Some characters inanimeare master manipulators, able to control the hearts of many people emotionally. Characters like these are often inspired by selfish desires and an unwavering motivation to accomplish their goals. Manipulators are written in a way that makes them appear very charming and charismatic. They hide their true identity from those around them and rarely show their true persona.
While many of these characters' morals are questionable, they end up manipulating the viewers into liking them with their charisma as well. If a manipulator is done well, they can be some of the most entertaining characters to watch. You often find it hard to predict characters like these, which keeps you on the edge of your seat.
8Dio Brando
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
Dio is great at manipulating vulnerable people and recruiting them to do his bidding. He used many stand users to hold back the protagonists in Stardust Crusaders. Dio also had no regard for these people, as he shows no empathy for anyone throughout Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Even when Dio was first introduced, he used his charming personality to win over Jonathan’s father. Dio also manipulated Jonathan many times. He is a classic case of a selfish psychopath who quickly disregards those he manipulates.
7Echidna
Re:Zero - Starting Life In Another World
Echidna is the Witch of Greed fromRe:Zero. She appears at first glance as someone who simply wants to learn everything about the world while looking out for Subaru. Even though she doesn’t attempt to hide her manipulative tendencies, she’s not completely honest.
Echidna is such a good manipulator that she masterfully deceived Subaru by using only the truth. Echidna is also one of the most well-written characters you will encounter, and one of the few who managed to manipulate both the main character and the viewers.
6Eren Yeager
Attack On Titan
Eren is one of the most complex characters you will come across. He is a highly intelligent individual who will go to any lengths to protect the ones he loves, even if it means committing mass genocide. To achieve the best possible future, Eren manipulated as many people as he possibly could.
He took advantage of Zeke’s vulnerability and used him to get the founding Titan’s powers. Eren then used the memories of the Attack Titans to essentially manipulate his own father in the past. On top of that, Eren deceived his friends and made them question his motives.
5Orochimaru
Naruto
Orochimaru is similar to Dio in the sense that he takes advantage of vulnerable people for his own selfish desires. He has used many people like tools, often from a very early age. Kimimaro and Sasuke are the most notorious examples of this. While Sasuke went to Orochimaru of his own free will, it was Orochimaru who laid the path for Sasuke to seek him out.
Kabuto was also an example of Orochimaru picking up people while they are at their lowest points. Orochimaru is, without a doubt, one of themost evil characters in anime. He has never regretted any of his manipulation tactics.
4Makima
Chainsaw Man
Makima is one of the most mysterious and fascinating female characters in anime. While her motives in the anime are unknown, it’s clear that she is taking advantage of Denji and using him for whatever goals she may have in mind.
She always affectionately speaks with Denji and tempts him with things he might desire from her, essentially manipulating Denji to do her bidding. Even if we don’t know Makima’s true feelings, it’s easy to tell that she is one of the best manipulators in anime.
3Sosuke Aizen
Bleach
For over a century, Aizen masked his true desires and started planning to take over the Soul Society. During this time, he was a captain in the Gotei 13. Aizen managed to deceive everyone, including his vice captain. Of course,Aizen’s charismaand exceptional intellect played a major part in manipulating them.
However, Aizen’s manipulation abilities shine with his Shikai ability, Kyouka Suigetsu. This ability lets Aizen control reality itself, allowing him to show everyone what he wants them to see. Combine Kyouka Suigetsu with a cunning man like Aizen, and you get one of the most dangerous manipulators in anime.
2Light Yagami
Death Note
After finding the Death Note, Light begins his journey down the dark path while hiding it from everyone around him. He manipulates some of the best detectives in the world with his intellect. Even his father was unable to find the truth about Light.
For a character who was only a normal high school student, Light’s manipulation tactics are some of the best you will see. He uses calculated lies and cold-hearted tricks to maintain his Kira persona. Even Misa, who loved Light, was only ever a tool to him.
1Kiyotaka Ayanokoji
Classroom Of The Elite
Ayanokoji goes to a prestigious school meant only for the elite students. His manipulation of everyone starts even before officially attending the school. Ayanokoji deliberately scores exactly fifty percent on the entrance exam, as he needs to make sure to appear as an average student.
Ayanokoji’s goal is to control everyone from the shadows without standing out himself. He successfully achieves this in a school full of elite students, which goes to show how good of a manipulator Ayanokoji actually is.
