and that even in the face of overwhelming odds, maintaining one's humanity is a powerful act.

The persistence of these characters isn't accidental. Several factors contribute to their inclusion:

• Relatability: Not everyone is a protagonist. Many viewers can see themselves in characters who struggle, who aren't the strongest or smartest, but who still strive to be part of something bigger.
• Contrast: Useless characters highlight the exceptional abilities of the protagonists. Their failures make the heroes' successes seem even more impressive.
• Comic Relief: As mentioned, their incompetence can be a source of humor, breaking the tension and making the series more enjoyable.
• Thematic Depth: They can serve as vehicles for exploring themes of perseverance, self-acceptance, the nature of heroism, and the value of ordinary lives.
• Plot Convenience: Sometimes, a character's lack of power or influence is simply a convenient way to move the plot forward without directly involving the main characters in every minor detail.
• Subverting Tropes: In some cases, writers might intentionally create a character who appears useless to later subvert expectations, revealing hidden depths or unexpected strengths.

While "useless" characters can serve valid purposes, there's a fine line between intentional design and poor execution.

• The "Dead Weight" Character: This is a character who contributes nothing, offers no humor, and has no discernible impact, positive or negative. They simply occupy screen time. This is where the label of "useless" becomes a criticism of the writing itself.
• Unearned Incompetence: If a character is established as powerful or skilled but consistently fails without any explanation or development, it feels like lazy writing.
• Lack of Internal Logic: If a character's actions or inactions contradict their established personality or motivations, it breaks immersion.

To avoid these pitfalls, writers should:

• Give every character a purpose: Even if it's just to be a sounding board or a source of comedic relief, that purpose should be clear and consistently executed.
• Show, don't just tell: If a character is meant to be relatable in their struggles, show those struggles with nuance. If they are meant to be funny, ensure the humor lands.
• Allow for growth (even minor): Even the most seemingly useless character can benefit from a small moment of realization, a minor act of bravery, or a subtle shift in perspective.
• Ensure internal consistency: A character's actions should align with their established personality and abilities.

Perhaps the most compelling reason for the existence of useless male characters in anime is the enduring appeal of the underdog. We root for the characters who are underestimated, who face overwhelming odds, and who, despite their limitations, find a way to contribute or simply persevere. These characters remind us that heroism isn't always about raw power or flawless execution. It's often about heart, resilience, and the willingness to keep trying, even when the odds are stacked against you.

The "useless" character, when written with care and intention, can be a powerful tool in an anime creator's arsenal. They can provide humor, emotional depth, and thematic resonance, enriching the overall narrative and offering a more nuanced perspective on what it means to be a hero, or simply a person, in a world often defined by extraordinary individuals.

The next time you encounter a character who seems to be fumbling their way through an anime, consider their role. Are they a source of frustration, or are they a subtle commentary on the nature of strength, purpose, and the human (or anime) condition? The answer, much like the characters themselves, might be more complex than it initially appears.