Seasoned anime fans are familiar with the family of
character archetypes known as “-dere,” each describing how a character feels
and expresses their affection toward others. The word “dere” comes from
Japanese and means something like “lovey-dovey,” and the prefix determines
which archetype is being used. One example is the kuudere archetype,
one of the more subtle among the -dere, lacking the temperament of a tsundere
or the aggressiveness of a yandere. Kuuderes are among the coldest and
most distant lovers and friends in anime, providing a necessary contrast to more
forceful archetypes like himbos, genki girls, and, of course, tsunderes.
Even new anime fans have probably seen some kuuderes
without recognizing them, so it's helpful to learn more about what defines this
archetype, why it's so beloved by fans, and examples of how anime characters
can get creative with he. The term kuudere evidently comes from the
English word “cool,” which aptly describes how a kuudere character typically
behaves: cool, calm, and aloof in a story.
Typically, a kuudere acts detached and
almost emotionless around most people, and almost everyone around them believes
this to be their true nature. These characters
are often seen as unapproachable or even slightly intimidating, or they could
be popular for acting like mature, superior people who don't mind messing
around with others. This can lead to an “ice queen” reputation, whether
positive or negative, which some kuuderes may accept as another excuse not to
talk to people.
While some anime characters are truly cold and
detached, such as certain villains, a kuudere is only partially cold and
detached, as they still have the “dere” side of their personality. Like
all -dere types, kuuderes are capable of feeling and expressing affection, and
doing so is often an important part of their story arc. In the best
romance series, for example, the protagonist may be challenged to break through
a kuudere’s icy barriers in order to connect with them and begin a real
romance. In shonen action anime, a kuudere tends to behave like this in terms
of close friendships rather than romance, showing the power of friendship only
when they are ready.
A fundamental aspect of the Kuudere
archetype is confidence and self-awareness. A Kuudere
chooses to be cold and distant in their daily life, often as an expression of
their true personality and/or their chosen lifestyle. A Kuudere wants to be
detached and hide their true affections from most people, and in most cases,
they are comfortable doing so. This means that the Kuudere is usually
mature, introverted, and a patient person – essential characteristics for this
archetype to work.
Notable examples of kuudere characters:
- Hirotaka
Nifuji from the josei romance series “ Wotakoi:
Love is Hard For Otaku ” is a distinctive example of the kuudere
archetype. With his fixation on video games, Hirotaka loses himself in
single-player games with incredible skill, displaying the confidence
characteristic of this archetype.
- Queen
Aharen from “ Aharen-San is
Indecipherable ” puts a charming spin on the kuudere archetype
with her focus on the language of love through food and arcade games,
rather than words, to show her affection towards her friend Raido.
- Some
characters take their cold exterior to the literal extreme, such as Shoto
Todoroki from “ My Hero Academia ” and Esdeath
from “ Akame Ga Kill!, ” both users of ice
powers that symbolize their kuudere nature.
- Finally, Rin
Shima from “ Laid-Back Camp ” is a kuudere who
shows off her -dere side by sharing camping tips and beautiful photos of
her campsites, even though she prefers solitude on her outdoor adventures.
Source: ComicBook Resources
