Ask John: Are There Any Exceptional Harem Anime Characters?

Question:
Given the tendency for harem series to use cookie-cutter anime stereotypes, what are some characters that break the mold and stand on their own? Furthermore, what are some lead males that grow to be more than just a proxy for the viewer?

Answer:
The difficulty that of nominating unusual, exceptional individual characters from “harem” anime lies in the fact that typical harem anime thrive on adhering to consistent stereotypes and satisfying predetermined expectations. Exceptional uniqueness isn’t the trademark of harem anime. The genre doesn’t naturally allow for a great deal of variety in character personality development and individuality. After some consideration, I’ve found very few harem anime characters that effectively break the mold of conventional harem anime archetypes. But that’s not to say that I can’t identify any such characters.

Shinra Kuonji of the Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de (They Are My Noble Masters) series holds a unique position in the pantheon of conventional harem anime. Unlike typical harem series protagonists, Shinra is not of equal social status with her co-stars. She is the monarch of the Kuonji family, and the surrounding characters are subordinate to her. However, the “KimiAru” series is not a “reverse harem.” Shinra is not surrounded by numerous handsome young men. The series’ “harem” revolves around male protagonist Ren Uesugi and includes Shinra. Shinra exists within Ren’s circle of females, and Ren is attracted to her, but Shinra does not reciprocate a similar affection. In effect, Shinra Kuonji resides within Ren Uesugi’s circle of potential girlfriends, his “harem,” but she doesn’t fawn on him. Rather, she commands his loyal service as a butler. In effect, Shinra Kuonji serves as a “harem” character but opposes the standard personality types and relationship positions expected of a constituent of a “harem.”

The Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei series isn’t frequently cited as a “harem” anime because romance isn’t the show’s primary theme. However, in effect, Zetsubou Sensei is just as much a “harem” anime as Maho Sensei Negima considering that both titles involve a male teacher of a predominantly or exclusively female class in which multiple students are attracted to the teacher. The ostensibly primary female character, Kafuka Fuura, however, seems to be not one of the girls with a romantic interest in teacher Nozomu Itoshiki. That fact alone makes Kafuka an unusual primary female character in a harem anime, although the argument may be made that the female characters of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei are an ensemble without a single primary protagonist.

Ai Yori Aoshi’s Kaoru Hanabishi is particularly noteworthy as a male protagonist in a harem anime. Kaoru may be compared to Ah! My Goddess’ Keiichi Morisato and Rosario to Vampire’s Tsukune Aono in the respect that these young men are surrounded by attractive girls yet always remain faithful to their one partner, but while Keiichi and Tsukune act as stand-ins for readers and viewers that dream of having a magical girlfriend, Kaoru is much more assertive and individual. Typical male leads in harem anime avoid making conclusive commitments in order to allow viewers to reach their own desired conclusions. But Kaoru is unique in the regard that he presses forward with his commitment to Aoi Sakuraba. (Love Hina’s Keitaro Urashima does eventually marry Naru Narusegawa, but that event isn’t depicted by the Love Hina anime, and I’m limiting my examples to harem anime.)