Reasons why Subaru is a great protagonist

Highlights

• Subaru challenges the traditional norms of the isekai protagonist, standing out for his eccentric personality and unpredictable actions.

• Subaru experiences profound character growth, dealing with guilt and anxiety while facing relentless challenges.

• Subaru’s genuine empathy and sacrifices for his friends shine through, despite his flaws and struggles in the new world.

RE: Zero It is one of the strongest isekai anime and has shocked and amazed thousands of fans around the world with its unique take on the genre. The story follows a young man comfortable in his reclusive lifestyle, who is teleported to another world very different from his own. Young Subaru realizes that nothing will ever be the same and the story follows him down a bright path that soon becomes mired in misfortune.

One could argue that Subaru subverts fans’ expectations as an isekai protagonist because he doesn’t check all the boxes and isn’t technically the hero of his own story. He plays numerous roles in the series and is not easy to pigeonhole like other main anime characters. Most of the time, Subaru also has it harder than most isekai protagonists and he has some of the best growth in anime. Here are some reasons why Subaru is a great player.

8

Subaru doesn’t fit

From style to presence, it is a rarity

From the moment Subaru arrives in his new world, he sticks out like a sore thumb. However, there is more to it than just the appearance of it. Subaru has some eccentric personality traits that do not allow him to integrate into his surroundings.

From the moment Subaru arrives in his new world, he sticks out like a sore thumb. However, there is more to it than just the appearance of it. Subaru has some eccentric personality traits that do not allow him to integrate into his surroundings.

7

Layers of character depth

Subaru doesn’t always know what’s right

like the story of Re: Zero As it progresses and viewers get a good look at the circumstances surrounding Subaru’s existence, it becomes clear that he is unlike any other isekai protagonist.

The trials and tribulations that a typical “story hero” goes through pale in comparison to the almost cruel situations he must endure. In addition to this, some of the situations that have negative impacts on Subaru are their doing. Through constant trial and error, Subaru digs deep and provides a powerful look at the kind of person he is at his core.

6

He works harder than anyone

Against insurmountable adversity, Subaru always tries

When most heroes become new citizens of a magical world, they learn to understand the systems in place in that world, whether by mastering powerful magic, becoming a master swordsman, or gaining an unimaginably powerful ability. In most cases, there is always a clear path in the budding hero’s journey to how to become a hero.

This is not the case with Subaru. Instead, he is accused of starting to work. Things get more and more out of control as he learns about his abilities and what he is capable of. As he grows stronger, Subaru endures rigorous tests of his psyche, body, and emotional state.

5

Excellent character growth

The program does not ignore what has happened

Most isekai anime face criticism for protagonists who feel no different when saving the world than when they enter it. While multidimensional characters are not necessary, their impact on the story is unforgettable when they are written well.

Subaru becomes a different person after the first episode as he learns his place in the new world and how dangerous it can be. Additionally, realizing what happens to him after fatal encounters changes his perspective immediately.

4

Subaru has flaws like everyone else

He is neither a white knight nor an antihero

It’s clear from the start that Subaru isn’t at the top of the social ladder when he starts meeting people in the new world. However, he can be charismatic when necessary. Subaru can navigate through tense situations and reach a certain level of confidence when necessary.

However, Subaru is far from a perfect individual, as he has a deep-seated and self-deprecating personality and resentment. As Re: Zero As it progresses, it becomes more evident that the story is as much about what’s inside as what’s outside. This is evident in how the series reveals Subaru’s guilt, anxiety, and regret.

3

Subaru is not dominated

He scales with the world around him

One of Subaru’s differences from most isekai anime protagonists is that he is not given controls for his powers. Instead, he comes into the world with assumptions that end with him falling flat on his face at first.

While Subaru develops more and more as the story progresses, he in no way surpasses other entities in the new world. You must work hard to overcome obstacles. Subaru is constantly held back by his own physical and mental deficiencies, which allow him to possess many powerful abilities but not use them to their full extent.

2

His genuine love for his friends

With all his problems, Subaru still cares

One thing evident about Subaru is his empathy. Being able to connect emotionally with people helps Subaru overcome tension, but he cannot get close to anyone due to his inferiority complex.

While he lacks the ability to act immediately most of the time, he has the drive to, at the very least, make sure his friends are safe. This is taken to the extreme when decisions and scenarios beyond his control put him and his friends in danger. He makes multiple sacrifices to undo his mistakes.

1

Subaru wins and loses

There’s no sunshine and rainbows all the time

Like any story, RE: Zero It has its ups and downs. The psychological trauma Subaru suffers is often a byproduct of his decisions, whether they turn out for better or worse.

Most isekai anime paint the main character as invincible or as always having the willpower to get through difficult times. Subaru reacts and evolves to situations like an average person and constantly admits to not knowing what to do. But he tries and sometimes fails anyway. This makes Subaru more relatable as a character throughout the series.