Self-esteem is a crucial trait that enables people to become the best version of themselves. Those who have a bad image of themselves have a harder time proving their worth, and this is no different in the case of anime characters. However, an anime character with low self-confidence is a cause for celebration as it allows them to grow as characters.
In fact, many cowardly and self-doubting anime characters have come up with amazing bows. There are a multitude of reasons why an anime character can have a bad self-image, but most of them manage to overcome their doubts and emerge as stronger characters on the other side.
10 Usopp’s cowardice fuels his insecurity (One Piece)
As the biggest coward of the Straw Hats, Usopp doesn’t seem to have an iota of self-esteem in One Piece. He is the first of the Straw Hats to try to avoid confrontation and rely on lies to make his way through life.
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Usopp’s insecurities lead him to be unnecessarily boastful in order to improve his image to others, possibly with the aim of increasing his own sense of himself. But he’s still one of the weakest members of Luffy’s crew, even though he evolved a bit during the timeskip.
9 Hinata came to recognize that she lacked sweetness (Naruto)
When her father realized that she did not have the toughness to act as the head of the Hyuga clan, Hinata was disinherited from her family in Naruto. This event eroded Hinata’s self-confidence and led to growing feelings of inadequacy and shyness, despite having one of the strongest bloodline boundaries in her village.
Luckily, Hinata found inspiration in Naruto, whose energetic determination made Hinata feel that she could be strong too. Upon reaching adulthood, Hinata finds it much easier to believe in her own strength.
8 Daisuke lets the darkness affect his confidence (DNAngel)
Originally published in 1997, the DN manga Angel Yukiru Sugisaki’s finally ended in 2021 after a long hiatus. Daisuke Niwa is the protagonist of DNAngel and he’s a bit confused when it comes to confidence.
On the one hand, he is a skilled thief with above-average intelligence and athletic abilities. But when compared to his alter ego, Dark Mousy, Daisuke has a hard time believing in his own abilities. From time to time he attributes his own talents to the legendary phantom thief within him, even if Dark is not the source.
7 Simon doubted himself despite his talent (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)
As a child, Simon felt incredibly insecure about his own talent in Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. Even though Simon displayed talent in both digging and fighting, he still clung to Kamina as a source of confidence and inspiration.
But that was over once Kamina met his unfortunate fate, leaving Simon to learn to assert himself when he barely knew how to begin. Luckily, Simon is able to break out of his depression, emerging as a transformed being who embodies the best qualities of both Kamina and himself.
6 Confidence is what stops Gohan the most (Dragon Ball Z)
It is strange that Goku’s eldest son is the one who least resembles him in Dragon Ball Z. Rather than being an energetic Saiyan fighter, Gohan tends to be hesitant and peaceful, a far cry from his father’s battle-obsessed personality.
But the most important thing about Gohan is that he has unlimited potential to become as strong as he wants. Although Gohan knows it, he maintains a sense of reluctance and humility that can be an obstacle in difficult times.
5 Deku struggles with self-esteem, but keeps trying (My Hero Academia)
Since Izuku “Deku” Midoriya was born without Quirk in My Hero Academia, has struggled with his image and self-confidence. After all, 80% of the people in the My Hero world Academia They are born with a Quirk, so it is inevitable that Midoriya internalizes what he is missing as a suggestion that something is wrong with him.
But Midoriya’s enduring dream of being a Professional Hero has helped him shore up his weaknesses by enhancing his strengths. And now that he has inherited the One for All from his own personal hero, All Might, it is only a matter of time before Midoriya gains full confidence in himself.
4 Shinji’s cowardice pretends to be understandable (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
As the protagonist, Shinji Ikari is quite disappointing in Neon Genesis Evangelion. He is a bum and a coward who spends most of his time in the abysmal depths of self-hatred and fear. But that’s the goal of Shinji’s character; it is intended that the public identify with their situation.
Coming from a neglected childhood is enough to shatter anyone’s self-confidence, and Shinji is no stranger to neglect. His mother is dead and his father only cares for him as long as Shinji is still useful, so it’s no wonder Shinji doubts himself frequently.
3 Joe is subjected to an excessive amount of stress (Digimon Adventure 1999)
Digimon AdventureFrom 1999, he teleports his cast to a dangerous world that literally wants to kill them, and Joe Kido is the oldest of the boys at just 12 years old. Being the oldest, Joe puts a lot of pressure on the show to be exemplary and dependable, and these traits accompany him as he grows up. Joe’s sense of responsibility frequently causes him to question his own abilities and usefulness, although his Digimon partner, Gomamon, is highly supportive.
2 The strongest magical girl ironically doubts herself (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
In other timelines, Madoka Kaname was the safest member of the group of magical girls that she led in Puella Magi Madoka Magica. However, after countless reboots of the timeline by Homura Akemi, Madoka’s confidence dwindled to a mere shadow of what it was.
Today’s Madoka Kaname has trouble understanding how important or useful she is to someone in her life, and part of the series is about Madoka realizing her own strength. As the strongest magical girl, she is able to make the biggest wish: to free all magical girls from fate from becoming witches.
1 Zenitsu does not trust his own abilities or his strength (Demon Slayer)
The most cowardly ally of Tanjiro’s team in Demon Slayer it is undoubtedly Zenitsu Agatsuma. Despite being trained by a highly skilled demon hunter who was once a Hashira, Zenitsu still doubts his abilities. His mistrust is so great that he is only able to unfold his full potential when he is unconscious.
Fans know that once Zenitsu passes out from fear, they are about to see an impressive show of Zenitsu’s hidden prowess. He’s not seen in the anime yet, but Zenitsu eventually realizes his potential and becomes a little more confident.