Anime and manga offer a variety of character types that reflect different personalities and emotional expressions. One such group is the “Dere” types, each defined by how characters express affection and interact with others. While you might already know about some popular examples—like Yuno Gasai’s Yandere traits or Kurisu Makise’s Tsundere personality—there’s a wide range of other “Dere” types in the world of anime and manga, each with its own unique traits and quirks. If you’re a fan of these genres, you might be curious to learn more about the different personalities that make these characters so memorable. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Dere types and see who fits which personality!
What is a “Dere” Type?
The word “Dere” comes from “deredere” (デレデレ), an onomatopoeia meaning “lovestruck” or “lovey-dovey.” Dere-type characters are known for their varied ways of expressing affection, and each “Dere” type carries its own set of unique traits. These characters can range from shy and reserved to loud and outgoing, with their personalities influencing how they interact with their love interests or others. Each “Dere” type represents a different emotional spectrum and how a character might react in situations involving love, admiration, or relationships.
29. Bakadere
The term “Bakadere” is derived from the word “Baka,” meaning “fool” or “idiot.” Characters with this personality type are often naïve, clumsy, and a bit silly when it comes to love. They may be innocent and sweet, but their inability to understand or express their feelings often leads to humorous or awkward situations. Despite their foolishness, Bakadere characters are loyal and kind-hearted, making them endearing to fans.
Characters: Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece), Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto), Son Goku (Dragon Ball), Nobi Nobita (Doraemon).
28. Bocchandere
A “Bocchandere” is a character who, like a young master, carries an air of superiority. They might be a bit bossy or demanding, believing they are better than others. However, when it comes to their love interests, they are protective and would go to great lengths to ensure their safety and well-being. Despite their tough exterior, their devotion to loved ones is unwavering.
Characters: Ciel Phantomhive (Black Butler), Momo Ryuju (Kaguya-sama: Love is War), Nozel Silva (Black Clover).
27. Bodere
“Bodere” characters are extremely shy and introverted. They may have trouble speaking up, especially in front of their crush. Instead of expressing their emotions openly, they might lash out or become irritated as a defense mechanism. These characters often struggle with social situations but are deeply caring when they do open up.
The “Byoukidere” personality is characterized by a character’s battle with illness. These characters are often physically weak, and their emotional vulnerability makes them more open in expressing their love and feelings. While they may be shy or reserved, they are also typically very strong emotionally, given their fragile situation. Their illness often adds a layer of depth and sadness to their character arcs.
A “Dandere” character is quiet and reserved, preferring to stay out of the spotlight. They often come off as cold or emotionless, but in reality, they are simply shy and don’t open up easily. When they finally find someone they trust, they become much more expressive and warm, revealing their inner feelings.
A “Darudere” personality is laid-back, lazy, and often seems uninterested in much of anything. They might be indifferent to others and come across as boring or sluggish. However, despite their apathetic exterior, Darudere characters can be fiercely loyal and will go out of their way to protect their loved ones when needed, even if they complain about it.
A “Deredere” personality is the embodiment of happiness and positivity. These characters are cheerful, optimistic, and always ready to spread joy to others. They are friendly, approachable, and open with their feelings, making them the easiest to connect with. People with this personality type are naturally affectionate and kind-hearted.
People with this personality type appear sweet and innocent but are often internally troubled or mentally ill. Unlike Yandere, Dorodere characters don’t act on violent impulses, though their thoughts can be dark and disturbing. The term “dorodoro,” meaning “to be confused or muddy,” reflects their inner turmoil. They tend to be unpredictable, sociopathic, and ambiguous. Examples: Orochimaru (Boruto), Runa Yomozuki (Kakegurui), Reisuke Houjou (Mirai Nikki), Alluka Zoldyck (Hunter X Hunter), Harime Nui (Kill la Kill).
Goudere personalities are defined by their selflessness and devotion, focusing on doing anything to make their love interest happy. Their drive is not out of a desire for approval but out of a sense that their loved one “deserves” it. Unlike Yandere, their actions are not born from obsession but a wish to bring happiness. Examples: Hina (Plunderer), Momo Belia Deviluke (To Love-Ru), Kurumi (Koutetsu Tenshi Kurumi), Tohru (Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid).
20. Hajidere
Similar to Dandere, Hajidere characters are extremely shy and flustered, but their nervousness is specific to their crush, not everyone. They tend to blush constantly and struggle with embarrassing situations, even to the point of passing out. Examples: Izuku Midoriya (Boku no Hero Academia), Hinata Hyuga (Naruto), Yuri Katsuki (Yuri!!! on Ice), Karin Maaka (Chibi Vampire).
19. Himedere
Himedere characters expect to be treated like royalty. They are arrogant, selfish, and bossy, looking down on others. Despite their high and mighty demeanor, they often harbor insecurities due to past betrayals or fears of abandonment. Examples: Kurome (Akame Ga Kill!), Bulma Briefs (Dragon Ball), Erina Nakiri (Food Wars!), Rue (Princess Tutu).
18. Hinedere
Hinedere characters are cold, cynical, and often pessimistic. They trust few people and appear uninterested in the world around them. However, once someone special enters their life, they become more approachable and vulnerable. Examples: Byakuya Kuchiki (Bleach), Yu Ishigami (Kaguya-sama Love Is War), Saitama (One Punch Man), Thorfinn (Vinland Saga).
17. Hiyakasudere-Teasedere
Teasedere characters are playful and flirtatious, often teasing their crushes as a form of flirting. They balance kindness with sarcasm and care deeply for their love interests, though they express it through teasing. Examples: Shinnosuke (Apocalypse Alice), Osamu Dazai (Bungou Stray Dogs), Cattleya Baudelaire (Violet Evergarden), Kendall (Kendall the Criminal).
16. Kamidere
Kamidere characters view themselves as gods and expect others to treat them accordingly. They are proud, arrogant, and believe everyone should cater to their desires, often seeing themselves as above others. Examples: Light Yagami (Death Note), Sosuke Aizen (Bleach), Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass), Gilgamesh (Fate).
15. Kanedere
Kanedere personalities are obsessed with wealth and status. They are often perceived as “gold diggers” because their actions are motivated by a desire for money. While they are greedy and manipulative, they may still fall in love and shift their priorities if they find someone they truly care about. Examples: Nami (One Piece), Meifon Sakura (Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid), Reiko Mikami (Ghost Sweeper Mikami), Kimi Todo (Fruits Basket).
14. Kekkondere
Kekkondere characters are infatuated with the idea of marriage. They want to settle down immediately and often pressure their love interest to marry them right away. They idealize marriage and devotion, sometimes driven by a fear of loneliness. Examples: Ymir (Attack on Titan: Junior High), Marika Tachibana (Nisekoi), Lum Invader (Urusei Yatsura), Aura Capua (The Ideal Sponger Life).
13. Kitikudere/Thugdere
These characters are tough, aggressive, and often appear cold or mean to others, but underneath they are caring and protective. They use their tough exterior to shield their emotions and have a hard time trusting others. Often they curse and can display violent behavior but lack the cunning of characters like Yandere types.
Examples: Revy (Black Lagoon), Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan), Bakugo Katsuki (Boku no Hero Academia).
12. Kuudere/Kūdere
This personality type is calm, collected, and emotionally reserved. They are logical, rarely panicking in tough situations. However, they may occasionally show a softer side, particularly when in love. The personality can split into variations like Coodere (more emotionally expressive once they open up) and Kuutsundere (a mix of cool detachment and tsundere-like harshness).
11. Mayadere These characters are initially antagonistic, evil, or deceptive, but love and affection can turn them into allies. They often switch back and forth between being bad and good, usually falling in love with the main protagonist.
10. Megadere These characters exhibit obsessive, fan-like admiration for their love interest. They are fanboys or fangirls who become obsessed, often to the point of becoming overly possessive or obsessive, always showing extreme affection.
Examples: Diane (The Seven Deadly Sins), Sanji (One Piece), Mizore Shirayuki (Rosario to Vampire).
10. Nemuidere The Nemuidere personality is defined by sleepiness and a laid-back attitude. These characters are often drowsy, slow, and lazy, but they may be quite lovable. When they fall in love, their love interest might help them stay awake.
Examples: Nemurin (Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku), Gabriel White Tenma (Gabriel Dropout), Shouta Aizawa (Boku no Hero Academia).
These characters are cat-like in both appearance and personality. They may have cat ears, act like cats, or end sentences with “nyan”. They are sweet, adorable, and sometimes more mature, using their feline charm to capture attention.
Examples: Nyu (Elfen Lied), Nyanta (Log Horizon), Ritsuka Aoyagi (Loveless).
8. Oujidere-Ōjidere
The male equivalent of Himedere, these characters expect to be treated like royalty. They are arrogant, prideful, and bossy, and often demand that others do their bidding. However, they will treat their love interest with more warmth and respect.
OujodereThese characters are the polite, gentle, and ladylike counterparts to Himedere. They act like princesses but in a humble, kind, and gracious manner. They embody compassion and goodness and are often seen as dignified and helpful.
Sadistic, cold, and completely indifferent to empathy, Sadodere personalities are characterized by a love for tormenting and manipulating others. These characters take pleasure in controlling or inflicting pain on others, often for no reason other than their own amusement. They can even be more sadistic toward those they care about, enjoying the psychological games they play. The key difference between Sadodere and Yandere personalities is that Sadodere seeks pain for pleasure, while Yandere acts out of obsessive love.
Characters with this personality:
Diva (Blood+)
Junko Enoshima (Danganronpa)
Izaya Orihara (Durarara)
Luke and Jan Valentine (Hellsing)
Lapis Lazuli (Houseki no Kuni)
6. Shundere
Shundere personalities are the opposite of the optimistic Deredere type. These characters are constantly gloomy, sad, and melancholic. They often hide their sadness behind fake smiles but remain emotionally distant. Shundere characters typically wear dark clothing and are reluctant to open up, staying emotionally reserved even when they fall in love. Their sadness comes from past events that heavily influence their personality.
Characters with this personality:
Tomoko Kuroki (WataMote)
Toru Fujisaki (Yarichin Bitch Club)
Rei Kiriyama (3-Gatsu no Lion)
Mei Misaki (Another)
5. Tsundere
Tsundere characters are a favorite in anime. The term comes from the combination of “tsuntsun” (grumpy) and “deredere” (lovey-dovey). These characters are known for being outwardly harsh, rude, or cold, especially toward the person they secretly like. They tend to deny their feelings at first but will eventually show a more vulnerable, loving side. Tsundere characters may call their crush “baka” (fool) and act aggressively, but deep down they care for them.
Characters with this personality:
Taiga Aisaka (Toradora!)
Asuka Langley (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière (Zero no Tsukaima)
I. Gundere/Gandere
A type of Tsundere that’s more extreme, Gundere characters have a fascination with guns and violence. They’re often found wielding firearms while displaying enthusiasm for using them, blending their harsh Tsundere traits with a love for weaponry. Unlike Yandere, they don’t hurt others out of love but to hide deeper emotions.
II. Deretsun
A mix of kindness and coldness, Deretsun characters are generally nice to everyone except those they are romantically interested in. When they are around someone they care about, they switch to a cold, angry demeanor. Their behavior is inconsistent and often confusing to others.
III. Tsunpure
Tsunpure personalities are brutally honest with others, but often lie to themselves. They are emotional, but struggle with self-awareness. They tend to lash out and act harshly, but later reveal the underlying feelings that made them react that way.
IV. Tsundra/Tsundora
A more serious, cold version of Tsundere, Tsundra personalities are harsh and unkind, often calling others stupid or annoying. However, they do so with genuine belief, and their words can seem more like a cold, factual statement rather than an emotionally charged one.
V. Tsunshun
Tsunshun characters stay grumpy and cold throughout, even when they like someone. They often reject love interests in a rude way but feel regret afterward. This rejection-regret cycle repeats continuously, leaving them emotionally conflicted.
VI. Tsuntere
Tsuntere personalities are shy but also have an angry side. Unlike Tsundere, Tsuntere characters may be a little warmer and more hesitant with their emotions. They are less rude and tend to feel awkward in social situations, expressing their anger in smaller doses.
VII. Tsun’aho
This personality type is learned through socialization. Tsun’aho characters pretend to be cold and indifferent, but deep down, they are simply socially awkward or immature. They often find themselves in silly situations, confusing others about their true nature.
VIII. Tsungire
Tsungire personalities are similar to Sadodere, as they are filled with rage and cruelty. They are not motivated by love, but instead by a violent, uncontrollable nature. These characters are always on edge, ready to lash out at anyone who crosses their path.
IX. BST (Belligerent Sexual Tension)
BST occurs when two characters act unapproachable, both denying their feelings for each other. They experience intense sexual tension, leading to comedic and dramatic interactions. Characters involved in BST often hide their feelings behind masks of indifference, making the slow burn of their eventual confession all the more entertaining.
Characters with this personality:
Makise Kurisu & Okabe Rintarou (Steins;Gate)
Mary Saotome (Kakegurui)
Claire Harvey (Hundred)
4. Undere
Undere characters are extremely agreeable, always saying “yes” to others and doing whatever is asked of them. They tend to be loyal, kind, and eager to help without thinking about the consequences. Their simplicity and eagerness to please can make them seem naïve or overly subservient.
Characters with this personality:
Giyu Tomioka (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Misa Amane (Death Note)
Hestia (DanMachi)
3. Utsudere
Utsudere characters are similar to Shundere, but their sadness stems from specific life events, like trauma or personal loss. While they may have been happy in the past, they are now marked by depression and emotional pain. However, there is hope for these characters to heal, usually through the support of others.
Characters with this personality:
Yu Ishigami (Kaguya-sama: Love Is War)
Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)
2. Yandere
Yandere is the ultimate dere personality type for obsessive love. These characters are deeply in love with someone to the point of mental instability, often resorting to extreme actions like violence or murder to protect or keep their love interest. They are sweet and loving at first, but their true nature emerges when others threaten their relationship.
Characters with this personality:
Yuno Gasai (Mirai Nikki)
Kotonoha Katsura (School Days)
I. Yangire
Yangire characters are similar to Yandere but are not driven by love. Instead, they have snapped due to trauma or extreme circumstances and are consumed by rage and violence. Their actions are fueled by anger, not affection.
II. Yandegire
An extreme version of Yandere, Yandegire characters have multiple personalities and a dangerous fixation on their loved one. They will go to great lengths, even killing, to ensure their beloved stays with them and nobody else can have them.
1. Yottadere
Yottadere personalities are heavily associated with alcohol. These characters are often seen with a drink in hand, and their behavior changes when intoxicated. While drunk, they may act wildly, revealing secrets or engaging in behaviors they wouldn’t normally do. When in love, they may drink to cope with their emotions or stop drinking to show respect for their love interest.
Characters with this personality:
Shoko Ieiri (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Tsunade (Naruto)
Misato Katsuragi (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
The diverse range of dere types in anime allows for a rich tapestry of character interactions, each contributing to the emotional depth and excitement of the story. From the lovable and affectionate nature of a “Deredere” to the chilling extremes of a “Yandere,” each archetype offers a unique perspective on love, conflict, and personal growth. Understanding these personalities gives us a deeper appreciation for the complex and often unpredictable relationships that unfold in anime. Whether characters are driven by genuine affection, twisted obsession, or simply a need for connection, their behaviors create memorable and sometimes intense experiences for the audience. Ultimately, the dere system serves as a testament to the power of personality-driven storytelling in anime.
Dev King is a passionate fan of manga, manhwa, and webtoons, with a love for Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cartoons. Always exploring new worlds and stories, he finds joy in every unique style and plot twist.
