Purple-haired female characters in anime often find themselves in the background, allowing beloved protagonists like Asuna from Sword Art Online, Mikasa from Attack on Titan, Usagi and Chibiusa from Sailor Moon, and Nezuko from Demon Slayer to take the spotlight. These characters have become icons in pop culture, often overshadowing others and resonating deeply with audiences.
Nonetheless, there is a multitude of purple-haired anime girls who also merit admiration and affection. Be they allies to the lead, supporting roles, or even antagonists, these characters can be just as significant and memorable as their more renowned counterparts.
As of October 19, 2024, by Mark Sammut: With the advent of Fall 2024, it remains uncertain whether any new purple-haired characters will rise to prominence. Currently, the selection from the latest anime series appears to be somewhat limited.
This article has been refreshed, adding three classic characters to the lineup.
22 Momoko (Ghost Stories)
Unflinching Against Supernatural Threats
Initially launched as children’s books, Ghost Stories gained popularity once it was adapted for television. The series features a group of friends confronting various ghosts and demons that haunt their school and town. With a manual on exorcisms in hand, Satsuki and her companions are the town’s last hope against these supernatural threats.
Among the group is Momoko, who stands out for her fearless demeanor and willingness to protect others. The character underwent a noticeable shift in personality in the English dub, but her striking purple hair remains a defining feature, setting her apart from the rest. Notably, a demon even breaks the fourth wall in the series, jokingly acknowledging the anime-like quality of Momoko’s vibrant lilac locks.
21 Minene Uryuu (Future Diary)
A Resilient Character with Explosive Expertise
Future Diary is well-known for its memorable pink-haired yandere, Yuno Gasai. However, Minene Uryuu is another standout character in this series. An expert in explosives, she demands respect and should never be underestimated. Her tough exterior stems from a challenging, loveless past that shaped her strong and independent personality.
Minene’s significance was acknowledged with her selection as the protagonist in the spin-off series Future Diary: Mosaic, which delves deeper into her tumultuous life and experiences with her diary. This makes it a worthwhile watch for those keen to learn more about this iconic purple-haired figure.
20 Hitagi Senjougahara (Monogatari)
An Intriguing Character Full of Secrets
The wildly imaginative Bakemonogatari from Shaft Studio features numerous memorable characters, and Hitagi Senjougahara stands out for her forthright and often intimidating manner. Her brusque interactions with Araragi often involve threats using sharp stationary, showcasing her blunt personality, especially in moments of jealousy.
While one might expect her to be a bothersome presence, her uniqueness and complexity offer an engaging viewing experience. Audiences who persevere through the series will uncover the layers of her captivating character.
19 Dorothy Unsworth (Black Clover)
A Gifted Witch with a Carefree Spirit
Set in a realm of magic, Black Clover showcases a variety of fascinating characters, including the talented witch, Dorothy Unsworth. Coming from the Witch’s Forest, she rapidly ascends through the ranks of the Magic Knights to become Captain, which is a testament to her immense skill and capability.
Contrary to expectations of a serious wizard, Dorothy’s true nature is whimsical and relaxed. Frequently in a sleepy state yet somewhat aware of her environment, her unique behavior creates comedic scenarios. During her moments of wakefulness, she radiates a joyful and carefree vibe, making her a character that others might easily misjudge at their own peril.
18 Kagami Hiiragi (Lucky Star)
A Perfect Example of the Tsundere Archetype
The charming slice-of-life anime, Lucky Star, resonates with fans globally due to its humor, cute art style, and lovable characters, showcasing the day-to-day lives of high school girls while touching on topics like otaku culture and food.
Kagami Hiiragi, the purple-haired twin of Tsukasa, is notable for her exemplary portrayal of the Tsundere character trope. Her aloofness and cold demeanor mask the deep care she holds, especially towards her friend Konata. Their dynamic is one of the highlights of the series, making Kagami a standout character whenever she appears.
17 Yoruichi Shihouin (Bleach)
A Playful Yet Strong-Willed Character
Bleach, often recognized as one of the major anime franchises, showcases an exhilarating narrative as Ichigo and companions strive against malevolent spirits.
Among the characters Ichigo encounters is Yoruichi Shihouin, a Shinigami capable of transforming into a cat. Her ability to surprise those she meets complements her playful personality, making her an endearing character. Yet, beneath her whimsical surface lies a mature side that emerges when circumstances demand it, lending her depth and significance.
16 Saeko Busujima (Highschool of the Dead)
A Fierce Protector with a Gentle Heart
The global fascination with zombie narratives has even seeped into anime, with Highschool of the Dead exemplifying this trend. This series chronicles a group of high school students and a nurse as they navigate a society crumbling due to a zombie outbreak.
Saeko, with her striking purple hair, emerges as the group’s linchpin, excelling in combat and serving as a vital protector of her peers. While she boasts fierce combat skills, she also embodies kindness and nurturing instincts, acting as a big sister figure for her group, making her character multifaceted and memorable.
15 Natsume Tsuchimikado (Tokyo Ravens)
A Character of Depth
Tokyo Ravens, a lesser-known supernatural series, revolves around events stemming from the Great Spiritual Disaster, which unleashes chaos through spirits and demons. The Onmyo Agency is formed to restore order, but not without shocking developments.
Central to the narrative is Natsume Tsuchimikado, the estranged childhood friend of the main character. Although initially appearing shy and prone to jealousy, Natsume’s protective and straightforward personality emerges, particularly regarding her family. Fans quickly learn that Natsume is more complex than she seems, making her a beloved figure in this underrated series.
14 Ultear Milkovich (Fairy Tail)
A Layered Antagonist
Fairy Tail has attained a lasting legacy in the anime realm, immersing audiences in a fantastical universe brimming with magic and adventure, featuring a vibrant roster of characters.
Among its cast is Ultear Milkovich, a character whose manipulative and ambitious traits mark her as a classic villain. Yet, her backstory reveals layers of victimhood, making her relatable to viewers and allowing her to stand out as a compelling character despite her dark tendencies.
13 Sheele (Akame ga Kill)
Her Adorable Clumsiness
Akame ga Kill! follows Tatsumi, a young man who becomes part of Night Raid, an organization of assassins opposing corruption in the Capital. In this ensemble, he encounters Sheele.
Though often characterized by her clumsiness, Sheele’s charm lies in her gentle heart, which is distinct among her lethal companions. Always present for her friends, she embodies the softer side of the assassin lifestyle.
12 Anko Mitarashi (Naruto)
A Fun-Loving Daredevil
Naruto follows the journey of a young shinobi aiming to become the Hokage of his village, supported by his friends along the way. Anko’s introduction takes a memorable turn when she confronts Naruto in an unexpected manner, setting the tone for her lively personality.
A top-tier shinobi with formidable snake jutsu, Anko is recognized for her impulsive, loud, and stubborn demeanor. Fearless and ready to put her life on the line for her allies, she brings an exhilarating twist to the series.
11 Izuna Hatsuse (No Game, No Life)
A Sweet and Playful Character
No Game, No Life features siblings Sora and Shiro, who dominate the gaming world before finding themselves in a fantastical realm. Here, they meet Izuna, who quickly becomes integral to their journey.
As a Werebeast, Izuna’s politeness amplifies her adorability, while her unique ability, “Blood Break,”adds interesting dynamics to the story as it allows her to manipulate her appearance.
10 Kyoka Jiro (My Hero Academia)
A Music-Loving Heroine with a Unique Ability
My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy without powers striving to become a hero at U.A. High School, famed for its aspiring superheroes and their distinct quirks.
Kyoka, a fellow student, showcases her artistic talents through music. Her earlobes function as connectors, granting her the ability to tap into any device and create sound waves or incapacitate foes, proving her combat utility in ways others might overlook.
9 Shion (That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime)
A Fun Character with Mixed Reviews
Beloved for its consistency, That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime artfully mixes action with humor, featuring Shion as Rimuru’s devoted assistant. While her character can veer into the realm of a comedic airhead, those who dismiss her may be missing out on her potential.
8. Kyou Fujibayashi (Clannad)
A Devoted Sister with a Fiery Spirit
Clannad follows Tomoya Okazaki, whose mundane existence takes a turn when he befriends Nagisa and helps her revive the drama club. Among his connections is Kyou, a strong-willed girl known for her outspoken nature.
Kyou’s protective instincts towards her younger sister Ryou shape her character, making her relatable and endearing to audiences who appreciate her fierce loyalty.
7 Yuri Nakamura (Angel Beats!)
A Charismatic Leader
Angel Beats! introduces Otonashi, who awakens in the afterlife with no memory. He meets Yuri, who leads the Afterlife Battlefront against the opposing force, Tenshi.
Yuri is a decisive and capable leader, commanding respect from her peers due to her intelligence and quick-thinking. Her multi-dimensional nature and determination make her a memorable figure in the series.
6 Blair (Soul Eater)
A Fun-Loving Persona
Soul Eater unfolds within the intriguing realm of Death City, where characters strive to craft Demon Weapons capable of defeating evil entities.
Blair, a witch turned friend, embodies a whimsical spirit, combining fun and mischief in her interactions. Her ability to transform into a cat only adds to her charm as she navigates her adventures with a carefree attitude.
5. Touka Kirishima (Tokyo Ghoul)
A Complex Character with Good Intentions
Tokyo Ghoul centers on Kaneki, who transforms into a ghoul following a fateful encounter. As he grapples with his new identity, Touka emerges as a guiding force.
Touka, a ghoul herself, becomes Kaneki’s mentor, helping him navigate his new reality. She is a character of contrasts, exhibiting tenderness and ferocity, embodying a protective yet fierce nature that endears her to audiences.
4 Rikka Takanashi (Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!)
An Imaginative Dreamer
Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! explores the lives of two socially awkward teenagers as they navigate their feelings and relationships amid imaginative daydreams. Rikka, embodying the chunibyo phenomenon, often blurs the lines between reality and her vibrant fantasies.
Rikka’s quirks and spirited energy capture the audience’s heart, illustrating her as a three-dimensional character who undergoes meaningful growth throughout her journey.
3 Konno Yuuki (Sword Art Online)
A Beacon of Optimism
Sword Art Online tells the gripping story of players trapped in a virtual reality game, where death in the game means death in real life. Kirito, the protagonist, allies with fellow players to find a way out.
Yuuki is an unforgettable figure, introduced in Season 2 as an incredibly skilled fighter known as Absolute Sword, having triumphed in countless street duels. Despite the weight of her personal struggles, her unwavering positivity leaves a lasting impact on her companions.
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