The term “dere” refers to distinct personality archetypes that are commonly found in anime and manga.
Dere types help characterize different romantic interests and love interests. Getting familiar with the various dere types can help you better understand character dynamics and relationships in your favorite shows.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most popular dere types you’ll encounter and provide examples to illustrate each one.
The Main Dere Types
Several major categories of dere types encompass more specific sub-types. Let’s take a look at the key overarching dere categories first.
Tsundere
One of the most well-known dere types, the tsundere initially comes across as cold, arrogant, and blunt. Their standoffishness often stems from an inability, to be honest about their feelings. However, they show their sweet, loving side over time. Their shift from harsh to gentle makes for great romantic tension.
For example, Taiga from Toradora is a classic tsundere. She has a reputation for being quick-tempered and violent but gradually reveals her caring nature to her love interest Ryuuji.
Kuudere
In contrast to the hot-and-cold nature of the tsundere, the kuudere maintains a cool, detached demeanor regardless of the situation. They seem emotionless on the surface but have a hidden sweet side. The juxtaposition of their stoicism and sensitivity is part of their appeal.
Rei from Neon Genesis Evangelion exhibits kuudere traits with her calm, logical persona that masks her struggles to understand her feelings.
Dandere
Shy, quiet, and introverted, the dandere keeps to themselves and can seem anti-social at first. However, they open up and become more talkative and affectionate once they feel comfortable around someone they like.
One example is Hinata Hyuga from Naruto. She rarely speaks up due to a lack of self-confidence but eventually can confess her feelings to Naruto.
Yandere
Perhaps one of the most unsettling dere types, the yandere is sweet and loving toward their romantic interest at first. However, once they become obsessed, they can become violent, unstable, and willing to do anything to be with the person they love.
An iconic example is Yuno Gasai from Future Diary, who will go to any length to protect her beloved Yukiteru—even if it means eliminating people who get in her way.
More Specific Dere Types
In addition to the main categories above, numerous other dere types are more nuanced. Let’s explore some of the most common subtypes.
Tsundere
Harsh (Tsun) Type
This variety of tsundere heavily emphasizes the harsh side at first. They might insult, criticize, or even physically harm the person they have feelings for. Eventually, they reveal their caring side, but their temper and stubbornness continue to flare up.
Asuka from Neon Genesis Evangelion represents this subtype as she constantly belittles and yells at Shinji.
Sweet (Dere) Type
In contrast, this type mostly displays their sweet, loving side instead of leading with aggression. You’ll see more moments of vulnerability as they gently support their love interest before the tougher facade occasionally slips out.
Rin Tohsaka of the Fate series is known for her silly, sensitive side and moments of flustered anger.
Tsun-tsun
This variation alternates between their caustic and tender sides more frequently, with rapid shifts in mood and mixed signals. Their back-and-forth personality keeps their love interest on their toes.
Taiga Aisaka from Toradora is a prime example, moving between her thoughtful actions for Ryuuji and sudden violent outbursts.
Tsunsama
This subtype combines attributes of the kuudere and tsundere. They have calmer, more refined speech and mannerisms punctuated by occasional tsundere-style reactions.
Yukino Yukinoshita of My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU demonstrates this blend with her cool, composed nature and occasional competitive banter toward Hachiman.
Dandere
Pure Type
This variety of dandere lacks the confidence to the point they can barely talk to their crush at first. But once they open up, they transition to a sweeter, more earnest, and energetic side.
Onodera from Nisekoi is shy around her crush Raku at first but eventually manages to become closer friends with him.
Pseudo Type
Unlike the pure type, this subtype has no problem interacting with most people on a day-to-day basis—they only become extremely bashful and quiet around their love interest. Their personality shift when they encounter their crush is revealing.
Nagi from Nagatoro-san regularly teases and talks with her friends, but becomes much more reserved around her senpai crush.
Kuudere
Cool Type
This classic kuudere has an aloof, detached attitude that rarely shifts. They seem unaffected by most situations and only occasionally exhibit small reactions.
Rei Ayanami from Evangelion rarely expresses emotion. Her muted reactions subtly hint at deeper feelings brewing beneath the surface.
Distant Type
While cool kuuderes maintain their composure, distant kuuderes openly appear bored, spacey, or annoyed by those around them. But they still harbor secret feelings for their love interest.
Hitagi Senjougahara from the Monogatari series is known for her unimpressed, cynical demeanor which contrasts with her growing attachment to protagonist Koyomi Araragi.
Sweet Type
This variety reflects their hidden sweetness more openly once they develop feelings for someone. While subtler than other dere types, they show they care through frequent blushing, smiles, and thoughtfulness toward their crush.
Yuki Nagato from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya mostly retains her quiet nature but starts exhibiting shyer, sweeter behavior around Kyon as she falls for him.
Cool-Sweet Type
This kuudere initially maintains its stoic veneer but gradually reveals a sentimental, affectionate side over time. Their cool facade crumbles to unveil a sweeter core once they grow fonder of their love interest.
Eucliwood Hellscythe from Is This a Zombie? struggles to properly convey her emotions, but opens up to show more care for protagonist Ayumu Aikawa.
Yandere
Obsessive Type
This variant becomes completely consumed by an obsession with their love interest. They’ll do anything to prevent losing their object of affection, even if it means eliminating perceived competition. Their twisted logic prevents them from recognizing the unhealthy nature of their actions.
Kaede Fuyou from Shuffle! appears innocent initially but descends into madness, violence, and delusion when pursuing protagonist Rin Tsuchimi.
Possessive Type
Unlike the obsessive yandere, this type is aware their actions are sociopathic. However, they don’t care and continue to manipulate to keep their romantic interest to themselves. They have awareness but proceed with their toxic agenda anyway.
Monika from Doki Doki Literature Club knows she is unhinged but forces the protagonist’s affection through any means possible, including directly tampering with the other characters’ files.
Sweet Type
This variant mostly straddles the line between appropriate affection and dangerous obsession. They prioritize making their love interest happy and only react violently if they perceive a “threat” to the relationship. Their love is mostly pure at the core, despite some questionable behavior.
Misa Amane from Death Note toes the line by using her Shinigami eyes to help Light and only crosses moral boundaries when defending Light or tracking down information for him. Her genuine devotion counters her occasional loss of perspective or restraint.
Why Are Dere Types So Popular?
Dere character archetypes have remained staples in anime and manga for decades, continuing to capture the imaginations and hearts of fans.
But what is it about these personality types that makes them so compelling?
Romantic Wish Fulfillment
Many dere characters represent ideals or fantasies for viewers. Tsunderes satisfy the desire to break through a cold exterior to find a hidden sweetheart. Yanderes fulfill possessive fantasies by loving their partner to a dangerous extent. Kuuderes provide the mystery and the allure of unraveling enigmatic emotions.
Personality Gaps Melt Hearts
The dichotomy between the public persona and private feelings of dere types creates tantalizing romantic tension. The gap between how they act and feel makes simple interactions thrilling. Will their softer feelings spill out beyond their outward facade?
Multi-Dimensional Characters
Layered personalities keep dere characters feeling fresh, complex, and human. They avoid feeling like flat archetypes because they reveal different aspects of their psychology over time.
Catharsis Through Character Arcs
The evolution dere characters undergo is often quite pronounced and satisfying. Seeing a once-harsh tsundere open up over seasons or episodes provides a cathartic emotional release.
Unique Relationship Dynamics
Dere relationships thrive on lively, engaging dynamics. Tsunderes and kuuderes play hard-to-get, yanderes dote obsessively, and danderes require coaxing out of their shell. The give-and-take keeps their connections exciting.
Wish Fulfillment
Many fans find dere characters relatable if they recognize elements of themselves in these personalities. They live vicariously through characters successfully navigating social anxiety, hiding vulnerability, or exploring the thrill of new love.
Examples of Dere Characters
To help summarize and drive home the key dere categories and types, here are a few more iconic examples in popular anime and manga.
Tsundere
- Chitoge (Nisekoi)
- Asuka (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
- Rin (Fate Series)
- Hitagi (Monogatari Series)
Kuudere
- Rei (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
- Mikasa (Attack on Titan)
- Mai (Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai)
- Rukia (Bleach)
Dandere
- Onodera (Nisekoi)
- Hinata (Naruto)
- Sawako (Kimi ni Todoke)
- Mikuru (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)
Yandere
- Yuno (Future Diary)
- Kotonoha (School Days)
- Anna (Shimoneta)
- Shion (Higurashi)
Changing, Evolving Archetypes
Dere characters continue to resonate with modern audiences by serving as anchors for engaging stories and relatable experiences. However, some conventions of these archetypes evolve as well.
For example, the violent behavior and abusive elements of tsunderes are often toned down compared to the past. Possessive, manipulative behaviors in yanderes are also criticized more in recent years. Creators respond to changing social attitudes by adjusting these dere templates.
Dere tropes will likely continue to thrive and adapt as they reflect the hopes, fantasies, and flaws of human relationships through the lens of creative characters. In moderation and handled carefully, they provide fun explorations of romantic personalities.
Final Thoughts
Dere character types have become ingrained in otaku culture and continue inviting lively discussion about favorite varieties.
This guide covered the key categories of tsunderes, kuuderes, danderes, and yanderes while diving into more specific subtypes. Understanding these tropes provides deeper insight into the personalities of cherished characters.
What dere archetypes resonate with you most? Do you have any other favorite dere characters not mentioned? Let your fellow anime and manga fans know! The vibrant world of dere types has endless possibilities.
FAQs – What are All the Dere Types in Anime and Manga?
What are All the Dere Types in Anime and Manga?
There are many different types of deres in anime and manga. These include deredere, tsundere, yandere, dandere, kuudere, kamidere, sadodere, himedere, bakadere, shundere, nyandere, oujidere, mayadere, bodere, undere, hinedere and byoukidere.
What is a Deredere Character?
A Deredere character is one who displays an intense love for the one they love. They will usually be very affectionate and take pleasure in being treated like a prince or princess by their beloved.
What is a Kamidere Character?
A Kamidere character refers to a character with a god complex who believes they are superior to everyone else. They may take pleasure in being treated like royalty by those around them.
What is a Sadodere Character?
A Sadodere character refers to someone who takes pleasure in treating others harshly or cruelly in order to get what they want from them. The reason for the characters’ behavior could be rooted in either past trauma or feelings of inferiority.
What Is Himedere Character?
The Himedere character refers to someone who wants others, particularly the one they love, treat them like royalty. They may also act like they don’t need anyone else’s approval, even though deep down they do.
What Is Bakadere Character?
The Bakadere character refers to someone with extreme shyness or clumsiness. These types of characters usually come off as cute while being awkward. This type of dere usually uses Japanese onomatopoeia such as “baka” (meaning stupid) when expressing themselves.
What Is Shundere Character?
The Shundere character refers to someone who tends to go away when faced with anything that makes them uncomfortable. This includes situations where they have strong feelings for another person. This type of dere often uses Japanese onomatopoeia such as “shun!” (meaning run away) when expressing themselves.
What Is Nyandere Character?
The Nyandere character refers to someone whose behavior alternates between loving kindness and violence depending on their moods. They may even resort to stalking or other dangerous behaviors if it means getting closer to the one they love. This type of dere usually uses Japanese onomatopoeia such as “nya” (meaning meow) when expressing themselves.
