What Fandoms Believe Their Favorites Deserved Better Portrayals?

In any story, it's a bummer when characters we love don't get the arcs they deserve. A classic example for me is 'Attack on Titan' and the character of Reiner Braun. His journey is absolutely fascinating—a warrior turned reluctant hero. I wish we could have seen more of his internal struggle portrayed in the earlier seasons. Instead of just being a soldier of Marley, there's such depth to him as someone caught in the conflict, grappling with his identity, and the heartbreaking sacrifices he made. His complexities could have turned him into a fan-favorite with a bit more development. It doesn't help that most of the series focuses on Eren and the others, but Reiner's hidden pain and the weight of his decisions felt so real to me. I’d love to have explored the shades of grey in his character further, asking questions of loyalty and the cost of war. Imagine an OVA dedicated solely to him! That could have been epic! A character like that deserves the limelight, and it felt like a missed opportunity to truly flesh out his narrative through the series. I think fans could have connected on an emotional level with him more if he were given the narrative spotlight he warranted!

It's so common to chat about our favorite novels and immediately fall into nostalgia or frustration over our beloved characters and their fates. Like, take 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters are just so beautifully crafted, but honestly, they didn't deserve the heart-wrenching endings they got. They experienced this intense love in the face of tragedy, and yet, the harsh reality of their illnesses felt a bit punishing. I mean, couldn't they at least have gotten a glimmer of hope? Their story conveyed such raw emotion that I found myself yearning for a happier outcome, where they could have had more time together or at least a more satisfactory resolution. Then there's '1984' by George Orwell. Winston Smith's journey through totalitarian oppression felt utterly intense and maddening. Watching him become a shell of his former self by the end was haunting. He sought a truth, a connection, and to have still faced such bleakness in the world was heartbreaking. Those themes hit hard, especially with current state of affairs echoing Orwell’s warnings. More than anything, I wish Winston had found some spark of rebellion that led to hope instead of despair. Characters like these stay with you long after you finish reading, their struggles and unfulfilled dreams lingering in memory, making me realize that sometimes a wrapped-up ending isn’t always the best for them—or us.

Talking about characters who deserved better development brings to mind 'Naruto' and the character of Sakura Haruno. Initially, she was portrayed as the typical love interest, but both the fans and her own journey showed vast potential for growth. Her struggle with self-doubt and her relationships with characters like Sasuke and Naruto could have been explored deeper. Can you imagine if we saw more flashbacks of her training days with Tsunade? It would have showcased her true strength and determination more vividly! Plus, 'Attack on Titan' has so many characters, but I feel like Hange Zoë and Reiner Braun had their arcs undershot at times. Hange’s eccentric droves of passion for research and Subaru's struggles with identity would have made great narratives if their backstories were fleshed out more. Such depth could have offered a richer emotional response from fans, rather than solely focusing on the gritty action. Ultimately, those characters need a chance to shine, and guiding us through their emotional landscapes would have made the narrative feel that much more impactful! There’s definitely a sense of loss when you can see how much more they had to give.

I've got to say, one character that truly deserved better moments in adaptations is Shinji from 'Neon Genesis Evangelion.' Quite frankly, the portrayal in the anime often emphasizes his insecurities to the point where it can overshadow his growth. In the manga, you can see him grappling with his identity and relationships in a nuanced way, especially when it comes to connecting with others. The films tried to delve deeper into his psyche, but they still fell short of showcasing his evolution completely. A scene where he confidently asserts his choices, especially in the face of adversity, could’ve given viewers a more wholesome arc and perhaps shifted the narrative from despair to strength, even if it meant stepping out of his comfort zone. On a different note, let's talk about 'The Last Airbender.' Although the cartoon was a masterpiece, I felt that Sokka's character in the live-action adaptation lacked the depth we saw in the animated series. Sokka is so much more than just comic relief; he’s a strategist and a protector. There were so many moments in the show where his ingenuity shone through, especially in battles that could have been beautifully depicted in live-action. It would have been amazing to witness his transformation from a goofy brother to a fierce warrior play out with some epic fight choreography and even more emotional stakes, highlighting his bond with Katara and Toph. Sokka deserved those moments to shine and show that he's not just a sidekick but a crucial player in this grand saga! Switching gears a bit, 'Sword Art Online' is another one where the adaptations kind of shortchange characters like Klein. In the light novels, Klein has some really touching moments that delve into his friendship with Kirito and the reality of their gaming experience. However, in the anime, he often fades into the background, which is a real shame because his character brings so much warmth and humor amidst the chaos of the virtual world. A well-crafted scene where he reveals his vulnerabilities or even how he copes with loss would have added depth to the overall story, making it more relatable. It’s moments like those that really resonate with fans and showcase the beauty of camaraderie in high-stakes situations. Lastly, let’s discuss 'Fullmetal Alchemist' and its adaptations. While both the original and 'Brotherhood' adaptations are beloved, I can’t help but feel that some key moments for Roy Mustang were either rushed or underexplored. He’s such a multi-dimensional character dealing with the harsh realities of war, leadership, and sacrifice. There are times when viewers really needed to see him face the consequences of his actions, especially when it comes to his ambitions and the tragic losses around him. A scene that really emphasizes his internal struggle would elevate his character, exploring not just the charismatic leader but also the man burdened by his choices. There's so much depth to him that could’ve been fully realized, adding emotional weight to the overarching narrative.

Sometimes, I find myself reflecting on certain anime characters whose endings just felt rushed or unsatisfactory. Take 'Shinji Ikari' from 'Neon Genesis Evangelion.' Here’s a character who goes through immense psychological trauma throughout the series, only to be left with an ending that, while impactful, leaves so many questions unanswered. What happens to his relationships? What’s next for his character development? For someone who fought so hard to come to terms with himself, his ambiguities in the end felt unjust. Then there's 'Kenshin Himura' from 'Rurouni Kenshin.' This swordsman is all about redemption, but the ending seems to gloss over his internal struggles and the consequences of his past. It’s like we needed an extra episode to really dig deep into how he reconciles his violent past with his peaceful future. An ending that addressed these themes more thoroughly would have brought Keshin full circle in a truly satisfying way. Lastly, ‘Araragi Koyomi’ from the 'Monogatari' series deserves a more considerate wrap-up. His character development is phenomenal, but the grand finale sometimes feels cluttered with loose threads. It's somewhat frustrating, considering how intricately his relationships and personal growth are woven throughout the series. Fans invested so much in these arcs, only to witness a conclusion that lacks the depth it warrants. A stronger focus on the themes of connection and identity would have provided the resolution we craved.

It's truly disheartening when you see a character you’ve come to love meet a fate they didn’t deserve. One prime example that springs to mind is 'Akame ga Kill!' The way Tatsumi developed throughout the series—from a hopeful young man fighting for his friends to a tragic figure facing unimaginable horrors—saddens me. His optimism is crushed under the weight of a grim, unforgiving world, and while I get the ‘realism’ angle some stories push for, it felt like such a waste of potential. Tatsumi had the heart to bring change to the Empire, yet fate dealt him a cruel hand, and the emotional toll of his journey really hit home. Then there’s Esdeath, a character who was charmingly ruthless but also had depth. She really did care for Tatsumi in her own twisted way. Her end felt like a waste of her complex character development. She deserved a better showdown, a resolution that aligned with her intricate personality. Honestly, seeing these characters struggle, fight, and still end up broken leaves a lingering ache. It serves as a harsh reminder that not all stories end on a hopeful note, and sometimes, the narrative just doesn't seem to recognize their potential. Am I alone in this? Every time I revisit this series, I find myself wishing for just one alternate ending that gives these characters a fighting chance. If you love rich character development as much as I do, tragedy wrapped in a bow of wasted potential can sometimes be devastating!

Diving into the realm of fanfiction, I've encountered gems that shine a light on characters who often feel underused or misrepresented in their original stories. For instance, one of my personal favorites is 'The Lost Chronicles of Hufflepuff,' a remarkable piece that delves into the lives of the often-overlooked Hufflepuff house in the 'Harry Potter' series. The author breathes life into characters like Cedric Diggory and the house's hidden talents, showing us that there’s so much more depth to these students than just being the side characters in a Gryffindor-centric tale. It really showcases how a little creativity can turn overlooked narratives into moving journeys. Additionally, 'Naruto' fans have embraced works that give characters like Sakura Haruno much-deserved growth and agency. Many stories reimagine her as a central figure, exploring her journey from being perceived as weak to becoming a true powerhouse in the shinobi world. These narratives elevate her experience, making the reader truly appreciate her struggles and triumphs in a way the original series often glossed over. Even 'Game of Thrones' has seen its share of fanfiction focusing on characters like Sansa Stark, who deserve richer narratives, thanks to the authors' untapped potential and complex backgrounds. With each fanfic, we step into a world where these characters receive the recognition they always deserved, and it’s heartwarming to witness their growth through the imaginations of fellow fans. In summary, fanfiction acts as this incredible medium that can redefine storylines and give voices to characters we adore, helping to change the narrative from merely surviving to truly thriving. Every piece of fanfiction that reimagines a character can feel like an act of rebellion against the constraints of the original story, and I love stumbling upon these narratives!

A character that still lingers in my mind is Jyn Erso from 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.' Her journey is so compelling, but I often feel like it could have explored her backstory more. She had this rich narrative waiting in the background—the trauma of her childhood after being separated from her family, the complexities of growing up in a time of oppression. Just thinking about it brings so much depth to her motivations. The ending, while heroic, left me yearning for a deeper understanding of her internal conflicts. Her sacrifice felt profound but could have been more impactful with additional scenes that revealed her struggles and thoughts, especially when dealing with the Empire and loss in her life. Expanding her relationships with other characters could have provided a fuller picture of why she chose to fight despite everything she faced. Sometimes I wish we could have explored those characters a bit more deeply before the big emotional moments hit us. Then there's Boromir from 'The Lord of the Rings.' I can't help but feel for him--he’s such a tragic figure. Despite his moments of strength and valor, his arc mainly gravitates around being the reluctant antagonist for the Fellowship. Not enough screen time was devoted to his backstory or inner turmoil. Imagine if we'd witnessed more of his struggles between duty to Gondor and his desire to grasp the power of the One Ring—it would have made his eventual redemption all the more pronounced, wouldn’t it? It's crucial for the viewers to truly understand his pain, especially when he finally sacrifices himself for Merry and Pippin, which is a beautiful moment but could have landed even harder with a stronger narrative leading up to it.