Some archetypes can be found in every anime series. We show you the 5 types of waifus that you will always stumble upon.
Even though clichéd characters are something that most of us probably can’t stand, there are quite a lot of them in anime. Most “waifus,” the anime ladies for whom you watch a series in the first place, can indeed be categorized into various groups or archetypes, the so-called “dere” types. Surely you’ve heard terms like tsundere or yandere before. In this article, we present you the 5 most important dere types and explain what defines them – and why you might want to avoid some of them.
Although most dere types usually refer to female characters, male characters also fall into these categories. However, for this article, we will focus on the waifus – because that’s what you’re interested in. I know you.
Tsundere
“I-It’s not like I l-love you or anything!!!”
– Absolutely every tsundere, always
Meaning: Tsundere is composed of the term “tsuntsun” (“to turn away” or “to reject”) and “deredere” (“to be strongly in love”).
Explanation: Tsundere characters have essentially existed in anime forever. The term has been so widely used to describe characters over the last few decades that it is often found within the dialogues in anime to describe a character.
A tsundere is clearly in love with another character, but can hardly admit these feelings to herself and even less express them. Therefore, a tsundere usually reacts with exaggerated rejection or mild violence the moment there’s an impression that she would admit her love in any way. Occasionally, tsundere characters manage to show their true emotional side when they are alone with the object of their feelings – but as soon as others are present, she immediately falls back into the rejecting attitude.
Often, tsundere characters undergo a transformation throughout a story and eventually manage to show their feelings openly.
Example characters:
- Asuka Langley (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
- Kaguya Shinomiya (Kaguya-sama: Love is War)
- Kana Arima (Oshi no Ko)
