Summary
Isekai protagonists are usually innocent and full of naïveté. They’re trapped in an unfamiliar world, so they’re naturally frightened and uncertain. These traits make them easy to empathize with. However, some of them are at the other end of the spectrum.
Certain isekai protagonists seem utterly full of themselves. They confront the new world and its inhabitants with unfounded arrogance. This attitude often makes the heroes utterly insufferable. On the upside, it paves the way for compelling character arcs as they learn the value of humility. The problem is that not all of them go through that arc. In any case, fans love to hate these isekai leads.
As the title suggests,Trapped in a Dating Simwraps its protagonist into an otome game. Said protagonist is Leon, an office worker who was reincarnated in the virtual space where women reign. He’s not even a major player; he’s a background character. However, he doesn’t take this insult lying down.
Leon sets out toturn this world on its head. He uses a cheat item and his past gaming experience to improve his lot. One might think this is an admirable goal, but it stems from spite. Leon has been on the receiving end of several misfortunes, with many peers looking down on him. Because of that, he can’t abide such attitudes in the game. He must prove that he’s mentally and physically superior so that he can flaunt that win to naysayers. He’s basically getting a little payback for his poor treatment, both in life and in the game. In short, he has the ultimate chip on his shoulder.
Another isekai involving a game,Sword Art Onlineis perhaps the most popular example. How fitting that it hasone of the most overpowered heroesin Kirigaya Kazuto, also known as Kirito. He’s a beta tester for the eponymous MMO, so he has extensive knowledge of its mechanics. What’s more, is that he has no problem using that knowledge to get ahead.
Kirito exploits workarounds and shortcuts to become extremely powerful in a short time. He doesn’t even feel the need to play with a party, preferring solo progression. He feels that others are too weak to keep up, often saying as much to their (virtual) faces. These exchanges aren’t malicious; he just has no manners. He believes his superiority is an accepted fact, sohe’s stating it as such.
Gaming isekai seems to have a habit of cocky protagonists, and few are more so than Sora. InNo Game No Life, he and his sister find themselves transported into Disboard, a virtual realm wherethey must compete in various games. This scenario is ideal for Sora.
As a closeted individual, he spends most of his time playing games. These exploits have granted him a tremendous level of skill. Unfortunately, he’s not a graceful winner. Whenever he achieves a victory, he rubs it in his opponent’s face. Of course, such a result could only come from his gift for reading people, specifically their weaknesses. He pays no mind to their strengths, as they’re merely lower specimens of the human race. This mindset is ironic considering he can’t bear to be apart from his sister. In fact, Sora’s protective attitude toward her is the only instance when his arrogance fades away.
Audiences might wonder how someone with amnesia could be arrogant. Well, Kelvin answers that question inBlack Summoner. He indeed trades his memories for powerful abilities, but the remaining thoughts are devoid of humility. A goddess named Melfina brings him over to a fantasy setting and makes him a Summoner, but he doesn’t bother to thank her. In fact, he doesn’t show her any of the respect that one expects for a deity; he just treats her as hired help or a woman to woo. True, she takes the form of a Follower to aid him, but that shouldn’t stop the guy from exercising basic human decency. Of course, he’s even less considerate of his own health.
Kelvin is a “battle junkie.” He rushes into fight after fight. He loves the thrill of conflict.The thought that he could lose or get hurt never seems to register. Viewers almost want to see him fail. At least a near-death experience might knock him down a peg.
A white-collar worker and imperial enforcer call for the same mentality, at least inYoujo Senki. A salaryman reincarnated as a child in an alternate version of Europe, Tanya von Degurechaff soon makes a name for herself as a lieutenant in the tyrannical Empire. She accomplishes that feat byaccentuating her strengths, often to the point of exaggeration. She passes herself off as a valuable commodity to any superior officers who will listen. That value comes from calculation. Tanya is an expert on resource management. The fact that those resources are human makes no difference.
People are disposable to Tanya. She has no moral or ethical qualms about throwing them away. Damaging some is worth the cost if it improves others' performance. She happily sacrifices them all to get the job done. After all, she’s the only resource worth preserving.These traits are those of a narcissistic psychopath. Sadly, such a monster thrives in this world.
