Why do some otakus love tsundere?

In the vibrant world of otaku culture, a recent discussion on a comment forum shed light on the attraction that some fans feel towards tsundere characters in the anime. This archetype, characterized by an initial coldness that transforms into warmth over time, has generated significant interest and varied opinions among the otaku community.

Tsundere characters are known for their emotional complexity, presenting an initially distant and cold facade that fades to reveal a warmer, more affectionate side as the story progresses. This archetype has left an indelible mark on the world of anime. Figures like Asuka Langley Soryu from “Neon Genesis Evangelion“, ” embody the tsundere archetype, contributing to their popularity and enduring appeal. Fate/stay night from “Rin Tohsaka” and Toradora! from “Taiga Aisaka

On the forum, one participant challenged the common notion that those attracted to tsundere characters have masochistic inclinations. he argued that the connection with these characters lies in the shared struggle to express romantic feelings. The reluctance to admit affection and act distantly toward those they like reflects personal experiences shared by many in real life.

The participant also highlighted the appeal of witnessing the transformation of the tsundere character from an initially cold attitude to a warmer and more affectionate state. This emotional evolution generates continued interest and connection deeper with the public. What did the rest think?

«A blushing tsundere gives me a thousand years of life, I don't need another reason to like them».
«Definitely the development. Watching them go from being mean or emotional to finally opening up and blushing to being cute is beautiful».
«Tsunderes appear mainly in light novels nowadays... and something common in light novels is to have a protagonist who is basically a version that readers would like to be in real life. So, in the context of wish fulfillment, I think the appeal of tsundere is a combination of effort and, to a lesser (possibly more insulting) extent, ego stroking.”
«Since most light novels with tsundere love interests assume that the protagonist is like you, everything that happens to the protagonist is designed to reflect you. Talking to the opposite sex and establishing stable relationships is not easy. Love and people are confusing and difficult things. So the fact that the personality and fighting skills of the protagonist (aka you) have conquered the pretty girl who completely hated you is like the ultimate triumph and the embodiment of effort».
«There is a tendency for the tsundere to fall in love with you very quickly (like in The Asketisk War, Chivalry of a Failed Knight, Bakemonogatari, etc., etc.). So not only did you turn the tables and make the girl fall in love with you, but you did it with little effort. And “little to no effort” is basically the mantra of any romantic comedy. It also reflects in your personality that you are so charming, cool, strong. So it's a kind of ego stroke.
«Baka! Why should I give you my reasons?».
«Those who like tsundere are simple masochists».
«In my opinion, the appeal of tsundere girls is quite obvious. They are cute. Unless taken to the extreme (Louise at the beginning of Zero no Tsukaima is an example, in my opinion), it's very satisfying to see a girl blush and totally deny her feelings for someone. The biggest draw for me is when they open. They have a hard time showing the right kind of emotions, and they are afraid. Many tsunderes are “newbies” to these feelings and have no idea how to deal with them. These people also exist in real life. When they finally open up, when they overcome that slope and throw their emotions at someone, an incredible scene occurs».
«I still clearly remember my favorite scene with a tsundere. It was in Kokoro Connect (the last episode). I remember that tears came to my eyes because the moment in which the girl (I won't say who in case there are spoilers) finally opened up was incredible and became a very emotional scene».
«“The gain-loss theory of attraction states that a better subsequent impression compared to a negative previous impression will result in a person being valued more than constant positive feedback. . I recently learned that it is known colloquially as “tsundere.”.”
«I don't like them most of the time. They are often portrayed as idiotic cretins».
«Currently they are a cliché and boring character, it seems that they have already given everything they had to give as a type of character».
«If you're referring to an anime character who is tsundere, I guess it's because the viewer really wants to see their soft side, especially since it's hard to believe that they even HAVE a soft side, you know? There is something very attractive about a very cold person becoming more emotional. In real life, however, I don't know if it's the same. Some people are probably more repulsed by tsunderes in real life, but that's just my opinion.
«I hate it when they get away with beating up the protagonist and acting really terrible, but they get away with saying “oh, she's being tough.” Make sure they have their own interests and aspirations beyond being jerks».
«The problem for me, as with many things, is in excess: When there is so much tsun that the entire relationship becomes abusive. Excessive physical and psychological violence against the object of affection, long tirades of hatred and/or disgust, unfounded and very unreasonable outbursts due to seemingly innocuous things that the object of affection says or does... always. There comes a point where he can no longer be nice or endearing, because no matter how sweet the tsundere can be at times, I would still want the person of interest to pack his bags, contact the proper authorities, and ran away».
«A tsundere can be endearing when done well, with a cold and somewhat callous character who has a layered personality beyond her seemingly hostile outer shell. But you don't have to be a sadistic wife-beater with an erotic weakness for kittens to sell her dual nature. .