The Many Faces of Love: A Breakdown of Anime’s -Dere Archetypes

Alright, so you might have noticed while watching different animes, there are always some characters who share similar personality traits. Which could leave you wondering are the authors just doing lazy writing by copying from others or is there any other reason behind it.

Of course there is, they may share similar personality traits but all of them come in different flavors. Emotional flavors. Some will insult you while secretly knitting you a scarf, others will love you so much they might actually stab someone. Basically, welcome to the world of the -dere archetypes — where affection and chaos hold hands. Let’s break it down.

1. Tsundere — “B-baka! It’s not like I like you or anything!”

Core vibe: Tough on the outside, gooey on the inside.
Personality: Starts cold, rude, or combative, but softens when feelings grow.
Catchphrase: “I-it’s not like I care, okay?!”
Examples:

• Taiga Aisaka (Toradora!)
• Asuka Langley (Evangelion)
• Kaguya Shinomiya (Kaguya-sama: Love is War)

Energy: Emotional whiplash. Expect insults followed by accidental cuddles.

2. Deredere — “Yay! Let’s go on a date~!”

Core vibe: Pure sunshine and eternal energy.
Personality: Always cheerful, loving, and positive. Like walking serotonin.
Catchphrase: “I’m just happy to be with you!”
Examples:

• Honoka Kousaka (Love Live!)
• Uzaki Hana (Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!)
• Marin Kitagawa (My Dress-Up Darling)

Energy: Human puppy. Possibly runs on fuel and hugs.

3. Kuudere — “…I love you. I think.”

Core vibe: Calm, stoic, emotionally stable (too stable, sometimes).
Personality: Doesn’t show emotions much, but when they do? Oh boy—instant heart melt.
Catchphrase: “You talk too much.”
Examples:

• Rei Ayanami (Evangelion)
• Yukino Yukinoshita (Oregairu)
• Mio Akiyama (K-On!)

Energy: Ice queen/king who secretly has a warm core buried deep down.

4. Dandere — “U-um… I like you…”

Core vibe: Shy, quiet, but devastatingly adorable when they open up.
Personality: Introverted, anxious, might avoid conversation—but totally loyal.
Catchphrase: “…” (probably blushing though)
Examples:

• Hinata Hyuga (Naruto)
• Nagisa Furukawa (Clannad)
• Mio Nishizono (Little Busters!)

Energy: Silent storm of affection. Needs emotional Wi-Fi to connect

5. Yandere — “If I can’t have you… no one will.”

Core vibe: Love + obsession + murder = Tuesday.
Personality: Sweet and caring… until jealousy hits. Then—run.
Catchphrase: “I’ll do anything for you. Anything.”
Examples:

• Yuno Gasai (Future Diary)
• Kotonoha Katsura (School Days)
• Satou Matsuzaka (Happy Sugar Life)

Energy: Fatal attraction with sparkles. Love letters may include knives.

6. Mayadere — “I was your enemy… but now I’m in love with you.”

Core vibe: From rival to ride-or-die.
Personality: Starts as a villain or antagonist, switches sides out of love.
Catchphrase: “I can’t believe I’m saying this… but I’ll fight with you.”
Examples:

• Temari (Naruto)
• Boa Hancock (One Piece)
• Juvia Lockser (Fairy Tail)

Energy: Dangerous charm with a soft spot for their rival turned lover.

7. Himedere — “Bow before your queen!”

Core vibe: Royal complex + demands affection like tribute.
Personality: Wants to be treated like royalty, but melts when shown genuine love.
Catchphrase: “You may praise me now.”
Examples:

• Noelle Silva (Black Clover)
• Erina Nakiri (Food Wars!)
• Saber (Fate/stay night)

Energy: Drama queen with high-maintenance grace.

8. Kamidere — “Kneel before your goddess, mortal.”

Core vibe: Full-on divine complex with style and power to match.
Personality: Commanding, prideful, and absolutely convinced she’s above everyone else — and somehow, you still can’t stop simping.
Catchphrase: “I don’t need your approval — I am perfection.”
Examples:

• Haruhi Suzumiya (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)
• Satsuki Kiryuuin (Kill la Kill)
• Boa Hancock (One Piece)

Energy: Imagine a goddess descending from the heavens just to roast you

9. Bakadere — “Wait, what do you mean you don’t eat crayons?”

Core vibe: Dumb but lovable.
Personality: Clumsy, forgetful, or just plain goofy—but pure-hearted.
Catchphrase: “Oopsie~ eheh.”
Examples:

• Aqua (Konosuba)
• Yui Hirasawa (K-On!)
• Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon)

Energy: Walking disaster, hazardous for both mental and physical health

10. Undere — “Whatever you say, I’ll do it!”

Core vibe: Ultra-agreeable people pleaser.
Personality: Says “yes” to everything the person they love says—like, everything.
Catchphrase: “If it makes you happy, then okay!”
Examples:

• Mikasa Ackerman (Attack On Titan)
• Sakura Matou (Fate/stay night)
• Rem (Re:Zero)

Energy: Devotion level = borderline concerning.

💭 Let us know what other kinds of anime archetypes you to know more about through the comments below

Image credit Studio Pierrot