Attached to Characters in Anime?

[Element Jay]

Have you guys ever felt attached to a character for over a very long period of time, and perhaps even after a series is over? Do you guys think it a normal feeling to have, or would it be wise to let it go once you're done with a show?

With each series I watch, I will usually find at least one character I can relate to, almost passionately in some cases. It's more often that when I find that one character, my focus on the show tends to lean more towards seeing the character get what he/she deserves or if things get gritty, hope the character doesn't get killed off.

And in my case, the emotional effects of what happens to a particular character usually lasts for months after finishing a series. Though while I don't know if it's quite healthy to be engrossed in fictional creations over a period of time, it does give a good perspective on how well created and well written these characters are in anime.

[ADC]

I kind of felt that way about Reki in Haibane-Renmei. Those who've seen that show all the way through probably have a good idea of how things went when I watched episode 13.

[GrateSaiyaman]

I couldn't look at an attachment to an anime character any stranger than an attachment to any other type of character or celebrity. As long as you know that they aren't real or have any real-world expectations of them, what would be wrong with it?

I used to work with a fellow that would listen to American Idol at work . . . not something that I would recommend when you are running a $6Million machine that can literally dismember you if you are distracted. The manger caught him and told him to stop, he said he wouldn't . . . they sent him home and gave him 3 days off without pay for violating the rules and creating a safety hazard for himself and anyone else that might get injured by the equipment and the people that might have to clean up after-wards. The goof-ball was videotaping the show at home too, so I think that this is an example of being attached to a character or show can be a bad thing. If your obsession is along these lines you might need help.

Just feeling an attachment to a character because of the story or that character's development with in the story . . . I think that is the main thing a writer is trying to do. On a deeper note if the feeling lasts longer or if you act on those feelings to create change in you life (in a positive way) that's what some exceptional stories should do.
Just because a character is from the realm of fantasy doesn't mean they wouldn't affect us or shouldn't affect us. IF a character makes us think, contemplate a deeper meaning or make things better, in most cases, I can hardly see where it would be a "bad thing".

There are a number of characters from anime as well as other mediums that I find interesting and in some degree or another, are attached to and I still think about them.

I think I might be starting to babble . . .

[aagranov]

There's no difference in attaching to a fictional character whether it occurs in a novel, television show, film or anime. What matters is that you believe in the conception. One character that I think about often is Akemi from Saikano.

[Lego]

I necessarily don't "love" a character but I do have a couple characters who I'm still attached to because I like them as characters.

Haruka from Hime
Urd from AMG
Tanabe from Planetes
Rider from Fate/stay night
Issac and Miria from Baccano

and so on and so forth. I'm all for getting into characters and liking them unless it becomes a little over the edge. Collecting fan art and posters? No problemo. Dragging a body pillow around with you calling it your wife? Yeah, that'll be a problem(we've all seen that guy..).

[Fudce]

Never... :noodle:

[something]

If I couldn't get attached to a character deeply, I wouldn't have any favorite shows because I'd forget them all.

The very definition of a good anime, to me, is that I connect to and vastly enjoy the characters, not just while I'm watching, but also while discussing the series, or watching AMVs, or searching imageboards, etc.

[The Great Bear]

I think I might be starting to babble . . .


Maybe, but I can agree with a lot of what you said. All creators of fiction, be they novelists, screenwriters or mangaka, are all looking to create characters that leave a real impression on the audience. There's nothing wrong with having a real feeling or emotional response to a fictional character. That's what the creator was aiming for.

Now, if you find yourself holding conversations with that fictional character, and creating a whole relationship with them…then you may need to see a shrink :sd:

[aagranov]

I just want to say that it's very rare for me to connect to an anime character. Usually not enough depth written into them. However, Ichise the lead of TehXnolyze is one of the most indelible characters ever written for anime.

[Suwako Moriya]

I've experienced varying degrees of character attachment across the board including in the realm of anime itself. And yes some attachment is definitely long term. For example I'm still rather fond of Seiko Rikiishi and Chika Yurikusa from Shrine of the Morning Mist.

I also find character attachment is a major motivating factor to get me to watch a series. After all if I can't give a ***** about anyone in the story then I'm not going to care what happens in the story. However with attachment to at least one character if not more, I have a reason to care about what happens. As the story is given a personal level.

Granted early on the attachment is more likely to be minor as I'm still getting to know the cast. However that minor attachment is needed to get me to check out more. To see if the minor attachments grows stronger and become major over time. If it does then it's a clear sign the show is a keeper and worthy to me.

So yeah in addition to becoming attached to characters, I find character attachment to be quite important. After if I'm going to watch yet another character do _______ then darn it, I want it to be someone I can actually bring myself to care about.

[HitokiriShadow]

I can't say I've yet felt that attached to a character that I'm still gushing over them months or years later, but I do tend to get attached to characters at least while I'm watching (and probably when I think back on that show for various reasons). I do consider myself a bit of a fanboy over Nayuki (Kanon) and Fate and Hayate (Nanoha). And pretty much the entire cast of Clannad.

[cjed]

Just feeling an attachment to a character because of the story or that character's development with in the story . . . I think that is the main thing a writer is trying to do. On a deeper note if the feeling lasts longer or if you act on those feelings to create change in you life (in a positive way) that's what some exceptional stories should do.
Just because a character is from the realm of fantasy doesn't mean they wouldn't affect us or shouldn't affect us. IF a character makes us think, contemplate a deeper meaning or make things better, in most cases, I can hardly see where it would be a "bad thing".

There are a number of characters from anime as well as other mediums that I find interesting and in some degree or another, are attached to and I still think about them.

Nice summary - I can't see how you can enjoy a book / film / play / anime / manga unless you can connect in some way with one or more of the characters in the story. Even such a simple and shallow connection as wish fulfilment (James Bond?).

I've grown to like a number of anime characters, both from films and series, because their behaviour or personality appeals to me in some way. This seems to be a completely different thing from appreciating the quality of an anime itself (such as character development, plot, production etc.). I think I'm more likely to rewatch anime that has characters I'm attached to than anime that I think is high quality.

[aagranov]

Of course many hard-core otaku don't care about the characters so much as the fluidity of the animation, character design. Maybe I think anime fans should be separated into those who care more along the technical lines and those who care more along story-telling lines.

[Lego]

Of course many hard-core otaku don't care about the characters so much as the fluidity of the animation, character design. Maybe I think anime fans should be separated into those who care more along the technical lines and those who care more along story-telling lines.

Can I be in both camps or do I need some sort of registration card?

[aagranov]

Of course many hard-core otaku don't care about the characters so much as the fluidity of the animation, character design. Maybe I think anime fans should be separated into those who care more along the technical lines and those who care more along story-telling lines.

Can I be in both camps or do I need some sort of registration card?

Of course I find myself in both camps as well depending on the show. F.e., wrt Shakugan no Shana, I won't watch the 2nd season on fansub because I like the animation quality so much I don't want to experience the story in anything less then a clear image from a DVD. However, with Genshiken 2 it was never about the technical aspect, so I'm satisfied to see it fansubbed.

[EmperorBrandon]

I don't have much to say here, as I pretty much agree with what Grate and something have said. Getting attached to the characters is one reason I can tell a particular anime series is successful for me (though certainly isn't the only thing, as I've found with some series). Sometimes attachment to particular characters lasts a while and other times my attachment is more short term (though I still like them when I revisit the series they're in).

[jecca-neko]

It's almost mandatory for me to identify with or enjoy watching the antics of at least one character in a show to make it worth watching for me. I enjoy watching those characters grow, or in the cases where they remain the same, I watch seeing them interact with the other characters. If I don't like at least one character I can't really like the show.

[Njr Scrawl]

Its what hooked me on anime & keeps me there;

Noriko & Kasumi in Gunbuster
Misato in Evangelion
Madoka in Kimagure Orange Road
Kyoko in Maison Ikkoku
Emma in Z Gundam
Usagi in Sailor Moon
Jinto in Crest of the Stars
Kaoru in Rurouni Kenshin

were the first...

[Garasharp K7]

Never... :noodle:

What he said. :grin:

[tanahome]

now, are these characters of the sex that you are attracted to? if so, it's cause you got a crush on them! :P

ok, maybe not a crush, but an attraction for the personality associated with the said anime character.

can't recall if there were other times, but the last time i can recall having an attachment to a character(s) was watching Ah! My Goddess TV Season 1. just after finishing the last few episodes, not only did i have strong attachments to Belldandy (of course!), but also Urd and Skuld despite their many faults (the last couple of episodes really showed their sweeter side that really endeared them to me).

gosh, if i can only meet a RL girl with a combination of traits from all 3 goddesses, i'll be in heaven... :noodle:

but really, if i'm still thinking about a particular anime character for a while, it's cause something about that character that i respect, connect with, or because of the feelings that character inspired in me. with Ah! My Goddess TV series, it's was a general feel good feeling that lasted about a week for me...

[aagranov]

I definitely have this fascination with Light Yagami of Death Note. He's just so charismatic, such a leader - I'd follow him into Kira's kingdom for sure!

[tanahome]

I definitely have this fascination with Light Yagami of Death Note. He's just so charismatic, such a leader - I'd follow him into Kira's kingdom for sure!
he's freak'em Charlie Manson!

[Fudce]

Never... :noodle:

What he said. :grin:

You're lieing :susel:

[zoot]

I'm attached to Petoko at the moment, but I guess that's not what you meant.

[Element Jay]

I'm attached to Petoko at the moment, but I guess that's not what you meant.

Then that must mean she has quite an attachment to you (sticky youkai tend to do that).