Does DxD Riser Have A Character Development Arc?

Riser Phenex from 'High School DxD' is one of those characters who initially comes off as utterly insufferable, but over time, you start to see the cracks in his arrogance—and that’s where things get interesting. At first, he’s the stereotypical elitist antagonist, flaunting his status as a high-ranking devil and treating others, especially women, as disposable assets. His obsession with Rias and his refusal to accept her rejection paint him as a one-dimensional villain early on. But the series does something unexpected: it peels back the layers of his pride and reveals a guy who’s deeply insecure about his own worth.

After his humiliating defeat by Issei, Riser’s storyline takes a turn. He doesn’t immediately become a saint, but he begins to question his actions and the values he’s been raised with. The Phenex family’s immortality made him complacent, and losing forces him to confront the fact that strength isn’t just about power or status—it’s about growth. By Season 3 and beyond, we see him trying to redeem himself, albeit in his own stubborn way. He starts respecting Rias’s autonomy, even supporting her relationship with Issei (though he’ll never admit it outright). His dynamic with his sister, Ravel, also highlights his softer side; he genuinely cares for her, even if his methods are overbearing. It’s not a dramatic redemption arc, but it’s a subtle, believable shift for someone who’s spent centuries being told he’s untouchable. By the time he’s fighting alongside Issei against common threats, you realize he’s grown—just enough to make you root for him, even if he’s still a pompous jerk at heart.