12 Most Cowardly Anime Characters of All Time!

cowardly anime characters list

In the anime world, the heroes divide into two types – the brave ones and the cowards. Being a coward is not bad. It just means one can accept themselves and strive to help others in need.

Often, these cowardly characters give the viewers a sense of comic relief but are also the people who are trying their best. However, most of the time, these characters tend to leave rather than face their foes head-on. Here are the 12 best cowardly anime characters!

Cowardly Anime Characters List!

Zenitsu Agatsuma (Demon Slayer)

Zenitsu Agatsuma (Demon Slayer)

Let us begin the list with one of the most loved characters from the Demon Slayers series. The Thunder Breathing Swordsman Zenitsu is undoubtedly a coward and needs the help of others.

He is always crying and running away at the sight of danger but does want to live up to the expectations of others. Zenitsu is the cutest of the group, and his famous “Nezuko-chan” makes us love him all the more. 

Orochimaru (Naruto)

Orochimaru (Naruto)

One of the Legendary Sannin of Konohagakure may not seem like a coward when the viewers first see him, but if one thinks about how he tackles his quest for immortality, it becomes clear. Orochimaru preys on children as he knows that he is stronger than them.

He sneaks up on his opponents and tries to take them out by a surprise attack. When Orochimaru senses that he may lose the fight, he runs away quickly. He is known to use and take any steps to fulfill his desires.

King (One Punch Man)

King (One Punch Man)

Regarded as an S-Class Rank 7 hero, King is an average person who gained credit for things he did not do. He looks very intimidating, all thanks to the three vertical scars over his left eye.

King, being a coward, was a revelation to the viewers, much like “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Whenever a villain appears and wants to challenge King, his first reaction is to run and hide.

He hopes for Saitama to make an appearance and help him. The famous “King Engine ” which others hear when King readies for the battle, is his heart pounding too fast out of fear. 

Usopp (One Piece)

Usopp (One Piece)

The sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates had lied about everything. Usopp boasted about his achievements and abilities to charm those around him. He often lies to get away from danger, going to the extent of stating that he is the Captain to scare away his opponents.

Usopp thinks he is inferior to the others and his insecurities lead to him being a coward. He has significantly grown in the series but still avoids conflicts and shoots from the shadows. 

Minoru Mineta (My Hero Academia)

Minoru Mineta (My Hero Academia)

Also known as the Fresh-Picked Hero: Grape Juice is a timid, cowardly, and perverted character. Whenever he faces any powerful enemy, he is quick to panic, runs, and avoid confrontation.

Due to his panic, Minoru cannot form battle plans and execute them. He also whines whenever there are inconveniences or problems instead of trying to devise a solution.

Yoki (Fullmetal Alchemist) 

Yoki (Fullmetal Alchemist) 

The former military member is also Scar’s reluctant traveling partner. Yoki is a bad character who bankrupted the entire town of Youswell by imposing heavy taxes. He appears brave and boasts around in the presence of those who will protect him.

When Yoki tries to look superior to the others, he is subjected to pain as punishment. It brings some sort of comic relief during the series. 

Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki (Fairy Tail)

Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki (Fairy Tail)

Ichiya is the Guild leader of Blue Pegasus and the leader of The Trimens. His most famous lines – “parfum” and “men!!!” are as funny as him. Ichiya is a coward who runs away from a fight rather than face his rivals head-on.

However, there are exceptions, like when he goes against the Council to save Jellal Fernandes for Erza’s sake. Ichiya is a creep as he likes to sniff the scent of other women invasively.

Myoga (Inuyasha)

Myoga (Inuyasha)

Myoga was a flea demon who served Inuyasha by providing him with vital information about important things. He is a coward who runs away as soon as he senses danger. But this comes in handy as Myoga’s presence determines that the particular area is safe from danger. 

Kakeru Sengoku (Horimiya)

Kakeru Sengoku (Horimiya)

The President of Katagiri Senior High student council is next on the list. Sengoku is an intelligent student who usually ranks 1st in his school but gets scared very easily.

Things like insects or horror stories make him shiver and shrink in fear. He is very insecure about his body and often wears multiple layers to hide it. 

Haruta Shigemo (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Haruta Shigemo (Jujutsu Kaisen)

One of the recurring antagonists of the series prioritizes self-preservation and self-pleasure above anything else. Shigemo is a coward who has no problem accepting it and will only fight those who are weaker than him. He waits on orders from Uraume and runs away at first sight of danger. 

Hannes (Attack on Titan)

Hannes (Attack on Titan)

Even though Hannes was the unit captain of the Garrison, he spent most of his time drinking and sitting safely within the Wall. Even when Hannes got a chance to prove himself, he fled the battle. His one mistake that he caused as a coward weighs heavily on Hannes all his life.

Oolong (Dragon Ball Z)

Oolong (Dragon Ball Z)

Oolong is a shapeshifting pig from the series with no combat powers. He used his shapeshifting abilities to terrorize the village and kidnap young women.

Being a coward, Oolong stays away from the fighting, so no one asks for his help. Oolong can only control his shapeshifting for five minutes, making him a fragile character.

Final Thoughts! 

These characters on the list lack courage and avoid confrontations at all costs. But they are the very ones that bring a sort of comic relief into the series. They portray reality as not everyone is thrilled to battle or face their problems head-on.

These cowardly characters give viewers a sense of comfort even in the most intense situations. So, what do you think about the list? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

You might also like:

Posted by
Ameya Lama

This is Ameya Lama, an anime enthusiast who also enjoys music, travelling, reading adventure and fantasy novels. If you are looking for me, you can either find me sleeping or munching on snacks, there is no in between.