Ask John: Is there a Male Ojousama Character?

Question:
To the best of your knowledge, is there a male version of the “ojou-sama” archetype anime character – irrespective of what name is used to define such a character – and, if there is, can you give any examples?

Answer:

Speaking honestly, I’ve never given any consideration to the male equivilant of the archetypal ojousama anime character. However, when pressed to think about it, I do think that a male equivalent exists. And it’s possibly not the character type one would immediately presume. The ojousama princess or queen-type character is typically characterized by the demeaning “ojousama laugh,” an aloof, haughty personality, and frequently curly hair that evokes an image of pre-revolutionary French aristocracy. The noble prince character may be the seemingly most obvious male compliment, but actually I don’t think it’s the oujisama character that best represents a male equivalent to the ojousama.

I think that the male character type that most closely parallels the ojousama stereotype is the bespectacled authoritarian. The male character that insists upon strict adherence to rules and formality. The male character that frowns upon and admonishes frivolity or rejection of staid tradition has the same haughty sense of inflated self-worth and superiority that the ojousama character does. Specific examples of this male character archetype are difficult to recollect because the character, by his very nature, doesn’t stand out. However, some examples include Toshimitsu Kubo from Baka to Test to Shokanjuu, Kyoya Ootori from Ouran High School Host Club, and seemingly most of the school student council in Heartcatch Precure. I’m also reminded of Matsuichi, Takeji, & Umezou Kasugano from Potemayo, but these three brothers may better represent a parody of this male character type than a prime example.