10 Anime Characters Who Need Their Own Side Story More Than Ever

In the world of anime, it’s sometimes the supporting characters that are more interesting than the main protagonist! Yes, the protagonists may get all the screentime, but it’s the side characters that people get invested in and want to learn more about. Whether it be the world’s strongest soldier or a shoujo nurse, here are the 10 anime characters who need their own side story.

10) Misao Aki (Peach Girl)

In Peach Girl, Misao Aki is the school nurse at Tonan High School, as she is known for her caring, big-sister nature towards the students and also serves as a trusted adult figure and the voice of reason, especially to Momo Adachi, the protagonist of the series, and the rest of the cast, which includes Sae Kashiwagi, the antagonist, Kairi Okayasu, her former student, and Kazuya “Toji” Tojigamori.

She was also once the tutor of Kairi Okayasu, for whom Kairi has a crush due to Misao seeing Kairi as his own person and not comparing him to his brother like most people do, although she sees Kairi only as a friend. She dated Kairi’s older brother, Ryo Okayasu, the secondary antagonist/love interest of the series, during their time in college, but they broke up due to Ryo’s harsh and manipulative nature.

However, despite being portrayed as a cool big sister and trusted adult figure, Misao has her own insecurities about her appearance and whether she will ever find love herself.

I think if she were to get her own spin-off story, it would be nice to know what or who inspired her to become a school nurse, see her get a new love interest, and learn other fun facts about her, such as her birthday, her friends in college, and anything else Miwa Ueda-sensei would love to include about Misao. I would love a Misao spin-off story!

9) Satoshi Miwa (Marmalade Boy)

However, despite being portrayed as a cool big sister and trusted adult figure, Misao has her own insecurities about her appearance and whether she will ever find love herself.

8) Shigeru Okawahara (Boys Over Flowers)

Although Tsukushi Makino is the main star of Yoko Kamio’s hit ’90s anime and manga Boys Over Flowers, it’s Shigeru Okawahara who deserves her flowers.

Shigeru is revealed to be the heiress of the Okawahara family and Tsukasa Domyoji’s fiancée, which causes a problem for Tsukasa and Tsukushi as they have somewhat accepted their feelings for each other but aren’t officially together.

The cherry on top is that Tsukushi and Shigeru become really good friends, with Shigeru always giving Tsukushi updates on her and Tsukasa’s relationship, which annoys Tsukushi to no end due to her own feelings for Tsukasa.

Eventually, when Shigeru realizes she has no chance of being with Tsukasa, she gracefully steps aside, letting go of her feelings and becoming a true friend and wingwoman for Tsukasa and Tsukushi, allowing the two to finally become a couple.

I think a side story for her would be great so readers could learn more about the Okawahara family and watch her find someone who can appreciate her kind-hearted and tomboyish nature.

7) Arisa Uotani and Saki Hanajima (Fruits Basket)

Fruits Basket is a beloved shoujo supernatural, romance, drama, and slice-of-life series by Natsuki Takaya. With a cast of wonderful characters ranging from the kind-hearted and adorable Tohru Honda to the tsundere and lovable Kyo Sohma, the cool and princely Yuki Sohma, and the rest of the Sohma family, each character goes through trauma, healing, and redemption.

As wonderful as Tohru Honda is—she’s my girl and an inspiration to be a better person in life—it’s her two best friends, Arisa Uotani and Saki Hanajima, or Uo-chan and Hana-chan respectively, as Tohru affectionately calls them, who play a major role in her life.

Their connection to Tohru stems from their relationship with Tohru’s late mother, Kyoko Honda. Kyoko was once a delinquent who belonged to an infamous gang due to her troubled home life. However, after meeting Katsuya Honda, getting married, and giving birth to Tohru, she became the kind-hearted and loving woman that Tohru and everyone around her would come to know and cherish.

Arisa looked up to Kyoko because of her gang days, but later she was saved from her former lifestyle through the help of Kyoko and Tohru. Together with Saki, she became a better person and built a lasting friendship.

Arisa and Saki even promised at Kyoko’s grave that they would protect Tohru. Because of this, Arisa is often depicted as the “father” figure, while Saki, with her mysterious wave energy, is portrayed as the overprotective “mother” figure when it comes to Tohru.

I believe these two would be amazing choices for a side story because we would get to know more about their lives, their futures, and their incredible friendship with Tohru. Honestly, their friendship is one of the sweetest in anime, and I simply want more Arisa and Saki.

6) Ruka Sarashina (Rent-A-Girlfriend)

Rent-A-Girlfriend, also known as Kanojo, Okarishimasu, is an ongoing anime and manga series created by Reiji Miyajima.

The story centers on Kazuya Kinoshita, a 21-year-old college student who is left heartbroken after his girlfriend, Mami Nanami, breaks up with him for someone else. In his loneliness, Kazuya turns to a rental girlfriend app and meets Chizuru Mizuhara, a captivating and ambitious actress who works part-time as a rental girlfriend.

Unexpectedly, Chizuru is also his neighbor and fellow college student, although her real name is Chizuru Ichinose. At first, Kazuya and Chizuru have a rocky relationship, but as the series progresses, Kazuya becomes determined to turn their pretend romance into something real.

The series blends romance, drama, slice-of-life moments, and an abundance of love triangles and harem dynamics. Kazuya’s kindness and sincerity attract the attention of several girls, most notably Ruka Sarashina—a spirited, determined, and cheerful girl with a heart condition.

Despite her health challenges, Ruka refuses to let them define her. She becomes infatuated with Kazuya because he makes her heart race beyond anything she has ever experienced. Although Kazuya makes it clear that his feelings belong to Chizuru, Ruka’s tenacity drives her to compete for his affection, even viewing Chizuru as a rival.

A spin-off centered on Ruka would be compelling given her reputation as a fan-favorite “trial girlfriend.” No matter whether readers support Team Chizuru, Team Ruka, Team Mami, or Team Sumi, it’s evident that Ruka, Mami, and Sumi are unlikely to win Kazuya’s heart.

For Ruka, a story about moving on, finding new love, and embracing life beyond her pursuit of Kazuya would send a powerful message: the search for love doesn’t end with one person, and it’s always possible to move forward and find happiness on your own terms.

Also, I love her signature blue ribbon—it’s so cute!

5) Megumi Fushiguro (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Known as Potential Man by people online as a running joke within the JJK fandom, many fans believe he had far more to offer in terms of his abilities.

In reality, Megumi Fushiguro is the deuteragonist of Jujutsu Kaisen and a first-year jujutsu sorcerer alongside fellow first-years Yuji Itadori and Nobara Kugisaki, with Satoru Gojo serving as their teacher.

Together, they battle dangerous cursed spirits and hostile sorcerers while protecting humanity from supernatural threats.

Despite his quiet and reserved demeanor, Megumi is fiercely principled and deeply compassionate, often risking his own safety to protect others.

He possesses tremendous potential as a sorcerer, demonstrated by his mastery of the Ten Shadows Technique—a powerful and versatile shikigami-based technique inherited from the Zenin Clan.

Megumi is also the son of Toji Fushiguro, formerly Toji Zenin, and the cousin of Maki and Mai Zenin.

While he prefers to act with caution and rationality, Megumi’s willingness to push his limits during critical moments is what makes him stand out among his peers.

His journey is defined by his determination to save people he deems worthy and by his search for his own sense of justice, even when it means going against conventional thinking.

I believe Megumi deserves a side story exploring his childhood, his relationship with Tsumiki, his training before joining Tokyo Jujutsu High, and the deeper history behind the Ten Shadows Technique.

4) The Outer Sailor Scouts (Sailor Moon)

There is no doubt that Sailor Moon, created by the legendary Naoko Takeuchi, is one of the most influential shoujo and magical girl series ever made.

The franchise explores themes of friendship, love, womanhood, sacrifice, death, rebirth, redemption, and character growth through Tsukino Usagi, also known as Sailor Moon, her fellow Sailor Scouts, and allies such as Tuxedo Mask, Luna, Artemis, Diana, and many others.

While the main cast receives plenty of attention throughout the anime and manga, I have always felt that the Outer Sailor Scouts deserved far more focus.

Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune, Sailor Pluto, and Sailor Saturn are responsible for guarding the outer reaches of the Solar System from extra-dimensional threats. Because of this duty, they possess immense cosmic knowledge, mature worldviews, and a willingness to make painful moral sacrifices for the greater good.

Unlike the Inner Sailor Scouts, they often operate from the shadows and are forced to make decisions that blur the line between right and wrong.

I think a side story focusing on the Outer Sailor Scouts would be fantastic because it would allow us to learn more about their responsibilities, relationships, and unique found-family dynamic.

Their immense power, emotional complexity, and willingness to carry burdens that others cannot make them some of the most fascinating characters in the entire franchise, and they deserve far more time in the spotlight.

3) Dr. Franken Stein (Soul Eater)

Soul Eater, a completed dark action and supernatural classic created by Atsushi Ohkubo, takes place at the Death Weapon Meister Academy (DWMA) in Death City.

The story centers on students such as Maka Albarn and her weapon partner Soul Eater, Black☆Star and his weapon partner Tsubaki Nakatsukasa, and Death the Kid alongside Liz and Patty Thompson as they collect evil souls in pursuit of creating a powerful Death Scythe.

The series is widely celebrated for its brilliant blend of gothic aesthetics, fast-paced action, dark humor, and psychological depth.

While the young students face physical battles against witches and monsters, the true psychological horror of the world is perfectly embodied by Dr. Franken Stein.

Stein is introduced as a mad scientist who sports a giant screw through his head and views everything—and everyone—as a potential subject for dissection.

At first glance, Stein functions as an eccentric and unstable mentor who terrifies his students. However, beneath his manic personality lies a tragic character locked in an endless war against Madness, the corrupting force that threatens to consume both individuals and society.

In his youth, Stein’s obsession with experimentation drove away his original weapon partner, Spirit Albarn, leaving him deeply isolated.

Even though Stein acts as one of the academy’s greatest protectors, the story frequently uses his deteriorating mental state as a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.

I think a prequel spin-off focusing on Stein’s early years would be incredibly compelling for the fanbase.

Whether viewers love his bizarre classroom antics or his terrifying full-power battles, the series leaves many questions about his past unanswered.

A dedicated psychological horror story could explore his rise as the academy’s most dangerous prodigy, his original partnership with Spirit, and the exact moment he decided to bolt that iconic screw into his head.

For Stein, a story centered on his internal struggle, the origins of his madness, and his active choice to protect humanity despite his darker impulses would send a powerful message: your past mistakes and darkest thoughts do not have to define you.

Also, I love how he casually rolls around on his laboratory chair—it’s hilarious.

2) Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)

Attack on Titan, the universally acclaimed masterpiece created by Hajime Isayama, places humanity on the brink of extinction inside massive walled cities, hunted by giant humanoid creatures known as Titans.

The story follows Eren Yeager and the Survey Corps as they launch dangerous military expeditions beyond the walls in pursuit of freedom and truth.

The series is celebrated for its brutal realism, political complexity, devastating plot twists, and immense emotional weight.

Few characters embody that emotional weight better than Levi Ackerman.

Known as Humanity’s Strongest Soldier, Levi commands absolute authority on the battlefield, moving with flawless precision and deadly agility while maintaining a cold demeanor and an almost obsessive commitment to cleanliness.

His combination of overwhelming strength, sharp wit, and hidden compassion has made him one of the most beloved characters in anime history.

While the two-episode No Regrets OVA gave fans a glimpse into how Levi was recruited from the Underground by Erwin Smith, much of his military career remains unexplored.

Before Eren arrived, Levi spent years surviving brutal expeditions that reshaped the Survey Corps.

He witnessed the deaths of his original special operations squad, childhood friends, and countless trusted comrades, yet he continued moving forward despite unimaginable loss.

I think a prequel spin-off focused on Levi’s military rise would be a massive success.

Rather than focusing on the mysteries of the Titans, it could function as a gritty military thriller centered on survival, leadership, and sacrifice.

The story could explore his early years under the harsh influence of Kenny Ackerman, better known as Kenny the Ripper, his adaptation to military life, and the emotional burden of losing so many comrades.

For Levi, a dedicated series would send a powerful message: true strength is not about being unbeatable.

True strength is finding the resilience to carry the memories of those you have lost while continuing to fight for a better future.

Also, I love the way he holds his teacup by the rim instead of the handle—it’s such a unique character trait.

1) L Lawliet (Death Note)

Death Note remains one of anime’s greatest psychological thrillers thanks to its incredible music, unforgettable suspense, and legendary battle of intellects between Light Yagami and L Lawliet.

At first glance, L appears to be an eccentric detective whose strange habits and awkward behavior make him difficult to understand.

However, beneath the sugar-fueled eccentricity lies one of anime’s most fascinating and tragic minds.

L is a character defined by isolation.

His genius is so overwhelming that it creates an invisible barrier between him and everyone around him.

While he serves as the world’s greatest detective and a shield for global justice, he is also someone who struggles to form genuine human connections.

His upbringing at Wammy’s House only intensified this isolation, as his extraordinary intellect separated him from ordinary childhood experiences.

Even as he pursues justice, his obsessive drive and lack of self-preservation constantly place him in danger.

I think a prequel spin-off focused on L’s early years would be one of the most compelling stories that the Death Note universe could offer.

A dedicated psychological thriller could explore his childhood as Wammy’s House’s greatest prodigy, his relationship with Watari, and the cases that established him as the world’s greatest detective.

It could also delve into his encounters with the legendary detectives Eraldo Coil and Deneuve, further expanding the mystery surrounding his rise to prominence.

For L, a story focused on his emotional isolation, his pursuit of justice, and the burden of being fundamentally different would deliver a powerful message: being different does not prevent someone from making a meaningful impact on the world.

Sometimes the people who feel the most disconnected from society are the very people protecting it.

Also, I love how he casually crouches on furniture, stacks sugar cubes, and somehow manages to solve impossible crimes while looking like he hasn’t slept in days.

Final Thoughts

Anime is filled with unforgettable supporting characters who often leave just as strong an impression as the protagonists themselves.

Whether it’s Misao Aki, Satoshi Miwa, Shigeru Okawahara, Arisa Uotani, Saki Hanajima, Ruka Sarashina, Megumi Fushiguro, The Outer Sailor Scouts, Dr. Franken Stein, Levi Ackerman, or L Lawliet, each of these characters possesses enough depth, popularity, and untapped potential to carry an incredible side story of their own.

Sometimes the most fascinating stories aren’t about the heroes at the center of the spotlight—they’re about the characters standing just outside of it.