We all know how it goes: the main character always receives the spotlight. They are the chosen ones, the focal point of the plot, the bearers of tragic backstories, and the saviors of the world. The narrative revolves around their journey, growth, victories, and losses. Don’t get me wrong; everyone loves a compelling protagonist. However, sometimes it’s not the hero who captures your attention.

It’s the character standing just out of focus. They appear for only five minutes, deliver a single iconic line, and offer a fleeting half-smile, yet somehow, you can’t stop thinking about them. They don’t receive grand speeches or engage in epic battles, but they possess an undeniable presence, an air of mystery, and profound depth. Perhaps you catch a glimpse of pain behind their eyes or hear a brief mention of a past that seems far too intriguing to overlook, or maybe you find yourself relating to that history. Suddenly, you’re captivated. The main story continues, but your thoughts linger on them.

These are the supporting characters, the unsung legends, and emotional anchors hiding in plain sight. They walk into a scene and quietly steal the show. Honestly, some of them deserve more than just the sidelines; they deserve the spotlight.

WHY?

1. Because Their Stories Feel Unfinished

Side characters often make a sudden entrance into the narrative—striking, enigmatic, and unforgettable only to disappear just as swiftly. They might deliver a cryptic line that lingers in your mind, sacrifice themselves before we have a chance to know them, or suggest a heart-wrenching backstory that is only hinted at, and never fully explored. We are left grasping at breadcrumbs, just enough to spark our curiosity, but never enough to satisfy it. These characters impart a sense of unfinished depth as if an entire story lies hidden behind their brief moments on screen.

Take Levi Ackerman from *Attack on Titan*. We have glimpsed his past through flashbacks such as the violence of the Underground and the tragedy of his early years. Imagine a full-length prequel series dedicated solely to his origins. It would provide a raw, unfiltered look at the brutal, lawless world he emerged from, exploring the relationships that shaped him, the losses that hardened him, and the quiet resolve that transformed him into humanity’s strongest soldier. His journey deserves more than scattered moments; it warrants a complete narrative arc. This is not merely a character background; it is an entire anime waiting to be created one filled with grit, pain, loyalty, and a kind of strength forged far from the battlefield.

2. They Bring a Fresh Perspective

Main characters are typically the emotional anchors of a story; their arcs drive the plot, their decisions shape the world, and their growth is front and center. In contrast, side characters exist just outside that spotlight, allowing them to be more complex, chaotic, messy, morally ambiguous, unpredictable, or quietly brilliant without the burden of carrying the narrative. This freedom is what makes them truly magical. We catch glimpses of who they are through sharp dialogue, mysterious actions, or vulnerable moments, which is often enough to spark our curiosity. A spinoff that centers on these characters doesn’t merely add to the original story; it shifts the entire perspective. Suddenly, the world we thought we knew appears different, deeper, and more layered. Through their eyes, the familiar becomes unfamiliar and that’s what makes a great story unforgettable.

Imagine a complete series centered around Itachi Uchiha—a profound, continuous exploration of his life as a double agent. Envision a slow-burning narrative that meticulously follows his every move as he navigates the precarious balance between loyalty and betrayal, love and duty. We would witness the immense pressure of being a prodigy, the isolation that comes from bearing a secret too burdensome for anyone else to comprehend, and the emotional toll of being perceived as the villain in the eyes of the brother he cherished most.

This wouldn’t merely serve as a backstory; it would unfold as a political thriller intertwined with emotional tragedy. It would be a drama in which each decision erodes his soul, and every quiet moment carries profound significance. We would finally have the opportunity to confront the pain hidden within the silence and the sacrifices concealed behind the mask. Itachi’s story, presented in its entirety, would stand alone as a haunting and unforgettable anime experience.

3. They Already Steal the Spotlight

Let’s be honest: some side characters are simply exceptional. They don’t require extensive story arcs or lengthy screen time to leave a lasting impression. They enter a scene, deliver one memorable line, or flash a single smirk, and suddenly the entire fandom is in a frenzy. They trend on Twitter within minutes, fan art proliferates, and edits inundate social media. Before you know it, they have completely overshadowed the main character.

They weren’t created to be the protagonists, yet they embody that energy effortlessly. There is a charisma, a mystery, and an emotional depth that captivates you instantly. Whether it’s their design, their power, or their subtle complexity, something about them commands attention. The story may not center on them, but your heart certainly does, and at that moment, you realize: that this side character is more than just a supporting role. They are the highlight. Sometimes, that highlight deserves a series of its own.

An example of a captivating character is Gojo Satoru from *Jujutsu Kaisen*. The moment Gojo appears on screen, everything shifts. Although he is not the main character, his overwhelming power, effortlessly cool demeanor, and playful arrogance make him instantly magnetic. He commands every scene, not by trying to steal attention, but simply by being present. Whether he is cracking jokes mid-battle or unleashing a domain expansion that warps reality, Gojo is the spectacle. It didn’t take long for fans to take notice; he became a phenomenon, dominating fan discussions, inspiring countless edits, and essentially becoming the face of the series. The creators recognized his impact as well. Over time, Gojo’s role expanded, his backstory was explored, and ultimately, we received *Jujutsu Kaisen 0*—a prequel that provided fans with exactly what they wanted: more Gojo.

4. They Let Us Explore the World in New Ways

World-building is the backbone of any great anime; it transforms a good story into a living, breathing universe. While the main characters typically guide us through the central narrative, it is often the side characters who inhabit the overlooked spaces—the back alleys, hidden factions, and untold histories that exist just beyond the spotlight. They reside in the nooks and crannies of the world, in the fleeting moments we only glimpse before the plot moves on. However, when these side characters take center stage, something beautiful occurs: we are invited to explore places and stories that suddenly feel fresh, mysterious, and rich with potential.

Imagine a slice-of-life anime that follows the Survey Corps trainees during their downtime, filled with awkward friendships, late-night fears, and stolen laughter between titan attacks. It could be a slow-burn crime drama that delves into the origins of the Phantom Troupe, long before Chrollo became the cold, calculating leader we know today. These aren’t merely background stories; they are worlds waiting to be explored, rich with depth, struggle, and emotion that deserve far more than a passing glance.

5. They Represent Us

Sometimes, the supporting characters resonate with us in ways that the main cast simply cannot. They feel more grounded and more human. They stumble, hesitate, and often carry their struggles in silence. While the protagonist charges forward, these characters linger in the background, feeling overlooked yet continuing. There is a quiet realism to them, an emotional vulnerability that does not demand attention but earns it. Despite having only a handful of scenes or lines, they manage to leave a lasting impression.

Characters such as Mitsuki from *Boruto* and Shin-Ah from *Yona of the Dawn* serve as perfect examples of complex characters. Each is imbued with internal conflict and untapped potential. Mitsuki’s gentle loyalty conceals a tumult of existential questions, while Shin-Ah’s silence conveys profound themes of pain, power, and isolation. However, within the main narrative, they often remain peripheral figures, reduced to fleeting glances, brief flashbacks, or quiet moments that suggest a much larger story. These inner struggles warrant more than mere supportive roles; they deserve the space to develop fully. They deserve their own narratives.

Final Thoughts:

Main characters may lead the story, but side characters often steal the soul of it.

They’re the ones who whisper instead of shout. The ones who bleed without applause, who carry burdens in silence while the spotlight shines elsewhere. They hold pieces of the world we may never fully understand, fragments of untold histories, quiet heartbreaks, and hidden strength. And when we finally get to see through their eyes, the story transforms. Giving them their series isn’t just fanservice, it’s storytelling justice. It’s a chance to finish their sentence, to hear their unspoken thoughts, to explore the corners of their world that the main plot left behind. It’s about honoring the depth they were always meant to have.

So here’s to the shadows. 

The second voice. 

The unexpected hearts of stories we thought we already knew.

Here’s to the ones we didn’t see coming—

until they stole the scene.

May they get their spotlight.

May they finally be seen.