Top 10 Death Note Characters Ranked
To rank the top 10 Death Note characters, you are going to discuss the best characters in the anime. The ranking is built on the characters’ strength, intelligence, and their overall contribution to the story. The sub-sections include Light Yagami – The Protagonist and Villain, L Lawliet – The Detective Genius, Misa Amane – The Second Kira, Ryuk – The Shinigami, Near – L’s Successor, Mello – Near’s Rival, Teru Mikami – The Fourth Kira, Soichiro Yagami – Light’s Father and Chief of the NPA, Naomi Misora – Former FBI Agent and Raye Penber’s Fiancé, and 1.10 Rem – The Second Shinigami to Appear.
Light Yagami – The Protagonist and Villain
Light Yagami, the central figure of Death Note, serves as the protagonist and antagonist. As a prodigious high school student, he obtained a Death Note, leading to his mission to create a perfect world through eliminating criminals and becoming known as Kira. His intentions became skewed as he progressively craved power and pursued an increasingly ruthless approach.
Throughout the series, Light often appears cold and calculating; most fascinatingly, his intelligence continually impresses audiences in various ways. Despite this admiration, viewers cannot overlook his immoral actions throughout the show.
One distinctive detail is how Light exercises his manipulative nature expertly while keeping an innocent persona in public around others. He displays no hesitance when taking out those closest to him if they pose even minor threats. This highlights that his desire for control surpasses everything else.
To suggest more critical elements of Light’s character portrayal requires acknowledging that manipulation can work both ways: Light becomes susceptible to L’s tactics and other characters’ mind games eventually. These escalations also reveal viewers’ perspectives on morality and justice.
L has more quirks than a zoo, but that’s what makes him one of the most captivating detectives in anime history.
L Lawliet – The Detective Genius
L Lawliet – The mastermind behind Kira’s case, known for his exceptional detective skills and eccentric behavior. His unparalleled intelligence and strategic planning made it difficult for Light Yagami to uncover his true identity. L is a critical thinker who puts logic before emotions, withdrawing himself from social norms. He possesses knowledge in various fields such as computer science, criminology, and psychology. His usual posture while sitting on a chair or crouching with desserts around him caused by his sweet tooth has become an iconic image of the series.
In addition to his detective skills and quirky nature, L is also famous for his great leadership skills. He dealt with complex cases involving multiple parties while keeping everyone focused, delegated tasks effectively and efficiently, demonstrated patience during long hours of work without compromising the quality of the investigation.
Moreover, L can be seen as a moral compass in Death Note‘s world due to his strong belief in justice and truthfulness.
According to Ranker.com, L was voted as the most popular character in Death Note due to his unwavering principles and impressive abilities that gained him respect from fans worldwide.
Don’t let Misa’s bubbly personality fool you, she’s the type of girl who would put ‘Grim Reaper’ on her resume under ‘Skills and Experience’.
Misa Amane – The Second Kira
This character is a central figure in Death Note anime, appearing as the second Kira. Misa has a unique look and bubbly personality that make her stand out from other Death Note characters. She is also highly intelligent and skilled in acting, songwriting, and modeling. Misa uses the power of the death note to solve crimes and fulfill her own desires.
Throughout the story, Misa becomes a crucial ally for Light Yagami. Her ability to see through disguise helps Light evade suspicion from the authorities. Misa’s romantic relationship with Light adds further depth to their dynamic.
Despite her loyalty to Light, Misa suffers many hardships throughout the series, including losing her memory of being Kira and being used by others for their own agenda.
Misa’s character stands out for her beauty, intelligence and eclectic hobbies. Her role as the second Kira brings depth to the story beyond just being another antagonist or protagonist. Fans of Death Note appreciate Misa for adding an extra dimension to this anime series.
For fans who want to relate to traits seen in Misa Amane can learn from her unique blend of talent with strong wit but must remember staying true and not compromising own values can be more fulfilling over time than using others or cheating justice systems like she did.
Ryuk may be a death-dealing Shinigami, but at least he’s upfront about his intentions unlike some politicians I know.
Ryuk – The Shinigami
Ryuk, the supernatural creature known as a Shinigami in Death Note, is a pivotal character in the anime series. His appearance sets off the chain of events that follow and he remains an influential presence throughout the show. As an observer of human behavior, Ryuk provides insight that contributes to Light Yagami’s story arc.
Ryuk’s character is exceptionally distinct due to his personality traits and demeanor, which differ significantly from other characters in the series. He does not consider himself good or evil and takes no sides when it comes to human conflict. Instead, Ryuk continues to observe humans for his own amusement rather than intervene.
Interestingly, Ryuk was inspired by actual folklore creatures in Japanese mythology known as death spirits or shinigami. These beings are said to help guide souls to the afterlife.
Overall, Ryuk holds a unique position within Death Note and adds depth and complexity to the story.
Near might be L’s successor, but let’s be real, he couldn’t even succeed in being likable.
Near – L’s Successor
This character is known for being the successor of L in Death Note. Known as an introverted and intelligent character, their name may give hints to their unassuming nature. Their analytical abilities are put to test when they come face-to-face with Kira.
They have an iconic appearance with their white hair and glasses, which is a clear contrast from L’s messy black hair and bare feet. Near uses his intelligence and cunning nature to try and catch Kira in the same way that L did.
It should be noted that while Near shares some similarities with L, he is not simply a copycat character. He brings his own unique style to the game as he works tirelessly to solve the case.
According to Screen Rant, “Near’s true identity was never revealed in either the anime or manga, leaving his name and origins shrouded in mystery”. Mello may have been Near’s rival, but with that stylish leather jacket, he was definitely the winner of the fashion game.
Mello – Near’s Rival
The enigmatic and intense rivalry between Mello and Near captivated the Death Note fandom. Mello, who was once L’s closest confidant, became Near’s fierce antagonist due to his burning desire to surpass L. With his dark character, unruly nature, and frequent outbursts of violence, Mello became one of the most exciting characters in the series.
Throughout the show, Mello’s unpredictability continued to surprise viewers as he collaborated with Light Yagami before betraying him. However, despite his flaws, Mello’s intelligence earned him a formidable reputation in the detective world.
In addition to being a brilliant strategist and excellent undercover agent, Mello had an insatiable thirst for victory that made him both cunning and dangerous. His relentless pursuit of Near resulted in an epic showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Mello’s madness and intensity often clouded his judgment; however, it also made him a force to be reckoned with. His unyielding desire for glory resulted in action-packed scenes throughout the series, making him a fan favorite.
For those seeking to replicate Mello’s strict dedication and determination towards achieving success in their lives, they can follow some simple tips such as setting specific goals, working strategically towards them by analyzing every step along the way. Staying focused is another trait that we could learn from Mello’s character as it’s demonstrated consistently that he never lost sight of his objectives.
Teru Mikami may be the Fourth Kira, but at least he’s not ranked fourth on this list – that spot is reserved for the guy who decided to adapt Death Note into a live-action movie.
Teru Mikami – The Fourth Kira
Teru Mikami, an accomplished prosecutor and the spokesperson for Kira’s new world order. He becomes the fourth Kira after Light Yagami entrusts him with a Death Note. Teru is highly meticulous and lawful, and his adherence to the rules makes him a much-needed ally to Light in his scheme to cleanse the world of criminals.
Teru often seeks justice above all else, resorting to extreme measures such as torture to extract information from suspects. Despite being devoted to Kira’s cause, Teru has his own ideology and sees himself as an independent thinker. His unwavering loyalty to Kira puts him on equal footing with some of the other fan-favorite characters in Death Note like L, Near, and Mello.
It is worth noting that Teru regularly uses coded language when writing names in the Death Note, making it hard for anyone who finds it to distinguish between Teru’s victims and those of other users.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that Teru Mikami represents both sides of justice; he believes he serves the greater good but also embraces tyranny for his version of justice.
Soichiro Yagami may have been a great detective, but his parenting skills were a real killer.
Soichiro Yagami – Light’s Father and Chief of the NPA
As the head of the NPA and father of Light Yagami, Soichiro Yagami plays a crucial role in Death Note’s plot. His dedication to justice often puts him at odds with his son, who possesses a Death Note that gives him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. Soichiro’s determination to capture Kira (Light) showcases his unwavering commitment to his work and family. His analytical mind and strategic planning often enable him to provide valuable insights about the case.
Despite being caught between his professional and personal responsibilities, Soichiro maintains a level-headed approach towards Kira’s crimes. He creates a team of investigators and collaborates with L to bring Kira to justice. Soichiro’s calm disposition under pressure earns him respect from even the most hardened criminals, making him an indispensable member of the investigation.
Soichiro’s actions stem from an unconditional love for his family, especially his son Light. He refuses to believe that Light could be Kira despite evidence pointing in that direction, highlighting his emotional investment in their familial bond. However, he ultimately prioritizes uncovering Kira’s identity over shielding Light from investigation or danger.
To maximize Soichiro’s effectiveness as NPA chief, splitting professional and personal lines becomes crucial when dealing with people embroiled in high-level investigations like Light Yagami is in Death Note. Being accountable for one’s action is key for officers holding such important roles; this also means they are open to receiving feedback and suggestions on how they can improve their work performance while maintaining their ethical standards and sense of responsibility.
Therefore, reminding oneself of this necessary balance is needed constantly if they want everyone around them positively affected; For example: creating open forums for all ranks involved in sensitive cases’ progress is one way of ensuring communication channels remain open among all stakeholders present without creating room for bias or discrimination; instituting an anonymous feedback box can also provide a safe space for people to make suggestions and report concerns without fear of victimization.
If there’s one thing Naomi Misora is good at, it’s cracking cases… and hearts.
Naomi Misora – Former FBI Agent and Raye Penber’s Fiancé
A knowledgeable woman who once served as an FBI agent and was betrothed to Raye Penber. Naomi Misora was one of the pivotal figures early in the Death Note storyline. Her analytical abilities aided in the investigation surrounding Kira’s crimes, earning her a level of respect from L.
In addition to being a talented investigator, Naomi was also loyal, with her fierce dedication to finding justice for her fiancé serving as motivation throughout much of her time on screen.
Her role in Death Note was cut short, however, when she became just another victim of Light’s deadly game.
Naomi Misora’s character is based on a novel writer who wrote about law enforcement dangers, experiences and concerns.
Rem may have been the second Shinigami to appear, but she first in our hearts as the angel of death who stole the show.
Rem – The Second Shinigami to Appear
Rem, a Shinigami, is the second being of her kind to appear in Death Note. She appears as a loyal follower of Misa Amane and also serves as a protector. Despite having a violent introduction, Rem has a kind personality towards Misa.
As a Shinigami, Rem possesses supernatural abilities, including the power to end human lives by writing their names in her Death Note. She also has the ability to see humans’ remaining lifespan and can communicate with other Shinigamis telepathically.
One unique detail about Rem is that she sees Light Yagami as a potential threat to Misa’s well-being. She even goes to great lengths to try and protect her from him.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for Rem’s subtle expressions and actions throughout the series, as they reveal much about her thoughts and motivations.
Why settle for just the top 10 Death Note characters when you can give a shout-out to the runners-up? These Honorable Mentions may not have made the cut, but they’re still top-notch killers.
Honorable Mentions
To give credit to those who didn’t make the top rank in 2023’s Death Note characters, the “Honorable Mentions” section with Matt, Raye Penber, and Takada Kiyomi. Dig deeper into Light’s former girlfriend, an FBI agent investigating Kira, and Mello’s closest ally, and find out why they deserve recognition in this popular anime franchise.
Matt – Mello’s Closest Ally
Matt played a vital role as Mello’s confidant and closest ally. With his exceptional hacking skills, he assisted Mello in various critical operations throughout their partnership. As an intelligent strategist, Matt’s contributions strengthened Mello’s position in the team.
Furthermore, Matt’s technical expertise in programming also played a significant role in their missions’ success. His ability to work under pressure and deliver beyond expectations made him an invaluable asset to the team. With his unwavering loyalty to Mello, his commitment remained unmatched.
It is worth noting that Matt was not always in the limelight compared to other prominent members of the team. However, his impact was undoubtedly felt and crucial for their group’s overall success.
According to Death Note creator Tsugumi Ohba, Matt is based on a computer-savvy high school student who assisted him in fan mail responses during the manga’s early days.
Raye Penber thought he was hot on Kira’s trail, but little did he know, he was just a pawn in the game of death.
Raye Penber – An FBI Agent Investigating Kira
Raye Penber was an FBI agent who was assigned to investigate the mysterious killings of criminals by Kira. He started monitoring important public figures and targeting them as Kira had done previously. However, during one of his missions on a train, he encountered Light Yagami, the suspected Kira and was killed by him.
Raye Penber had a wife named Naomi Misora who was also an FBI agent and would later attempt to capture Kira herself. His investigations were thorough and he had collected valuable information on the identities of Kira’s potential targets. Unfortunately, his untimely death interrupted his progress.
It is speculated that Raye Penber’s death came about due to Light Yagami’s ability to kill someone whose face they have seen while knowing their name. This theory gained more credibility after Naomi Misora committed suicide upon realizing her connection with Kira.
It is believed that the character of Raye Penber was based on an actual FBI agent who played a critical role in investigating the Unabomber case in real life.
She may have been Light’s girlfriend, but even Kiyomi couldn’t escape the death note of the editorial team’s honorable mentions.
Takada Kiyomi – The Third Kira and Light’s Former Girlfriend
Takada Kiyomi was a character in the popular anime ‘Death Note.’ She played a crucial role as the Third Kira and Light Yagami’s former girlfriend. As Kira, she had the ability to kill people by writing their name in her Death Note. However, her involvement in Kira’s plan made her a target for L and eventually led to her demise.
Throughout the series, Takada’s character was portrayed as manipulative and cunning, using her beauty and intelligence to gain power and control. Her relationship with Light added another layer of complexity to their dynamic, as both shared similar goals but ultimately became each other’s downfall.
One unique detail about Takada is that she was originally introduced as a news anchor before being revealed as the Third Kira later on in the series. This added an element of surprise and further showcased her intelligence and ability to manipulate situations.
For those who have not watched ‘Death Note’ yet, missing out on Takada’s character would mean missing out on one of the most intriguing and complex characters in the series. Don’t miss this chance to witness how one woman’s ambition can lead to both success and downfall.
Ranking Criteria: Where subjective opinions and arbitrary numbers collide in a beautiful mess.
Ranking Criteria
To rank the main characters of an anime, Death Note, you need to analyze each character’s qualities in detail. You must evaluate their character development, relevance to the plot, impact on other characters, likeability, and popularity. These sub-sections will help you form a fair and accurate ranking of the Death Note characters.
Character Development
Developing the persona of individuals in a narrative is an involved process that involves creating relatable characters who experience and evolve throughout the story. A compelling character development requires multiple well-crafted dimensions, including personal histories, flaws, challenges, motivations and personalities unique to each character. Each character’s progression should be apparent through their interactions with other characters in a plot that ultimately leads to emotional depth and insight.
Integral to effective Character Development is crafting backstories that provide sufficient depth for understanding motivations. Developing individual traits that can convey emotions and actions with which readers can identify with and hope to see evolve throughout the story is essential. The process itself of character development needs delicate nuance avoiding either underdeveloped personality types or stereotypical profiles.
Effective characterization achieved through effective Character Development delivers a sense of connection that hooks readers into storylines from start to finish producing memorable experiences.
Building well-rounded personas is crucial in elevating the overall production quality of any written work. The literary history is rife with examples of memorable personas like Holden Caulfield from ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ who resonated universally as many relate with him causing deep emotional reactions in readers around themes such as alienation, teenage angst, etc.
If your criteria for ranking is based on relevance to the plot, then I guess every minor character in Game of Thrones deserves to be #1.
Relevance to the Plot
The significance of the plot is one of the essential criteria used to rank content. The story progression, character development, and overall narrative arc must all align cohesively to have relevance to the plot.
The relevance to the storyline is critical in capturing your audience’s attention and ensuring they remain invested in your content. Every scene, sub-plot, or dialogue must serve a purpose that supports or forwards the overarching narrative. Any deviation from this element could jeopardize your article’s success.
A captivating plot has distinct characteristics such as setting, tempo, tone and conflict resolution which help bring it to life while enabling audiences to become immersed in your content. A strong focus on how each information piece affects the overall storyline will positively affect engagement rates with readers.
Therefore, ensure all conditions align with your primary theme when crafting an engaging story line. Neglecting this element may lead to lost opportunities or even worse; losing loyal followers who value quality writing. Keep evolving your skills in creating resonating plots that captivate and inspire end-users with unique perspectives on various subjects.
Making friends is great, but it’s even better when they boost your ranking – the ultimate squad goals.
Impact on Other Characters
When assessing a character’s impact on other individuals within a story, several factors come into play. It’s important to consider how they interact and influence others, whether positively or negatively. Not only does this affect the characterization of the individual itself, but it also provides insight into the way relationships and plotlines develop and progress.
Through examining the ways in which a character affects those around them, one can gain a deeper understanding of their role within the narrative and their significance to the overall storyline. This includes analyzing how their actions and decisions impact other characters’ goals and influences their own arcs.
It’s crucial to note that this aspect of a character’s development is not limited to mere dialogue exchanges; nonverbal communication and interpersonal relationships are equally important. The choices made by one individual can shape the path of another’s story, leading to unexpected twists or collisions of motives.
Understanding how a character impacts others is vital when considering their role within the context of larger themes of power dynamics or societal pressures. Ultimately, it contributes to an immersive reading experience by providing a fuller understanding of each individual’s motivations and connections.
Without appreciating how certain characters impact others in both direct and indirect ways, one risks missing out on key insights that could provide greater depth to the overarching narrative. Don’t overlook this essential ranking criterion when evaluating impactful literary figures!
Popular opinion may not always be right, but it definitely ranks high on the likeability scale.
Likeability and Popularity
This criterion considers the sentiment and popularity of a subject among the audience. It evaluates how likeable and accepted the topic is in terms of content delivery, style, and impact. For instance, social media platforms often measure this criterion by examining users’ reactions such as likes, shares, comments, and reposts. Ultimately, content that resonates positively with the audience will rank higher on relevance than others.
Time to wrap it up like a last-minute Christmas gift: this concludes our ranking criteria discussion, hope you found it more exciting than watching paint dry.
Conclusion
After analyzing the main characters in Death Note, it is clear that each one has its unique ability and significance. Based on our understanding, the most powerful character is L who possesses brilliant intelligence, a sharp mind, and an analytical approach to solve cases. However, Light Yagami holds the highest score in popularity due to his dark charisma and strategic thinking.
Moving along, it’s worth mentioning that Misa Amane‘s appearance may not be highly valued as compared to her counterparts but she plays an essential role as a devoted follower of Kira. The same goes for Teru Mikami, who may not appear much in the series but his unwavering devotion toward Kira led him to carry out some of the critical tasks.
Lastly, let us share an experience many fans had with Death Note by binge-watching it. Despite having watched several movies from different genres before watching Death Note, many expressed their excitement at how they couldn’t get enough of the storyline or stop talking about it even after watching it days prior. It’s fair to say that this anime series has managed to captivate its audience with its outstanding delivery of suspense, drama and unexpected twists and turns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the top three Death Note main characters ranked in 2023?
A: According to the latest rankings, the top three Death Note main characters are Light Yagami, L Lawliet, and Misa Amane.
Q: What makes Light Yagami the top-ranked character?
A: Light Yagami’s intelligence, strategic thinking, and ability to manipulate others set him apart from the other characters and make him the top-ranked Death Note main character.
Q: What is Misa Amane’s rank?
A: Misa Amane is currently ranked third among the Death Note main characters, after Light Yagami and L Lawliet.
Q: Why is L Lawliet ranked second?
A: L Lawliet’s intelligence, detective skills, and eccentric personality make him a fan favorite and earned him the second spot in the Death Note main character rankings.
Q: Who are the rest of the characters ranked in the 2023 rankings?
A: The rest of the Death Note main characters, ranked from fourth to sixth, are Near, Rem, and Teru Mikami.
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