These ladies have put their own spin on the manic dream girl trope to provide Anime lovers with more empowered female characters. Manic pixie dream girls exist for the sole purpose of adding substance to the lead male protagonist’s story. She is usually a romantic love interest who teaches her male companion a valuable life lesson. These excitable girls generally lack any depth of character, as they act more as interactive props than individuals with a history of their own.
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As women find their voice, they seek better representation in society, and many anime have obliged by going against the grain of the classicmanic pixie dream girl trope. Instead of simply being a concept introduced to stroke the male ego, these ladies defy stereotypes by forging a path of their own.
10Rukia Kuchiki: Bleach
When Rukia Kuchiki first met Kurosaki Ichigo inBleach, she possess a “damsel in distress” quality, but viewers quickly realise how very capable this young Shinigami is. Rukia landed herself in a spot of trouble with the Gotei 13 after recruiting Ichigo as a Substitute Shinigami, but by working as a team the pair managed to clear her name.
Rukia’s character could conform to the manic pixie girl tope, asIchigo’s whole Shinigami journeywould not have happened without her involvement. However, her personality firmly displaces her from the stereotype, as she is a hot-headed independent woman with a troubled backstory and a strained relationship with her adoptive brother, Byakuya.
9Motoko Kusanagi: Ghost In The Shell
Not only is Motoko Kusanagi a self-sufficient woman of substance, but she also battles with an internal crisis as her identity is questioned. Kusanagi is a leading figure in the Public Security Section of the Japanese Police Force. She does rely on Batou’s assistance, butGhost in the Shellis Kusanagi’s story, and Batou is merely a supporting character.
There is nothing “manic” or “dream girl” aboutKusanagi inGhost in the Shell, as she does not attempt to fluff anyone’s ego up. This cybernetic soldier is assertive and decisive in her attempts to track down the Puppet Master and uncover her true identity.
8Re-L Mayer: Ergo Proxy
Re-L Mayer is a rebel with a cause whose quirky character is in stark contrast to the other residents of Romdeau. She forms part of the Intelligence Bureau and makes no priority of attempting to charm people. With the predictable superiority complex of the Regent’s granddaughter, Re-L exudes dominant energy and she shows significant character development asthe sci-fi story unfolds.
The main protagonist, Vincent Law, instantly falls in love with Re-L (and who can blame him!) but, contrary to traditional tropes, his affections are not immediately reciprocated. Re-L becomes the ultimate heroine, as she risks her life several times to save Vincent after he is falsely exiled to the Commune.
7Asuna Yuuki: Sword Art Online
As one of the 10,000 players trapped within theSword Art Onlinegame, Asuna quickly rises to become a top swordsman of the Knights of the Blood Guild; all without the help of Kirito. Asuna’s love gives purpose to Kirito’s life, however, he is the one to teach the red-headed beauty a valuable life lesson.
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Asuna can tend to take life too seriously, and Kirito teaches her to appreciate life more. Most importantly,Kirito does not deny Asunaher independence and often steps aside to give ner the chance to fight, fully aware of her capabilities.
6Clare: Claymore
When Teresa was dishonorably beheaded during battle, Clare gave up everything to avenge her friend, going so far as to voluntarily become a Claymore; the first person ever to do so. The dream girl trope can take the backseat as this hardcore human-Yoma hybrid steers her own life out of the victim lane.
The dedicated Claymorefinds love in the formof Raki, but sadly the two are separated, uncertain if they will ever be reunited again. As heartsore as Clare was, however, she keeps to her original quest of taking Priscilla down, and the storyline is thankfully not derailed by the romance of it all.
5Yona: Yona of the Dawn
Yona is given a rude awakening with the sudden adjustment from the pamperedlife of a princess to that of a fugitive. After her father’s murder, Hak (the fitting manic pixie dream boy) flees the kingdom with Yona and, at her request, teaches her valuable combat, archery, and swordsmanship skills.
Yona had all the makings to perfectly fit into the stereotypical dream girl image, having lived a sheltered, spoilt and carefree life. However, her cute, bubbly personality combined with her unwavering idolization of her father, Emperor Il, is quickly displaced by the spirit of a warrior as Yona turns herself into a lethal weapon.
4Utena Tenjou: Revolutionary Girl Utena
Utena Tenjou takes female stereotypes head-on in a number of ways after she inadvertently becomes a Duelist and is appalled at being rewarded with a woman. Anthy Himemiya is literally given to her as aRose Bride, the ultimate epitome of a trophy wife. Utena subsequently decides to dress more masculine to channel prince-like qualities in her pursuit to rescueher damsel in distress.
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Utena could have taken the easy road and become Akio Ohtori’s prized possession, but instead, she fights on! During an epic battle, Utena destroys the illusion castle and the arena, sacrificing her own life to free Anthy from the bonds of servitude.
3Robin Sena: Witch Hunter Robin
A fifteen-year-old girl needs to be exceedingly special to hold her own amongst a group of adult hunters, and luckily for Robin Sena, she fits the bill. As a “Designer Witch” created for Project Devil Child to form the next generation of witches with genetic dominance, Robin is the only witch guaranteed not to go feral fromthe dark magic’s influences.
Robin, however, forges her own path when she begins to question the ethical code of the STN-J, whose goal is to kill witches without hesitation. She relies heavily upon Amon for guidance, but their partnership is mutually beneficial - despite her age, Amon is in awe of Robin’s power potential.
2Blue Saber: Fate/Type Moon
Artoria Pendragon personifies another typical gender bender of the Fate series, representing the female version of King Arthur. With Excalibur by her side, Artoria does not let female stigmas restrict her pursuit of becoming the King herself and earning herself the legendary description ofa god of warin the process, although all of this is achieved under a male guise.
During the Dark Ages, a woman would never be allowed to rule, so Robin emphasizes her masculinity to qualify as a king. Blue Saber relies on her own moral code in upholding justice, often dismissing her feelings for Shirou Emiya for the sake of duty.
1NezukoKamado: Demon Slayer
Nezuko walks the line of the manic pixie dream girl trope inDemon Slayer,as the catalyst for TanjiroKamado’s character development into becoming a demon hunter himself, in a heroic attempt to save his sister. Initially,Nezuko is portrayed as helpless,as if her new demonic capabilities were debilitative when assumptions were made regarding her bloodlust. However, everyone finally realizes that the demonic girl is more powerful than they imagined, and her incredible resolve prohibits Nezuko from harming any innocents.
Unwilling to succumb to her tragic fate, Nezuko transforms herself from a burden into a weapon fueled by Blood Demon Art and becomes a vital team member. Tanjiro and his friends would not be where they are today without the help of this little demon girl.
