Overview
- Minor characters in My Hero Academia are essential for advancing the plot.
- Characters like Mei and Kurogiri demonstrate how even sidelined figures can significantly impact the storyline.
- Unforeseen actions of characters alter pivotal events, highlighting the narrative’s complexity.
The My Hero Academia universe is well-known for its diverse cast of characters. Despite some heroes fading into the background as the narrative evolves, they still play crucial roles. Often, what seem to be minor characters can dramatically alter the story’s trajectory. Their influence may stem from their unique Quirks or their unwavering commitment to justice or villainy.
While primary protagonists such as Midoriya, Todoroki, and Bakugo receive the lion’s share of attention, it’s always exciting to witness minor characters rise to meet challenges. These less prominent figures exemplify how their actions can change the course of the narrative, even when they don’t dominate every arc.
This article contains spoilers for both the My Hero Academia manga and anime, including significant plot developments.
8. Mei Hatsume
Clever Strategy to Thwart Shigaraki’s Destruction
- First Appearance: Episode 15
Though Mei Hatsume doesn’t feature prominently in the series, her moments on screen are impactful, often spent devising tech upgrades for Midoriya’s missions. As the war reaches its peak, the audience is keenly interested in how she might contribute, especially given her non-combatant status.
In a remarkable display of ingenuity, Mei designed a floating arena to keep Shigaraki confined and elevated, thereby preventing him from causing massive destruction. Although Midoriya ultimately expels Shigaraki from the area, Mei’s swift problem-solving and engineering prowess played a critical role in mitigating his threat.
7. Kurogiri
Revealed as a Key Ally for the Heroes
- First Appearance: Episode 8
Initially apprehended early in the storyline, Kurogiri seemed to disappear from the plot, while characters like Shigaraki and Dabi developed substantially. However, his significance emerges later when Aizawa seeks vital information from him, leading the heroes to Dr. Garaki’s hideout. Kurogiri’s portal abilities are strategically leveraged during the final confrontation against Shigaraki and All For One, cementing his unexpected importance.
6. Gentle
A Surprising Redemption Arc
- First Appearance: Episode 176
Gentle Criminal and his sidekick La Brava emerged during the School Festival arc, initially appearing as mere nuisances to Midoriya. Unlike the more prominent antagonists, they seemed relegated to a short-lived storyline. However, during the climactic events of the final war, Gentle unexpectedly plays the role of savior.
As the U.A. floating fortress threatens to crash, he utilizes his Elasticity Quirk to cushion the landing, preventing major casualties among the heroes and students. His transformation from villain to hero illustrates the potential for character growth and redemption in the series.
5. Hitoshi Shinso
Valuable Brainwash Quirk Shines in Battle
- First Appearance: Episode 15
Shinso’s introduction at the U.A. Sports Festival primarily served to highlight the challenge of possessing a Quirk often viewed as villainous. After a brief highlight during the Joint Training arc, he re-surfaces as a vital player during the major conflicts against All For One and Shigaraki.
His ability to brainwash Gigantomachia, a formidable opponent for the heroes, showcases his strategic value. By using his ability to turn the tide of battle, he successfully directs the creature against its own master, highlighting his essential role in the ongoing struggle.
4. Skeptic
Tech Savvy Disruptor of Hero Society
- First Appearance: Episode 108
Skeptic may have initially appeared to be a mere henchman of the Meta Liberation Army, overshadowed by his leader, Re-Destro. However, his tech capabilities prove pivotal in orchestrating a national broadcast that effectively dismantles public trust in the heroes.
During Dabi’s explosive reveal, Skeptic’s live transmission ensured that the horrifying truths of hero society reached the masses. What first seemed like an inconsequential character became a significant catalyst for societal upheaval.
3. Lady Nagant
Critical Interference in Shigaraki’s Plans
- First Appearance: Episode 133
Debuting as a hero-turned-villain during the Dark Hero arc, Lady Nagant’s swift defeat seemed to render her irrelevant. Yet, in a sudden turn of fate, she escapes imprisonment and resurfaces to disrupt Shigaraki’s advancement during the climactic war.
By shooting Shigaraki just before he initiates a devastating attack, she alters the trajectory of the conflict, proving her critical role as an unexpected ally during a chaotic time.
2. Edgeshot
A Strategically Important Pro Hero
- First Appearance: Episode 46
Among the roster of Pro Heroes, Edgeshot often fades into the background alongside heavier hitters like All Might and Hawks. However, his moment of bravery surfaces during Bakugo’s near-death scenario. Utilizing his Zenith technique, Edgeshot defies the odds to revive Bakugo, ultimately playing a vital role in the ongoing battle.
This selfless act not only revives a key player but also drastically shifts the momentum, underscoring Edgeshot’s unrecognized valor.
1. Yuga Aoyama
Unveiling a Troubling Secret
- First Appearance: Episode 4
In a large class filled with vibrant personalities, Yuga Aoyama initially appears as a quirky yet secondary character, largely overshadowed by his classmates. However, revelations about his deep-seated connection to All For One add layers of complexity to his character.
As the series progresses, it becomes clear that Yuga’s apparent allegiance to the villains was borne from coercion, revealing his deep internal conflict. This unexpected twist elevates his importance significantly, linking him to some of the major conflicts and crises faced by the heroes.